Campus recruitment is changing. AI is reshaping hiring, students are redefining priorities, and recruiters are under pressure to plan talent needs years in advance. Over the past few months, Brainstorm hosted three employer panels with leaders from RBC, AMD, KPMG, Intact, Medtronic, Bell, Marsh McLennan, Liberty Mutual, and Langan. Here are the takeaways career centres and employer relations professionals need to hear as the fall season begins.
1. AI is here — but it’s not replacing people
AI is making recruitment more efficient, but the human connection still matters. As one recruiter put it: “Human touchpoints remain critical even when AI helps with efficiency.” Helping students learn to use AI responsibly — as a productivity enhancer, not a shortcut — is quickly becoming part of career readiness.
2. Recruitment timelines are stretching
Some employers are already hiring for roles starting in 2026 or 2027. That means schools need to help students understand timelines early, and employers need to keep future hires engaged if they want to avoid reneges.
3. Focus beats volume in applications
Employers want tailored, thoughtful applications — not “spray and pray” submissions. “If I see you apply to everything, you’ve fallen off the list with us.” Helping students research, target, and clearly articulate fit is still one of the most valuable services career centres can provide.
4. Professional readiness still matters
Technical skills get students in the door. Professionalism, communication, and workplace etiquette help them succeed once they’re there. “The basics sometimes put students above and beyond,” noted one panelist, pointing to the simple advantage of being prepared and polished.
5. Data makes career centres indispensable
Employers are using data to influence internal stakeholders and push for change. “It was all about showing the business the numbers.” Career teams that bring meaningful student and graduate data — from outcomes to engagement trends — strengthen credibility and deepen partnerships.
6. Adaptability is non-negotiable
Hybrid work, shifting talent needs, and rapid tech changes mean campus recruiting strategies evolve constantly. As one recruiter summed it up: “The talent has changed. The needs have changed. We have to do things differently now.”
Your Recruitment Season Playbook
- Help students understand shifting timelines
- Build AI literacy and professionalism into preparation
- Coach on focused, high-quality applications
- Use data to advocate and collaborate
- Stay agile as hiring needs change
Question for you:
What’s one thing your career centre is doing differently this fall to strengthen employer partnerships?
