How to Follow Up With Recruiters After a Career Fair

How to Follow Up With Recruiters After a Career ritterlichHow to Follow Up With Recruiters After a Career FairWhen you arejob searching, whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional,career fairscan provide valuable opportunities to find a new position. It can be really difficult to connect with hiring decision makers when youre submitting online job applications.During the standard application process, it can feel like yourresume and cover letterare dropping into a black hole. Sometimes, that actually happens, and you never hear back from the company you have spent time applying to. Job fairs andcareer networking eventsallow you to get face time with recruiters and hiring managers on the spot.When you have an opportunity to chat with someone in person, its much easierto make a personal connection. Take the Time to Introduce Yourself If youintroduce yourself to everyone you meet at the fair, it will be much easier to follow up afterward. Before the conversation end s, ask the company representative for a business card, so youll have all the information you need to keep in touch. Follow Up With the Recruiters You Meet If you have the chance to talk, however briefly, with recruiters from companies you are interestedin working for, thats a priceless connection you can leverage in thehiring process. Its always a good idea to follow up with employers you meet at job fairs, even if the company doesnt have an immediate need for someone with your qualifications. Sending a follow-up letter or email message reiterates your interest in the organization and serves as a reminder of who you are to a busy recruiter who met with many, many competitive job candidates during the event. Here is an example of a follow-up letter youcansendto a recruiter you met at a job fair. Job Fair Follow (Text Version) Dear Ms. Grant,We met two weeks ago at the Education Career Fair in Boston. I enjoyed speaking with you about ABC Charter Schools mission and was impressed by the work you do with the students as a college counselor.I wanted to reaffirm my interest in the counseling position at your school. ABC Charter Schools goal of sending every student to college is one I strongly believe in, and I know that my counseling experience and passion for working with inner-city students make me a strong candidate for the job.I have attached an updated copy of the resume I gave you at the Education Career Fair. I will call next week to binnensee if we can arrange a time to discuss this position. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Adam LeDuc555-111-1234adam.leducxyzmail.com Expand Following Up Via Email If you send the letter as an email message, include your name in the subject of the message,so your contact knows who the message is from. Your message will have a better chance of being opened and read if the recipient is aware of who you are and why you are writing. Here is an example of a follow-up email you can send following an initial job fair introduction to a recruiter. Job Fair Follow (Text Version) Subject Line Evan Jones Job Fair Follow-upDear Mr. Williams,Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at XXX Universitys job fair last week. I have tailored my academic studies in accounting in the hope that I might one day work at a Big Five firm, and it was exciting for me to get a glimpse of Name of firms company culture and mission during our conversation.Id like to reaffirm my interest in the entry-level accounting position you described to me. I will be graduating, magna cum laude, in June of this year and will be immediately available to assume the responsibilities of a full-time position with your firm.I have attached an updated copy of the resume I gave you at the careerfair and am happy to provide references at your request. I will call next week to see if we can arrange a time to discuss this position.Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Evan Jones555-111-1234evan. jonesxyzmail.com Expand Establishing Connections on LinkedIn In addition to email, adding recruiters you have met with onLinkedIncan be another valuable way to stay in touch. Its important tobeactive, not passive, on the social media platform comment occasionally on company updates, send short congratulatory notes, and check in periodically, without being pesky. Career fairs can give you the face-to-face contact you need to get your foot in the door. After making a meaningful connection with a recruiter or hiring manager, following up with a letter or email can refresh their memories and keep you top-of-mind for future roles. Maintaining contact can help you land ajob with your dream companyand get connected to new opportunities.