Introduction
Founded in 1849, Washington and Lee University School of Law has a proud history of academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, W&L Law is known for its close-knit community, rigorous curriculum, and commitment to producing practice-ready graduates. The school boasts a strong network of alumni who are leaders in the field, and its career services team plays a pivotal role in connecting students with impactful opportunities.
Christina Wells, SVP Operations & People at Flo Recruit, sat down with Suzanne Wade, Assistant Director for Employer and Alumni Outreach, to learn why Flo Recruit is their preferred solution and how it has transformed campus recruiting at W&L.
Q: Could you share some background about yourself and your role at Washington & Lee?
Suzanne: I’ve been with Washington & Lee since 1992, starting in undergraduate programs before transitioning to the law school’s career services office in 2008. Over the years, I’ve worked in various capacities, and now, as the Assistant Director for Employer and Alumni Outreach, I focus on building strong relationships with alumni, organizing OCI (On-Campus Interview) programs, and coordinating events. I also split my time with the Law Advancement Office, where I collaborate on career development initiatives for students. My long-standing relationships with alumni and experience in career services help me to support students and connect them with meaningful opportunities.
Q: What were some of your challenges before Flo Recruit?
Suzanne: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional OCI programs, and we were scrambling to figure out how to execute OCI efficiently in a virtual environment. Flo Recruit provided a streamlined solution, enabling our team to navigate the disruption effectively and ensure the continuity of our recruiting programs. Even though we are years beyond those times, virtual interviewing is here to stay.
Q: Which solutions do you utilize from Flo Recruit, and how has it elevated your program?
Suzanne: We rely heavily on Flo Recruit for our W&L regional programs nationwide. The platform has made OCI significantly easier for everyone involved, including career services staff, students, and employers.
Students consistently share how intuitive and user-friendly Flo Recruit is, with minimal training required. Each new class of 1Ls reports back on how helpful the platform is for managing their interviews. Employers also appreciate the seamless functionality, recognizing the added value Flo Recruit brings to the recruiting process.
On peak OCI regional programs, we manage upwards of 1,000 interviews. Having a dedicated Flo Recruit team member on standby has been invaluable for troubleshooting any issues that arise, which ensures the day runs smoothly. We’re also excited to integrate Flo Recruit’s interview management feature into our workflow.
Q: Were you part of the decision-making process to implement Flo Recruit? If so, what influenced your decision?
Suzanne: What stood out to me was Flo Recruit’s ability to handle high volumes of interviews while offering superior customer support.
Their team is incredibly helpful, often resolving last-minute issues during interviews with minimal disruption. That level of support is unmatched by other software providers, which can take days to respond to similar inquiries.
Q: What are a few key features of Flo Recruit that have benefitted your recruiting program?
Suzanne: The bulk download functionality has been a game-changer for managing employer requests. Most employers request resumes, cover letters, and transcripts in bulk, and this can be a logistical challenge with large file sizes. Flo Recruit simplifies this process by allowing students to upload their documents directly into the platform and enabling employers to download them easily.
Another standout feature is Flo Recruit’s live support chat. Their team’s ability to quickly address and resolve issues during interviews ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved. This reliability has made them an essential partner for our recruiting efforts.
Q: I know your school recently became a Forward Partner School. How do you think Forward will benefit your students?
Suzanne: Forward provides a level of detail and information for law students that’s unparalleled in the industry. The firm profiles are much more comprehensive and tailored to what students need in order to make informed decisions. Before Forward, we only had access to general information about firms. Now, students can explore deeper insights provided directly by the firms, which is incredibly valuable. The ability for students to manage their applications and interviews in one place helps them stay organized and on track.
I’ve also observed increasing engagement from young alumni eager to reconnect with the Flo Recruit platform. I’m hopeful to see Flo Recruit Forward expand into the lateral market. This will undoubtedly enhance career opportunities for both our current students and alumni.
Conclusion
Suzanne Wade’s experience with Flo Recruit underscores the platform’s ability to streamline complex recruiting processes and provide unparalleled support to students, employers, and career services teams. By simplifying everything from bulk document downloads to managing high-volume interview days, Flo Recruit has proven to be an indispensable partner for W&L Law’s career services office.
For law schools seeking to elevate their recruiting programs, Flo Recruit offers a reliable, user-friendly solution that empowers schools to deliver exceptional results. Don’t just manage your recruiting—transform it with Flo Recruit.