How To Write A Follow Up Email After Career Fair: The Ultimate Guide
Attending a career fair is a significant step in your job search journey. You’ve networked, collected business cards, and hopefully, made a positive impression. But the real work begins after the event. The follow-up email is crucial; it’s your chance to solidify connections and demonstrate your continued interest. This guide provides a comprehensive blueprint for crafting follow-up emails that land you interviews and, ultimately, your dream job.
The Importance of Following Up: Why It Matters
You might think the career fair is the end of the road, but it’s just the starting point. Ignoring the follow-up opportunity is a major mistake. A well-crafted email differentiates you from the competition and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you’re proactive, engaged, and genuinely interested in their company and the role. It reinforces your initial impression and provides a chance to elaborate on your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Crafting Your Subject Line: Getting Noticed in the Inbox
Your subject line is the first thing a recruiter sees. It needs to be concise, attention-grabbing, and relevant. Avoid generic phrases like “Following Up” or “Thank You.” Instead, personalize it and make it easy for the recipient to identify you and the context of your email.
Here are some effective subject line examples:
- “[Your Name] - Following Up on Career Fair Conversation”
- “Enthusiastic [Your Name] - Applying for [Job Title] at [Company]”
- “Great to Meet You at the [Career Fair Name] - [Your Name]”
- “Networking at [Career Fair Name] - [Your Name] - [Specific Skill]”
Keep it short, specific, and professional.
Personalizing Your Email: Tailoring Your Message
Generic emails scream “mass email,” and they often end up in the trash folder. Your follow-up email needs to be personalized to the specific person you spoke with and the conversation you had. Refer back to something specific you discussed. Did you talk about a particular project, a company initiative, or a shared interest? Mention it.
The Anatomy of a Killer Follow-Up Email: Structure and Content
Here’s a breakdown of the essential components of a successful follow-up email:
The Greeting: Start with a Professional Tone
Begin with a formal greeting. “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” is a safe and professional choice. If you interacted on a first-name basis, you can use “Dear [First Name].” Always err on the side of formality unless you have a strong reason not to.
Remembering the Connection: Reiterate the Context
In the first paragraph, remind the recipient where you met and briefly recap your conversation. Mention the career fair, the company, and the specific role or topic you discussed. For example: “It was a pleasure speaking with you at the [Career Fair Name] on [Date] about the [Job Title] position at [Company].”
Highlighting Your Value: Reiterate Your Key Skills
This is your opportunity to reinforce your qualifications and reiterate why you’re a good fit for the role. Focus on 2-3 key skills or experiences that directly align with the job requirements. Briefly elaborate on these, providing concrete examples of your accomplishments. Don’t just list skills; demonstrate them.
Expressing Your Interest: Reinforce Your Enthusiasm
Reiterate your strong interest in the company and the role. Show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely excited about the opportunity. Mention something specific that attracted you to the company or the role, such as their company culture, a recent project, or a specific team.
The Call to Action: What Do You Want Them to Do?
This is the most important part. Clearly state what you want the recipient to do. Are you requesting an interview? Are you submitting your resume? Are you asking for more information? Be specific. For example: “I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Please let me know if you are available for a call next week.”
Closing: Professional and Gracious
End with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your time and consideration.” Always include your full name, contact information (phone number and email address), and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Timing is Everything: When to Send Your Email
Timing is crucial. Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours of the career fair. This shows that you’re proactive and engaged, while the conversation is still fresh in their mind. Sending it too soon can seem pushy; waiting too long risks being forgotten.
Proofreading and Editing: The Importance of Perfection
Before hitting send, thoroughly proofread your email. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. Read it aloud to ensure the tone and flow are natural and professional. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well. A polished, error-free email demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.
Attaching Your Resume and Other Documents: Proper Formatting
Always attach your resume in a professional format, such as a PDF file. Name the file clearly: “[Your Name] - Resume - [Job Title].” If you mentioned a portfolio or other supporting documents in your conversation, be sure to include them.
Following Up After Following Up: The Second Email (If Necessary)
If you don’t hear back within a week or two, it’s acceptable to send a brief follow-up email. Keep it concise and reiterate your interest. Reiterate your original call to action. For example: “I am writing to follow up on my email from [Date]. I am still very interested in the [Job Title] position and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending Generic Emails: As mentioned, personalized emails are crucial.
- Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread, proofread, proofread!
- Being Too Pushy: Don’t bombard the recipient with emails.
- Not Following Through on Promises: If you said you’d send something, do it.
- Forgetting the Context: Always remind the recipient where you met.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
What if I didn’t get the recruiter’s business card?
If you didn’t get a business card, try to find the recruiter’s contact information on the company website or LinkedIn. If you can’t find it, you can send a general email to the company’s HR department, mentioning the specific career fair and the person you spoke with, if you remember their name.
How can I make my email stand out?
Personalize your email by mentioning specific details from your conversation. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company and the role. Tailor your email to the company’s culture and values. Include a link to your online portfolio or personal website if relevant.
Is it okay to include a thank-you note on LinkedIn?
Yes, it is. A quick thank you on LinkedIn is a good idea, especially if you connected with the recruiter during the fair. However, make sure you also send a personalized follow-up email. LinkedIn is a good supplement, but the email is crucial.
What if I don’t get a response?
Not getting a response doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of the running. Sometimes, recruiters are busy. Wait a week or two and then send a brief, polite follow-up email. If you still don’t hear back, it’s likely they’ve moved on to other candidates.
How do I address the hiring manager if I don’t know their name?
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team.” However, it’s always best to find the name if possible, either on the company website, LinkedIn, or by asking the recruiter at the career fair.
Conclusion: Securing Your Future
Writing a compelling follow-up email after a career fair is a critical step in landing your desired job. By personalizing your message, highlighting your qualifications, and clearly stating your call to action, you can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression and securing an interview. Remember to be professional, enthusiastic, and proactive. Following these guidelines will help you stand out from the competition and move closer to your career goals. Good luck!