Find a Job You Really Want In
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
Whether you agree with it or not, this adage is increasingly relevant in today’s job market. To land your desired role, whether it’s your dream job or a stepping stone, having connections within the organization can be invaluable.
These connections don’t need to be formed at exclusive gatherings. One of the most effective ways to engage with potential employers is through career fairs. These events provide opportunities for direct interactions with company representatives, allowing you to showcase your interest and personality.
In this article, you’ll discover how to strengthen the connections you make at career fairs, enhancing your chances of success in your job search.
Key Takeaways:
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Sending a follow-up email after a career fair significantly boosts the likelihood of your resume being reviewed again.
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Be strategic in your follow-ups and tailor each email to the specific recruiter.
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Collect contact information while networking at the career fair.
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Send your follow-up email promptly, and include context to refresh their memory.
What Is a Career Fair?
A career fair is an event where job seekers meet face-to-face with representatives from various companies. These fairs typically feature multiple organizations from the same or related industries, allowing candidates to engage with recruiters and learn more about potential job opportunities.
Recruiters may provide information about their companies, discuss open positions, and answer candidates’ questions. They are also interested in your career goals and qualifications, so it’s essential to prepare your elevator pitch and bring copies of your resume.
While recruiters do not conduct formal interviews at these events, making a positive impression can influence their consideration of you later on.
How To Follow Up with a Recruiter After a Career Fair
Once the career fair concludes, it’s crucial to follow up with the recruiters you’ve engaged with. Given that they meet numerous candidates, you must remind them of your conversation to enhance your chances of an interview. Here’s how to effectively follow up:
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Identify the companies and positions to contact. Reach out to a few recruiters you connected with, even if the positions don’t seem like your perfect match. If there are companies you’re no longer interested in, it’s best to refrain from following up.
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Locate the recruiter’s contact information. Ideally, you should have collected business cards at the fair. If not, check the company website or their LinkedIn profile. Sending a connection request on LinkedIn can also be beneficial, as it helps them remember your conversation.
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Craft and send your follow-up email. Write a courteous email expressing your interest in the company and any specific roles discussed. Highlight your qualifications and why you would be a strong candidate.
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Consider a second follow-up. If you haven’t received a reply after 10-14 days, send a gentle reminder. Use the same email thread to keep your conversation easily accessible for the recruiter.
Optimizing Your Follow-Up Email
To ensure your follow-up email is as effective as possible, keep these tips in mind:
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Send it promptly. Aim to send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the career fair. This timing helps keep your interaction fresh in the recruiter’s mind and demonstrates your genuine interest.
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Help jog the recruiter’s memory. Personalize your email by referencing something specific from your conversation. This could be a shared interest or a memorable detail from your interaction. Personal touches can make a lasting impression.
Additional Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Email
In addition to being timely and memorable, consider these extra tips when crafting your follow-up email:
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Personalize each email. Tailor your message to each recruiter. Sending generic emails can make it seem like you don’t remember them or aren’t truly interested.
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Express gratitude. Thank the recruiters for their time and consideration. A note of appreciation can set a positive tone for your email.
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Attach your resume and relevant documents. Even if you provided your resume at the fair, attaching it again makes it easy for recruiters to access your information. This is also a good opportunity to share portfolio samples if applicable.
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Include your contact information. Ensure your email signature contains your email, phone number, and any other relevant contact details, such as your LinkedIn profile.
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Maintain clarity and brevity. Your email should be concise yet informative. Avoid overwhelming the recruiter with excessive details about your work history.
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Keep it professional. Maintain a professional tone, regardless of how well you connected with the recruiter. Address them formally and avoid overly casual language.
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Proofread carefully. Always review your email for typos and grammatical errors before sending. If you’re unsure, ask someone else to proofread it.
5 Example Follow-Up Emails To Send After a Career Fair
Here are five customizable examples to inspire your follow-up emails. Adjust the tone and content to reflect your personality and experience:
Dear Ms. Williams,
I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you at the University of Denver career fair yesterday. Thank you for sharing insights about Advertising Co. and your work in digital marketing strategies.
I want to reiterate my interest in the internship position we discussed. By the end of this semester, I will have completed all necessary coursework, enabling me to contribute full-time during the summer.
I have attached my resume and some work samples for your review. I plan to reach out next week to see if we might schedule a time to discuss this opportunity further. Please let me know if there’s a time that works best for you.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jace Hodges
234-576-8910
jaceh@gmail.com
Hello, Mr. Mayne,
Thank you for our conversation during the Greenville Career Fair on Monday. I enjoyed discussing our thoughts on the latest design trends!
I was fascinated to hear about Colbert Design and the work you do. My passion for creating great user experiences, combined with twelve years of graphic design experience, aligns well with your team’s goals.
I would love to explore potential career paths with Colbert Design.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to connecting!
Sincerely,
Tom Hoffman
222-333-4444
tomh@address.com
Good morning, Ms. Jacobs,
I truly appreciated our conversation at the State Career Fair today. It was refreshing to meet another Wyoming native!
I enjoyed discussing the changes in the East County school district and the opportunities arising from them.
I will graduate in May with an elementary education degree, summa cum laude, and am eager to begin my career full-time. I believe I would be a valuable addition to the ECSD family.
Can we discuss potential opportunities further? I’ve attached my updated resume and transcript for your reference. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thank you again for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Amy Mills
222-444-2222
amills@school.edu
Hello Mr. Peabody,
Thank you for speaking with me during the Campbell College Career Fair today. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion about linguistics classes.
Your insights into Williams Recording and the studio technician position were fascinating. With my degree in music production and three years of experience in a recording studio, I believe I would be a strong candidate for this role.
I look forward to discussing this position and potential career paths at Williams Recording.
Thank you again,
Andrew McAlister
111-444-8888
andrewm@email.com
Hi Ms. Longburn,
It was delightful talking with you at the Napa Valley Career Fair yesterday. Thank you for your insights about Better Construction Company and for helping me find that coffee shop!
I am very interested in pursuing a career with Better Construction Company. My background as both an architect and a project manager aligns well with your needs.
I’d love to hear your advice on pursuing opportunities with your team. Please feel free to call me at your convenience.
Thank you again, and have a wonderful weekend!
Macy Short
323-555-3333
macys@email.com
Career Fair Follow-Up Email FAQ
Send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the career fair. Reaching out sooner helps keep you fresh in their memory. However, ensure your email is thoughtful and not rushed.
Feel free to connect on LinkedIn. However, understand that they may not accept your request for various reasons, so don’t take it personally. It’s still a good effort to expand your network and foster meaningful connections.
Author
Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.
