How can you write follow-up emails that get results after a job fair?

You can do this in simple 9-steps: 1. Identify contacts (names, titles, &email). 2. Organize list based on relevance, focusing on companies or roles closely aligned with your aspirations. 3. Craft a personalized email expressing gratitude for the valuable interaction at the job fair/event/meeting. 4. Clearly state your interest, reinforcing enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. 5. Highlight your qualifications that aligned with the company's needs. 6. Propose next steps by articulating eagerness to explore opportunities further. 7. End with a clear call-to-action, asking for their response or schedule a follow-up. 8. Attach your resume 9. Conclude with a polite closing, expressing appreciation for their time & consideration.

ProTip - Use LinkedIn and your QR code to easily connect with individuals. You'll find this in the search window at the top of the screen. Then post event, go to your "recently connected" section and start to craft your "list"

Writing effective follow-up emails after a job fair involves personalization and clarity. Start by addressing the recipient by name and mentioning where you met them, such as the specific job fair. Briefly reiterate your background and express your genuine interest in the company and the role discussed. Reference a part of your conversation to jog their memory and establish a connection. Include a statement on why you believe you would be a good fit for the position or the company. Attach your resume and any other relevant documents. End with a call to action, like requesting an informational interview or inquiring about the next steps in the hiring process. Keep the email concise, professional, and to the point.

Simple is best and I agree on personalization. Don't blast out a mass message. Pro-Tip for those that aren't great writers (and I'm in this category), use ChatGPT to help you craft out some personalization for your message. Short and simple like: I enjoyed meeting you at (insert event). After reviewing your company and your profile, I'd enjoy a follow up coffee chat to (insert purpose). Here's my calendar link.

We'll meet a lot of people; so when following up with a Recruiter after a job fair it's a good idea to try to bring up something specific about your meeting in your message to jog their memory. This help you stand out and make it more likely that you'll get a response back. This could be an interesting topic that was brought up or even a joke that was made. Summarizing your background and enthusiasm for working with them is a must in any follow-up email but making it unique is essential to make sure you get a response and get your job search with them off to a good start.

You will meet a lot of employers so it is best to be strategic. For the top companies that stood out to you, send a thank you note and remember to add something to the conversation.

In order to provide value in your follow-up, be sure to ask questions about challenges they're facing or gaps they're seeing at work during the networking event. That way you're addressing a real need vs assuming you know what they need.

Focusing on the next steps is crucial for any follow-up with a Recruiter after a job fair. Asking them if they would like anything from you like changes to your resume, references or simply more information about your background can be a good way to have them keep you in mind for opportunities. Offering your time for a quick chat on the phone or (if you're local) getting them a morning coffee definitely won't hurt. If the Recruiter is busy it would at least show them that you're friendly and very interested in working for them. Of course; use your best judgement and be patient as things may not progress as quickly as you'd like. Whether you're successful or not establishing these relationships with Recruiters will never hurt your search.