Building an Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruiting

A diversified candidate outreach is essential to the MetLife recruiting model. The campus recruiting team at MetLife partners with universities, in addition to leveraging technology which allows the democratization of opportunities to students at a plethora of universities across the country who are now able to access these roles. The team has hosted school-agnostic recruiting events to prepare students for success in Interviewing and leveraging LinkedIn, as well as a forthcoming event on Imposter Syndrome. Additionally, the team partners with several organizations to provide additional exposure to early-in-career opportunities.

Crafting a Standout Candidate Experience

A positive candidate experience for students is critical. The initial email outreach to students is sent directly by the recruiting team, an invitation for a Video 1st round interview experience, which includes tips for leveraging the WebEx tool. Additionally, students are notified if they move forward (or not) to the final round interviews, and preparatory tips are included for students. Additionally, optional prep sessions have been held for candidates, which include information on the opportunities as well as a past-intern panel to share tips/experience/insight into the final round interview process. Congratulatory offers are given directly from the recruiting team and include time with students to address any inquires. Managers are encouraged to reach out and congratulate the candidates on their offer to join. The early careers team at MetLife aims to ensure students feel well-supported, knowledgeable, and informed during the entire process.

Moving the Needle on Diversity & Inclusion

For years the recruiting team at MetLife has partnered with Girls Who Code, an early ID program to encourage STEM learning with URM female talent. Additionally, the team created Future Leaders Externship Program focused on under-represented talent interested in Real Estate & Investments. The team also partners with ReWriting the Code (a female-focused tech organization), CodePath.org which focuses on democratizing tech to all, GWI—Girls Who Invest, and SEO-Seize Every Opportunity. MetLife’s Pan-Asian Professionals Network partnered with APIA (Asian & Pacific Islander American) Scholars program on a recruiting event. The MetLife Black Professionals Network supports efforts to drive HBCU recruiting initiatives. The team partnered with and sponsored the ShellHacks event at the largest HSI university in the country, in addition to building partnerships with HBCUs.