Equip Your Team for Fall Recruiting Success

Students often learn about employers through trusted networks. Veris Insights research shows that 57% of students rely on word-of-mouth, especially from classmates. Partnering with student organizations and faculty not only increases visibility but also signals a deeper investment in the campus community.

Students consistently say the most valuable conversations are ones where recruiters show genuine interest in them as people, not just as applicants. Asking about academic work, goals, or even non-academic interests signals respect. The best campus representatives spend at least half the conversation listening. For leaders, this means training your team to approach events less as information delivery and more as a dialogue.

First impressions shape how students engage with you. Data shows that warmth, friendliness, and role clarity directly affect how students evaluate an employer. When representatives introduce themselves clearly and maintain an approachable tone, students feel safe to ask questions and share openly, leading to more honest and memorable conversations.

Our surveys show that 92% of students prefer representatives who know the specifics of each role, and 79% want clear application or interview advice. Leaders should ensure reps are equipped with more than brand talking points. Specific, practical guidance turns a surface-level chat into a career-shaping interaction that builds loyalty long before an offer.

Instead of your student interactions ending at the booth, strive for immediate, specific follow-up. For example, a LinkedIn connection, referral to a colleague, or a note about deadlines helps students feel seen. Ambassadors and recruiters who use QR codes or sign-up forms make this process seamless, ensuring no promising connection slips through.

A high-impact interaction is one that a recruiter can recall later. We suggest that campus reps aim to leave every conversation with one memorable takeaway about the student. For students, the flip side is just as true: hearing a real story about an employee’s career path or day-to-day projects is what makes an employer stand out in a crowded event.