How can you use follow-up to ask about professional development opportunities?

1 Choose the right timing

Timing is everything when it comes to following up. You don't want to bombard the recruiters with too many messages or wait too long to reach out. A good rule of thumb is to follow up within a week after the job fair, and then again after a month if you haven't heard back. This way, you can remind them of your conversation, express your enthusiasm, and ask about any updates on the hiring process.

2 Be polite and respectful

When you follow up, be polite and respectful of the recruiters' time and workload. Start your email with a friendly greeting, thank them for their attention, and mention something specific that you learned or appreciated from your chat at the job fair. Then, briefly restate your qualifications and why you're interested in working for their company. Avoid sounding too demanding or entitled, and end your email with a courteous sign-off.

3 Ask open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions is one of the best ways to inquire about professional development opportunities. Questions such as, "What are some of the skills or competencies that you look for in your ideal candidates?", "How do you support your employees' learning and development goals?", and "What are some of the current or upcoming projects or initiatives that you're excited about?" demonstrate your curiosity, proactivity, and eagerness to learn. Moreover, these questions can help you gain a better understanding of the company's culture, values, and expectations. Additionally, it may be beneficial to ask how the company measures the impact or success of their professional development programs.

4 Follow up with relevant resources

Demonstrating your interest and value can be done through following up with relevant resources that relate to the professional development opportunities discussed. For instance, you might share a link to an article, podcast, or webinar that covers a topic or trend that was talked about, a sample of your work, portfolio, or case study that displays your skills or achievements, or a recommendation or testimonial from a former employer, colleague, or client that emphasizes your strengths or potential. By providing these resources, you demonstrate that you are proactive, resourceful, and confident. Moreover, they help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your suitability for the role and the company.

5 Express your gratitude and interest

Finally, don't forget to express your gratitude and interest in the professional development opportunities you learned about. Thank the recruiters for their time and feedback, and let them know that you're looking forward to hearing from them. You can also restate your availability and contact details, and ask them if they have any questions or concerns that you can address. This way, you can end your follow-up on a positive and professional note, and keep the communication open and friendly.

6 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?