Building an Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruiting

The Early Talent team at Palo Alto Networks embraced another year of virtual sourcing and recruiting. They continued to build a school-agnostic strategy, leaning on core tools to reach students and break down barriers of access for underrepresented talent. A series of virtual events focused on providing meaningful experiences to improve their resumes, hone their interviewing skills and hear firsthand from early talent hires. Sometimes it’s the small things, like picking up the phone and having a genuine conversation, that makes all the difference.

Crafting a Standout Candidate Experience

The Early Talent team at Palo Alto Networks goes above and beyond to create a positive candidate experience for student job seekers. From the first interaction with a candidate, all the way through the offer stage, the team strives to provide timely communication, support, and an authentic view into the organization. The interview process and expectations are shared transparently to give each student the ability to prepare for what will happen, instead of stressing over the “what if” situations.

Moving the Needle on Diversity & Inclusion

An inclusive and diverse culture, one where everyone is welcome and all voices are heard and valued, is essential to the future success of Palo Alto Networks. The Early Talent team is relentless in its pursuit of diversifying the Intern and Early Talent cohorts. To accomplish this, the team has built new partnerships with organizations like TMCF, HBCU Connect, HACU, and CodePath, along with a school agnostic approach. The company understands that hiring underrepresented talent is only the beginning. Once onboard, the Early Talent team connects students with a range of Employee Networks and mentorship opportunities to build community and a sense of belonging.