So, you’ve just been to a job fair—what’s the next step? Keeping those connections alive and following up on job leads is critical. With so many eager job seekers out there, especially at larger fairs, you want to make sure you’re the one employers remember. Here are some quick tips to help you stand out from the crowd.
Utilize Relevant Contact Information
You might have already collected this information during the job fair, perhaps through a business card or an email address. If not, it's important to connect with the company representative who attended the event to secure the accurate details of the hiring employer. If you find yourself without direct leads, consider visiting the company's “Contact Us” page.
Make Your Outreach Personalized
To ensure the hiring employer remembers you, it is essential to incorporate pertinent details from your interactions at the job fair. Mentioning your attendance at the event can serve as a helpful reminder. If you discussed a particular position, be sure to highlight this in your follow-up communication. Additionally, including any casual conversation points you gathered during the job fair can be beneficial. These might range from a chat about a recent movie release, the weather, or a mutual love for pets. Remember to maintain a balance between professionalism and memorability.
Send a Thank You Note + Follow Up
Sending a thank you note or email within 24 hours of attending a job fair is a strategic way to demonstrate your professionalism and initiative. This simple act can significantly enhance your visibility among the many job seekers present at the event. While hand-written notes offer a personal touch, opting for an email can ensure quicker delivery and prevent the risk of it being misplaced. Additionally, this approach provides an opportunity to include a digital copy of your cover letter and resume, which some employers prefer. If you are still waiting for a response in one to two weeks, follow up with a phone call (or email if a phone number is not available). This will reinforce your initial communication post-job fair and express your ongoing interest in the position.
Email Follow Up: Best Practices
Email templates can serve as a helpful foundation and are accessible from numerous reputable sources. However, it's beneficial to craft your correspondence in your own words. With the abundance of free template tools online, it's likely that many others have already used them, particularly after a job fair. To distinguish yourself from other candidates, ensure your email doesn't blend in with the multitude of submissions employers will receive in the weeks following the event. While relying on an online template might not be the best approach, there's great value in designing your own template from the ground up. When doing so, consider these essential tips:
- Create an engaging subject line. Steer clear of dull titles like “[Name] - Resume” or “Job Inquiry.” Instead, opt for something more distinctive, such as “[Name of Job Fair] - [Job Position] Inquiry.” This approach aids the employer in recalling where they met you. You might also consider using a subject like “Thanks for chatting with me at [Job Fair Name].” This expresses your appreciation and highlights your personal interaction at the job fair, distinguishing you from other anonymous applicants.
- Reintroduce yourself and your interest in [Job Title]. This is your opportunity to remind the hiring employer of your unique qualifications and the value you can bring to their team while expressing your eagerness to contribute to their company's success.
- Ensure that your contact information is prominently displayed and easily accessible. If you choose to include your phone number, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication by keeping your voicemail inbox clear and ready to receive messages. Imagine the frustration of a potential employer encountering a "This mailbox is full" message; it could deter them from reaching out again. By providing a seamless way for them to connect with you, you enhance your chances of making a lasting impression and securing that all-important follow-up.
Check out this LinkedIn blog for further tips on composing your follow-up email.
While Waiting for Employer Response(s)
While you await a response from potential employers, seize the opportunity to enhance your career prospects. Here’s how:
- If you received feedback on your resume during the job fair, take this valuable advice to heart and refine your resume accordingly.
- Explore LinkedIn to connect with employers and follow their company pages for updates.
- Keep your job search dynamic by exploring a variety of opportunities. Diversify your options, as several roles within the same company might catch your interest or new openings elsewhere. While showing enthusiasm for the position you applied for is crucial, it’s important to maintain a broader perspective.
Conclusion
Attending job fairs is just the beginning of your journey towards securing your dream job. You're one step closer to this reality when you follow up with the hiring employers you made successful connections with. This process is absolutely essential in making a lasting impression and setting yourself apart from other candidates. Take a moment to thoughtfully reflect on your conversations with company representatives during the event. Recall specific details and insights that can add a personal touch to your follow-up communication. By doing so, you’ll craft a correspondence that not only stands out but also resonates with the employers, showcasing your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.