Tips | Employer Information Sessions

Employers, who are recruiting on campus, frequently hold information sessions to provide additional information about their companies and work vacancies. This is an excellent opportunity to engage and network with the company representatives while making a positive impression during the session. It can also give you insights into the company, the people, the culture and the work they do. 

 This tip sheet provides advice to prepare for and make the most of your time at these events.  

 

1. Why Attend an Information Session?

An information session is an excellent way to gather information about the company, positions available, skills they are seeking and their hiring processes as well as network to make contacts for the future. If you are interested in the company, but not the positions they are currently advertising, consider attending the information session. Recruiters appreciate meeting any students with an interest in their organization and may be able to tell you about their hiring cycles or other opportunities. The company representatives often play an important role in the resume screening process. They prefer to select the candidates by being able to figure out the names on applications after matching their impressions according to their conversation from an information session.  The information you gather can help you decide if you wish to pursue employment with that organization.  It’s ok to also ask the company reps and recruiters about opportunities related to your career interests and find out how you can apply. 

 

2. Deciding Whether to Go

There are many different types of organizations that will have information sessions. Read the detailed description of the session (usually on CLNx or on the company webpage) and consider: 

  • Their industry and if this is an industry for which you are interested. 
  • Types of positions that the organization offers. This can include the qualifications they are seeking 
  • Location. Some sessions will happen at UTM, some at UTSC or UTSG (downtown). Others can happen online or even at the organization’s site.

 

3. What Can I Expect?

Information sessions usually start with a presentation by the employers covering   what they do, their culture, and the roles they offer either posted or unposted to the general public). A question-and-answer period usually follows the presentation with open networking with the company representatives. Light refreshments as a way to break away and provide opportunities to connect.  

 

4. How Do I Prepare?

To make a positive impression, do your homework!  

  • Research the company and industry thoroughly. Read the job postings carefully, if there are any.
  • Go beyond the organization’s website like LinkedIn, social media (Twitter/X, Instagram, etc.) to see what they are doing and saying. -For more tips check out the Company Research tip sheet as well as these additional resources.
  • Prepare 3-5 targeted and open-ended questions to ask individual recruiters and company reps – that showcase your interest and having done your research beforehand on the company and representatives.
  • Bring a notebook and pen or use your device to take notes – the employers may answer your questions during the presentation or you may think of new questions while you’re there. It is important to consider that every opportunity can be a learning opportunity in your life-long learning process. Notes will be useful when you reflect after the session and when you prepare for the next opportunity.
  • Prepare a 30-second professional introduction outlining your skills and interests as they relate to the position/company/industry and practice with a friend or family member.  Make it feel and sound natural to you– just remember the key points and be prepared to deliver them in a natural conversational style. For more tips and information on Networking and Pitches, visit the MyCareer Centre portal here.
  • Have a light snack before you attend so that you will have good mental focus for the reps. Networking while gracefully juggling food and drink can be a challenge. 

 

5. What Should I Say?

During the Q&A 

Ask open ended questions that they can provide insight on and aren’t things that can be easily answered by information on their website or simple research on the company. For example, you might ask about the future direction of the company or the typical career path for entry-level candidates.  

During the Open Networking 

You may have the opportunity to speak one-on-one or in a group with a recruiter so take this time to ask your question, being mindful if there are others involved in the conversation to include them or allow them to ask questions of their own. Remember it is a conversation not an interrogation, so friendliness and being respectful is important.  

Your question show that you have researched the company thoroughly and are aware of industry trends and be ready to talk about why you are interested in the company and the position. When you end your conversation with a recruiter, thank them for their time and ask them to connect on socials like LinkedIn or an email contact you can reach them at to continue the conversation. Try to speak to as many recruiters or company representatives, as they can offer different perspectives and insights on the company, organization, and work that they do.  

 

6. Business Etiquette 

Making a good impression also includes following the rules of business etiquette.   

Most importantly:  

  • Be punctual; arriving late will disrupt the session. In the rare occasion where you come in after the session after it has started, enter quietly and do your best not to disrupt the session (take your jacket off and pull out your notebook before you enter the room).
  • Dress in business attire, unless otherwise specified. Check out our Dress for Success tips.
  • Be mindful of the recruiter’s time, and other students that wish to chat with them.
  • When you begin and end a conversation, use your full name to increase the chances that you will be remembered.
  • When you end a conversation, thank the recruiter and ask for a way to stay connected.
  • Where possible, avoid basic questions about how to apply; if this was in the job posting. When the information isn’t readily available, you can ask about the job application process.
  • When you ask a question, use active listening skills and ask follow up questions after their response.
  • When speaking about yourself make sure to highlight how your transferable and technical skills fit within the company and align with its culture based on what they’ve said.
  • Be confident when approaching a recruiter on your own, with a friend or as a group. Remember that You want to do your best to stand out regardless by being genuine and making a connection with them.
  • Be mindful of positive body language to show you’re interested and engaged e.g., relaxed posture with a straight back, not crossing your arms, firm handshakes (if you shake hands), smile, and maintaining eye contact. Do you best to be aware of and respect any cultural differences (including when shaking hands is not appropriate). 

 

7. When Food and Drink is Served  

  • Do not take any food until invited to do so.
  • While the employer is presenting, try to remain in your seat.
  • Be mindful of your portions and other guests who may want to enjoy asl .Avoid messy foods that might spill on you or be difficult to manage while talking.
  • Use your best eating manners including not speaking with your mouth full.
  • Hold your cup in the left hand so your right hand will be free for handshakes (if you will be shaking hands). 

 

8. Networking Business Cards 

The use of networking business cards has become less frequent in recent years and it’s not always feasible to pass out a handful of resumes at these sessions, as the company will probably be receiving your resume through the regular application process online. If you choose to have business cards, make sure that they provide critical career and contact information (e.g., your full name, email address, LinkedIn or website address)  

Another, more common option is to use to ask the contact via LinkedIn. You can use the QR Code feature on your LinkedIn profile and ask the employer if they can add you.  

 

9. How To Follow Up 

If you’ve collected the contact information of a representative you’ve spoken with directly, send them a thank-you note within 24 hours via email or LinkedIn if you connected there. In addition, if you are applying for one of their advertised positions, you can mention in your cover letter that you attended the information session and connected with a recruiter there. Include the name of the recruiter you spoke with and comment on any relevant information you gathered. Follow-up is the most important process if you are searching for a job after attending an information session. Emailing and connecting them through LinkedIn are appropriate and professional methods for the follow-up process. However, do not follow up too many times if they do not respond to your email or LinkedIn message. Usually speaking, one more follow-up after a couple of weeks would be proper. Remember that it would be difficult to be connected with the employers without follow-up. 

 

Additional Resources

 

Please note that this information is subject to change. It is best to refer to the original sources for the most up-to-date information.

 

 

Updated June 2025