by Corrie Vakil ’27 —
For many college students, interacting with recruiters is one of their first professional conversations. Whether at career fairs, networking sessions, or informational interviews, the way you communicate with recruiters can leave a lasting impression and may even open doors to internship or job opportunities. Making the most out of these interactions takes some planning and awareness, but knowing how to prepare, present yourself, and follow up can make the experience very rewarding. What follows are tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Prepare Ahead
Before you approach a recruiter’s table or join a virtual one-on-one meeting, do your homework. It is important to research the company, its values, and any recent news so that you are prepared to ask informed questions. Also, have a concise elevator pitch ready. It should be short—under a minute—and well practiced, so you can present yourself in a well-articulated manner. In this pitch, you should highlight your major, graduation year, career interests, and relevant skills or experiences. Thoughtful preparation shows the recruiter that you are genuinely interested and not just grabbing free company swag.
Communicate Professionally
Although it may feel artificial to prepare a polished script, giving an overview of yourself makes a lasting impact. At the same time, conversations with a recruiter do not need to be over rehearsed or stiff. Greet recruiters with confidence, eye contact, and a firm handshake, but remember to smile! Speak coherently and steadily, avoid slang, and maintain a professional yet friendly tone. Remember to listen actively and maintain good posture—being aware of your body language and social cues makes a strong impression.
Make Yourself Memorable
Recruiters often interact with hundreds of students each day. Therefore, think about what can make you stand out from the crowd. Instead of regurgitating each line of your resume, choose one or two notable experiences that connect directly to the company or role that you are interested in. Share a specific project, leadership experience, or skill that demonstrates why you are a good candidate. This will help the recruiter remember you afterwards. At the same time, respect the recruiter’s time and avoid going on too long.
Continue the Connection
The conversation does not end when you walk away or end the virtual call. Remember to ask for the recruiter’s contact information, whether that be an email address or a LinkedIn profile. Try to send a brief thank-you note within 24 hours. A personalized message that references your previous conversation helps the recruiter remember you and indicates that the interaction was meaningful to you. As the school year progresses, keep the connection alive. Check in occasionally about your career or academic journey and stay informed about the company’s updates. This keeps you on the recruiter’s radar without constantly bombarding them.
It is important to remember that recruiter interactions aren’t about landing an interview on the spot. Building meaningful relationships requires time and effort. However, by preparing thoughtfully, communicating confidently, and following up respectfully, you can transform a brief conversation into an opportunity for future success.
Corrie Vakil ’27 is a Business Communication Consultant studying Accounting and Finance at Lehigh University. She will be interning with PwC in Summer 2026 and was inspired to write about her recruiting experience to help fellow students navigate the process. On campus, Corrie is also involved in the Student Senate and the TRAC Writing Fellows program.