How can you effectively follow up after a job fair?

1 Collect business cards

One of the first things you should do at a job fair is to collect business cards from the representatives of the companies you are interested in. Business cards will help you remember the names, positions, and contact details of the people you talked to. They will also make it easier for you to send personalized follow-up emails or calls later. If you run out of business cards, you can also use your smartphone to scan QR codes, take photos, or jot down notes.

2 Send thank-you emails

Within 24 hours of the job fair, you should send a thank-you email to each contact you made. A thank-you email is a polite and professional way to express your appreciation for their time and attention, and to remind them of who you are and what you have to offer. Your email should be brief, clear, and customized to each recipient. You should mention something specific that you discussed at the job fair, restate your interest in the company and the position, and attach your resume and any relevant portfolio samples.

3 Follow up on social media

Another way to follow up after a job fair is to connect with your contacts on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Social media can help you build rapport, stay updated on company news and events, and demonstrate your industry knowledge and enthusiasm. You can follow up on social media by sending a connection request with a personalized message, commenting on their posts, sharing relevant content, or joining groups they are part of.

4 Ask for referrals

If you have a strong connection with one of your contacts, you can also ask them for a referral to another person or department within the company. A referral can increase your chances of getting an interview, as it shows that someone within the company vouches for your skills and fit. To ask for a referral, you should first explain why you are interested in the specific role or team, and how you can add value to the company. Then, you should politely ask if they can introduce you to the hiring manager or someone else who can help you with your application.

5 Be persistent but respectful

Following up after a job fair is not a one-time thing. You should keep in touch with your contacts until you get a response or a decision from them. However, you should also be respectful of their time and availability, and avoid being too pushy or spammy. A good rule of thumb is to follow up every one or two weeks, depending on the urgency and stage of the hiring process. You can also use different channels of communication, such as email, phone, or social media, to vary your approach and increase your chances of getting noticed.

6 Prepare for the next steps

Finally, you should prepare for the next steps in your job search, such as interviews, assessments, or negotiations. You should research the company and the role, practice your answers to common questions, and prepare your own questions to ask. You should also update your resume and portfolio, and highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to the job. You should also be ready to follow up again after the interview, and thank the interviewer for their time and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?