Talk to a recruiter before or after applying?

Should You Connect with a Recruiter Before or After Applying?

Hello everyone!

I’m currently a junior in college and in the process of applying for internships. I’m curious if it’s more advantageous to reach out to a recruiter before I submit my application or after it’s in.

Additionally, I’d love to set up a 15-minute coffee chat with a recruiter. What’s the best way to go about this? What insightful questions should I consider asking? I’d also love to hear about your favorite questions to ask during such conversations.

Thanks in advance for your help!

One thought on “Talk to a recruiter before or after applying?”

RCadmin

March 8, 2025 at 3:34 pm

Hi there!

Great question! Reaching out to a recruiter can be beneficial both before and after applying, but it often depends on your specific goals.

Before Applying:

Networking Opportunity: Connecting before applying can help you understand more about the internship, the company culture, and what they specifically look for in candidates.
Express Interest: It also demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in the position.

After Applying:

Follow-Up: If you’ve already applied, reaching out can help keep your application on the recruiter’s radar and may provide updates on the hiring timeline.

Coffee Chat:

For a 15-minute coffee chat, keep it concise and purposeful. Here are some tips on how to approach it:

Subject Line: Keep it clear and straightforward, e.g., “Request for a Quick Coffee Chat – [Your Name]”
Personalize Your Message: Mention why you’re interested in the company or the recruiter (e.g., a specific program they oversee).
Be Respectful of Their Time: Suggest a couple of time slots that work for you and ask if they have availability.

Informative Questions:

Here are some good questions to consider:

About the Internship: What skills or experiences are most valuable for success in this internship?
Company Culture: How would you describe the company culture at [Company Name]?
Career Development: What opportunities for professional development does the company offer to interns?
Hiring Process: Can you share insights about the hiring process and timeline?
Advice: What advice would you give to someone looking to excel in this internship?

Your Favorite Questions:

Some favorites that often lead to meaningful conversations include:
– Personal Experience: What has your journey been like working at [Company Name]?
– Challenges: What challenges do you see interns facing in this role?
– Future Trends: What trends in the industry should interns be aware of to stay relevant?

Remember to thank them for their time and always follow up with a thank-you email after your chat. Good luck with your internship applications!

Best,
[Your Name]