How do you follow up?!
The Chicago job fair went great for me yesterday! I had to wait in line for a little bit, so I was scared at first that it would be so packed inside that I wouldn't get a chance to speak to anyone. It turned out to be pretty crowded, but you could still walk around and the reps that wanted to speak to me were available after only a short wait which was awesome.
I gave them my resume and we spoke for a bit about my professional history. Because of my background in hospitality I got a lot of interest from Hilton, which is very exciting for me!
One thing I’m wondering though…
Usually after an interview I’ll send that company a quick thank you email. Is that necessary in a job fair setting?
I gave them my resume, got their info and they seemed excited for me to apply, so it feels almost like I had an interview.
So, what can I do to follow up and just let them know that I’m thankful for their time and still really interested in the job?
If you don’t email, do you call?
Thanks guys!
Hi Gabriella,
In the past when I was looking for jobs I used something similar to Andy's approach, where I would email and then call if needed. Sometimes emails can go into spam or easily be overlooked so a phone call is a great plan B!
My email would look something like this:
Dear (their name),
It was wonderful to have a chance to meet with you yesterday at the Chicago Job Fair. I enjoyed speaking with you about (add a common interest topic you talked about) because... I feel that I would make a great addition to your team here at (business name) because (list a few brief reasons).
With that being said, I would love a chance to schedule a time to speak more about (say what the opportunity is). I hope you enjoyed the rest of the job fair and were able to grab some rest once you returned home : ) I bet it was a crazy day for the company!
I have attached my resume for you to review, and I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you again for your time.
Best,
Ashley
Something along those lines.
Make sure to:
1. Be personal
2. Connect
3. Follow through
Hope this helps!
Hi Gabriella,
That's wonderful to hear you had such a great experience at the job fair : ) Job fairs are a terrific way to network and get in touch with employers face to face.
Here is how I like to follow up!
1- Send an email to the person you spoke to. Be sure to highlight a few of the things you discussed during your time with them at the job fair that you both connected with. This could even be non-job related depending on what you spoke about. Just be sure to focus on what connection you made and stick to it. It could even be that you both own Chocolate Labs. This will help them to remember you!
2- Be polite and thankful in your tone for the opportunity to spend time speaking with them. Remember that their time is just as valuable as yours.
3- Restate who you are, when you met, as well as subtly why you want the job and how you're a great fit. This email is the perfect opportunity to briefly discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask.
I rarely call, but you definitely could. I tend to start with an email and go from there. It also depends on what you're the most comfortable with, if they gave you a direct contact number (on a business card), and if they will have the time to answer the phone. If email doesn't work out then by all means call.
If you do call follow these tips:
1- Do a practice call with friends/family so you're prepared and any nerves will disappear. You will also know exactly what you want to say.
2-Don't call them over and over. This is your one shot to impress them, so make it good!
3-Call the decision maker. This is the person you spoke to or the hiring manager. Be positive and happy when you do reach them on the phone. Sometimes (I know this may sound dorky) but I like to smile when I speak to a person over the phone. Although they can't see me, it helps me feel that I am there in the room with them and maintain a positive outlook.
Make sure not to wait too long, I would follow up within 1-2 business days. Also keep in mind that the company may not check emails/phone messages on the weekend and yours could get buried, so stick with Mon-Fri when you can directly reach them during work hours.
I hope you land that job Gabriella!!
Hi Gabriella, Great question! Thanks for sharing it with the community. A 24-48 thank you and follow up response is an excellent strategy after a job fair. Now that you've met with a hiring advocate for Hilton and other organizations use those contact emails to follow up with a personal contact you met at the job fair. Be memorable, add an anecdote or something unique you discussed during your meeting to allow the recruiter to immediately identify who you are, Then be direct! Ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Let the hiring reps know your serious about pursuing a career opportunity within their organization and always emphasize what make you the right candidate for the job.
I am really interested in this job....if you have any vacancy in hospitality let me know