Fantastic Job Fair Follow-up

Set the stage for fantastic job fair follow-up while you are still at the job fair. As the conversation is coming to a close, ask for the company representative's business card. If he or she doesn't have one, ask for their name, title, and best way to reach them. Write that information down in your notebook. Thank them for their time and re-affirm your interest in the company and position.

Back home, sort through the business cards, company literature, and notes that you made. Prioritize them for follow up.

SET YOURSELF APART FROM OTHER CANDIDATES by sending a thank you note that reminds them who you are and what you have to offer. Express interest in the position that you discussed and mention why you are such a good match. Request an opportunity to meet with them again. Let them know that you will contact them later in the week. Remember, recruiters often see hundreds of candidates at a job fair. It is often hard for them to keep track of who's who so do your part to help them remember you!

PICK UP THE TELEPHONE. Ninety-five percent of job candidates never follow up. They wait for the employer to call them. Set yourself apart from the competition. Pick up the telephone and make that follow up telephone call. After small job fairs, follow up within three days; unless they suggest you follow up sooner. It is generally a good idea to give employers a few days to catch up on their work and sort through the piles of résumés and applications they collected during the job fair.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE RECRUITER OR MANAGER WANT TO TAKE YOUR FOLLOW-UP CALL? Do your research before you pick up the telephone. Then, prepare a couple of job-related questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and interest in the position.

Don't call during their busy times-usually Monday morning and Friday afternoon. Treat whoever answers with courtesy and respect. That person may be the one who decides whether or not your call goes through to the right person.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU GET THEM ON THE LINE? "Hi this is Sally Smith. We met at the job fair last Monday. I know you must be busy; I have a couple of quick questions about X position. Do you have just a few minutes?" Be benefit driven. Keep the focus on what's in it for them! Remind the person who you are and what position(s) you discussed. Then ask the questions you prepared. Listen to their responses. Express your interest in the position and wrap up by asking about next steps in the interview process. If they are not ready to schedule interviews, ask about the best time to check back with them.

FOLLOW UP AT APPROPRIATE INTERVALS. The general rule of thumb is no more than three contacts (phone, e-mail, mail) within ten days.

Apply these fantastic job fair follow up tips and you will be certain to shorten your search and experience job hunting success!

Mary Jeanne Vincent is the author of Acing the Interview tip cards featuring answers to the top 20 "killer" interview questions. Also included are tips for interviewing in the new economy, ideas for responding to illegal and trick questions, and suggestions for avoiding 10 deadly interview mistakes.

Go to http://www.2bworkwise.com for free job search articles and to sign up for the free WorkWise e-zine. For information on individual job and career coaching or to find out about other practical, easy-to-use career tools call Mary Jeanne at 831.657.9151.

---

Common Resume Myths & Misconceptions

For the person crafting their first résumé the task can... Read More

You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression

There is no easy way to define exactly what editors,... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Professional Résumé

1. Start with an attractive layout. Use bold and italics... Read More

What Makes Americans Hate Their Jobs? This Advice Turns That Epidemic Around

Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70%... Read More

3 Ways To Succeed On Your First Job (Or Any Job)

You've heard the real estate cliché: the three factors that... Read More

Avoid Mistakes and Gaffes in Your Job Resume

Having mistakes and gaffes in your job resume spell disaster... Read More

The Perfect Fit: Women & Franchising

An interesting combination of factors at this time in history... Read More

The Chicken or the Egg?

Even before I checked my calendar on Monday... Read More

Resume Success Factors--What Exactly Is A Resume Anyway?

You know you're good...real good. The problem, though, is that... Read More

The Quickly Changing Landscape Of The Job Market

Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting... Read More

Targeting Your Resume is So Important For Your Career

Targeting your portfolio, (resume and cover letter) can get you... Read More

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

How to Get Hired by Being Obvious

If you want a drink of water, do you hire... Read More

Working in Dubai

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the... Read More

Getting Started: 5 Things You Need to Decide When You Get Started with a Job Search

There are few things more frustrating for a headhunter than... Read More

Working In Iraq: Is It For You?

The US Army Corp of Engineers and numerous private companies... Read More

5 Steps to a New Job

The economy is picking up, budgets are new, positions are... Read More

Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

8 ?Thurvival Skills? for 05

Just what is a "thurvival skill?" It's a skill that... Read More

Writing CVs and Resumes for Professionals with Examples

Tips on writing your Skills and Achievement Based CV (ABCV)... Read More

Finding Employees For Insurance Industry Jobs

Finding the right employee for any job opening can be... Read More

How to Transform a Boring Note Into A Killer Cover Letter - Part I

The AIDA formula is as old as dirt. It was... Read More

From Bumbling Bosses to Cranky Co-Workers ? How to Overcome What Makes You Hate Your Job

I'll be the first to admit that I hated my... Read More

How to Success On The Job from Job Hunting to Keep Your Job and Get Most of Out of It

INTRODUCTIONThis article will prepare you for the difficult task of... Read More

Job Interviews: Plan Your Appearance to Make a Great First Impression

Your personal appearance is a critical component of that all-important... Read More

Job or no Job: The Certainty of Uncertainty

Headline from AP via Yahoo News! January 11, 2005: "Chrysler... Read More

Applying for a Job in China

Working in ChinaWorking in China is very common now. Either... Read More

Your Job Search -- a Marketing Campaign?

The successful job search is really just a personal marketing... Read More

7 Tips for Writing Winning Resume Cover Letters

Writing a good resume cover letter is something you should... Read More

How To Get More Interviews In Your Job Search

Richard Bolles, job search guru and author of What Color... Read More

9 Secrets to Career Success

Are you miserable at your job (or what you are... Read More

The 5 Essential Telecommute Résumé Components

1. An attractive layout that is easy to read and... Read More

Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?

Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives. While others... Read More