How to Get Students to Respond to Your Emails

College students are their own breed in more ways than one. Food=Dominos, laundry is confusing, and emails are a foreign form of communication. The fact of the matter is most students only check their email accounts to get updates on classes and assignments, but even that is becoming outdated with tools like Blackboard. Luckily, WayUp’s team is in constant communication with the 100,000+ students using our site, so we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve when it comes to student response rate.

1. If you’ve received an applicant through WayUp, make sure your subject line includes your company + WayUp. This will let them know who is contacting them, where you got their email, and ensure your email sticks out in their inbox.

2. Email at the optimal time. Students do not operate on a 9-5 weekday schedule. The best days of the week to contact a student are between Sunday-Wednesday. The best time to capture a student’s attention is in the early AM (8am-9am) before classes begin, or during prime library hours (8pm-10pm).

3. Let them know when you are seeking a reply. If they know the subject matter is time sensitive, they are more likely to get back to you sooner.

4. Take unnecessary steps out of the process. Instead of going back and forth on hammering down a time to chat, use plugins like assistant.to or sites like youcanbook.me to make scheduling time a breeze! Don’t forget to send an interview reminder at least 24 hrs ahead of time.

5. Don’t hear back the first time? Follow up! College students are busy juggling classes, extracurriculars, and job hunting. Sometimes they just need an extra ping or a quick call on the phone.