By Communication Consultant Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

As students are busy with the fall semester, numerous companies have opened their application portals for externship programs, internships, and full-time positions. But before we jump to our final decisions and click “submit,” there is an essential step towards a successful and impactful application – effective networking. Specifically, even if we have connected with various professionals in advance, we ought not to ignore the power of networking with a recruiter.

If you wonder the reason for making a connection with a recruiter, just imagine how many candidates a recruiter reviews and makes decisions about each day. As we know, a good first impression is often a key to success. Being able to communicate with the recruiter effectively could make you stand out from the crowd. Moreover, a recruiter is like a chef’s special, representing the restaurant’s characteristics and differentiating itself from other restaurants. Getting to know more about the recruiter helps you to quickly grasp a sense of the company’s culture.

Therefore, it is critical for us to build a strong relationship with recruiters at an early stage. Consider these steps:

1. Treat yourself as a brand and be ready to sell yourself
   • Define your career path and career goals
   • Determine the kinds of industry or working environment you are looking for
   • Understand your strengths and weaknesses
   • Keep your brand up-to-date (i.e. LinkedIn, Handshake, Resume, Experiences)
2. Create a connection
   • Be considerate and reach out via network platforms or email with a personalized message
   • Share your on- and off-campus experiences, interests and any relevant questions about applications, interviews, etc.
   • Seek out any potential events for participation and engagement with recruiters
   • Express your appreciation for taking time out of his or her busy schedule
3. Maintain the connection
   • Follow up with any questions or concerns during opportunity searching
   • Keep the recruiter informed and updated about your status
   • Try to engage and involve in many related company events

As you are conducting research and practicing your elevator pitch on your own, keep in mind that you are not the only one looking for the right fit – the recruiter is also looking for the right candidate. Though it can be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone, learning to develop a mutual relationship first paves the way as we enter into a professional world. More importantly, remember to show your enthusiasm and dedication throughout the process, and your hard work will eventually pay off.

If you are interested to learn more about networking or related communication topics, please do not hesitate to reach us through email or Zoom appointments.

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.