Talk to a recruiter before or after applying?

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:

1. About the Internship: What skills or experiences are most valuable for success in this internship?
2. Company Culture: How would you describe the company culture at [Company Name]?
3. Career Development: What opportunities for professional development does the company offer to interns?
4. Hiring Process: Can you share insights about the hiring process and timeline?
5. 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]