Career Fair Follow-Up: Your Guide to Standing Out
Turn the event into your next gig.
Stepping into a career fair can be both exhilarating and daunting for anyone starting out in their professional journey.
There's plenty of guidance on how to ace the preparation and interaction stages of these opportunities. Still, not much attention is paid to the crucial step of how to follow up with a recruiter after a career fair.
It's not enough to dazzle them on the spot; you must ensure you stay on their radar even when the event is over.
Why Following Up Is Essential
- Stand out from the crowd: Given the many candidates recruiters meet at career fairs, following up is an effective way to stand out and ensure they remember you. It shows your continued interest in the role and the organization.
- Display professionalism: Following up after a career fair indicates professionalism and respect. It shows that you value the recruiter's time and are serious about your career.
- Establishes a relationship: A well-crafted follow-up can help foster a relationship with the recruiter or company representative. This relationship can benefit your immediate job search and throughout your career.
Nori Chun
Your follow-up keeps you in the recruiter's mind for the present opportunity. It can also lay the groundwork for potential opportunities within the company or through the recruiter's network.
In a competitive job market, the follow-up can make the difference between getting an offer or not.
A well-timed and thoughtfully composed message can convey a strong work ethic and showcase your communication skills, often a differentiating factor for recruiters. It also provides a unique opportunity to address any gaps or questions arising during your interaction at the career fair.
Types of Follow-Up
- Email: An email is a quick and efficient follow-up. Make sure your email is professional, concise, and personalized. Reference specific parts of your conversation, express your interest in the job, and thank the recruiter for their time.
- Phone call: If you have the recruiter's contact information, a phone call can be a more direct and personal method of following up. However, ensure that the recruiter indicates they are comfortable receiving phone calls.
- Second event: If the company is holding another event or open house, attending it shows a strong interest in the company. This also gives you another opportunity to interact with the company's representatives.
Remember to pay attention to details. If, during your conversation, the recruiter mentioned any specifics about the company culture or future projects or even shared some personal anecdotes, weaving these into your message can demonstrate your attentiveness and genuine interest.
Regardless of your chosen method, always respect the recruiter's preferred follow-up method. Feel free to ask if a specific format or process for follow-up was not mentioned. Recruiters will appreciate your respect for their preferences and time. It also shows your ability to follow instructions, which is valuable in any professional setting.
They may specify how they'd like you to follow up during the career fair. Remember, recruiters manage many potential candidates; following their instructions shows you are attentive and considerate of their processes.
It is also essential to proofread your follow-up message carefully. Any typos or grammatical errors can make a negative impression. Have someone else review your message for clarity and errors before sending it. The quality of your communication reflects your attention to detail, a trait valued by all employers.
When Is the Best Time to Follow-Up?
Recognizing the best follow-up time can be just as crucial as the follow-up. You must balance expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and respecting the busy schedules of those you contact.
If the career fair occurred on a weekday, it's generally acceptable to send a brief follow-up message within 24 hours to thank them for their time. This keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your keen interest.
Nori Chun
However, waiting until Monday to send your initial follow-up is advisable if the fair was on the weekend. This prevents the recruiter from checking their professional communications over the weekend.
In case you don't receive a reply to your first message, patience is key. Wait for a week, and then send a follow-up. If there's still no response, consider sending a weekly or bi-weekly message afterward. While this shows your persistence, be careful not to overdo it, as too many messages could be viewed as spam.
Try adding value to your messages instead of only asking for a status update in subsequent follow-ups. This could be through sharing a relevant industry article or offering insights into a recent development in the field. Doing so will present you as resourceful and proactive, attributes sought after in any candidate.
The key is to be patient yet persistent. Continuously following up, when done respectfully, can keep you on the recruiter's radar and at the top of their list of potential candidates.
Also, understanding that each company's hiring process can help manage your expectations. Some recruiters might respond promptly, while others may take longer due to their company's internal processes. It's crucial not to take the silence personally - keep your focus on maintaining a positive and professional approach.
What Should You Include in Your Follow-Up Message?
Crafting a compelling follow-up message is crucial. A well-thought-out message can remind the recruiter of your conversation, demonstrate your interest in the opportunity, and express your gratitude for their time.
Firstly, recap what you discussed in person at the career fair. This helps remind the recruiter about who you are and what you spoke about, reinforcing your interaction and setting the context for your message.
Next, highlight your qualifications, achievements, and skills concisely. You don't need to elaborate on everything – just focus on the key points that make you a strong candidate for the job or internship you discussed.
Remember to thank the recruiter for their time and the opportunity to learn about their organization. Showing gratitude is not just polite, but it also conveys that you value their time and the information they shared with you.
Lastly, express your enthusiasm for the next steps and ask how to help the process progress. This shows your initiative and eagerness to proceed.
Always end your message positively, showing your openness and readiness for upcoming steps. Express your willingness to provide additional information or clarify queries, positioning yourself as cooperative and responsive.
If relevant, you can also briefly propose how you envision contributing to the role based on your understanding from the career fair. This would help the recruiter visualize your potential fit within the team and could potentially set you apart from other candidates.
Pro Tip: Leverage LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for career development that early-career individuals often underutilize. Here are some tips to make the most out of this platform:
Start by creating a professional, up-to-date profile. Use a good-quality professional photo, write a clear and concise headline, and ensure your job history and skills are accurately represented and current.
Feel free to connect with recruiters on LinkedIn after the career fair. When sending a connection request, include a personalized note to remind them of your interaction at the career fair and express your interest in staying connected.
While sending a formal follow-up email or making a call is essential, connecting on LinkedIn can reinforce your interest and keep you on the recruiter's radar. It's a valuable step in maintaining a professional relationship beyond the career fair.
In addition to connecting with recruiters, use LinkedIn to engage with the company's posts, contribute to discussions relevant to your industry, and showcase your thought leadership. This enhances your online professional brand and keeps you visible to the platform's recruiters and broader professional community.
Joining industry-specific groups and participating in relevant discussions can further your knowledge and visibility in your field. Regularly sharing articles or posts relevant to your field indicates your proactive learning approach and keeps you abreast of industry trends, reflecting positively on your professional persona.