If you're looking for a part-time job, internship position, or first job after graduation, try attending career fairs, which are great places to meet employers in person. However, even if you did your best and left a good impression at the exhibition, without any follow-up it's all in vain. Within a day or two of the fair, send a thank you note to all the recruiters who spoke to you there. After that, connect with them online and keep showing your interest. By contacting a recruiter, you stand a better chance of landing the position you want. Good luck!
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Method 1 of 3: Sending A Thank You Email
Step 1. Take notes after the conversation with the recruiter
When you send a thank-you email, include a few specific things you remember from the conversation. Given that you're likely to talk to a lot of recruiters at a career fair, reflect on each interaction and write down a few key points in it.
- If you say you're going to do something, like apply for a job on their company website, make a note of doing it as soon as possible.
- Pondering the conversation can trigger new questions you may want to ask recruiters. Write it down too, and include it in an email.
Step 2. Browse the company website to find more information
After a career fair, spend some time browsing the websites of the companies that interest you the most. Take note of a few things that catch your eye. You can ask or express interest about it in an email.
- On the company website, look for the press information or breaking news section. It's an easy way to follow what's happening at the company.
- Write the name of the manager or head of the department in charge of the department you are interested in. You may need to connect to them later.
Step 3. Write a professional and personal email
Thank you emails are usually relatively short with a universal structure. You can use the same basic format for all thank you emails. Just make sure you send it to the right recruiter. Here's a basic template to follow:
- In the first paragraph, mention the name of the career fair you went to and something the recruiter talked about. If you promise to do something, like apply for a job on a company website, say that you've done it. The first paragraph should contain two or three sentences.
- In the second paragraph, ask questions that arise based on conversations or information you get after browsing the company's website. If there are no questions, mention something that interests you and explain why. The second paragraph should contain two or three sentences.
- In the third paragraph, state again the position you are interested in. List two or three things that make you a strong candidate for the position, and mention that you have attached a curriculum vitae (CV) for their reference. This paragraph also contains two or three sentences.
- Add a closing line saying thank you once again. Tell me when you will ask the continuation. Skip the two lines, then write a professional closing greeting, such as "Sincerely,". Skip another two lines and write your full name.
Tip:
Use a modified business letter writing style, double spacing between paragraphs and after the greeting.
Step 4. Add a specific and professional subject line
If the recruiter can't figure out the content of the email by looking at the subject, they may never open it. Enter the name of the career fair where you met them, and thank them for their help.
- Sample subject line: "Thank you for your help at the UGM Careers Exhibition". You can also write "Thank you and a short follow-up after the UGM Careers Exhibition".
- Make sure the subject is short and specific. There is no need to mention your name and that your CV is attached.
Step 5. Use a formal email address
The best email address to use in a job application should include your first and last name, or your first initial followed by your last name or vice versa, your first name followed by the first letter of your last name. If your name is relatively common enough to no longer be available at major email services, add a middle initial or professional description, such as "sales" or "technician."
- If possible, create a one-word email address. For example, "SusiSusanti" or "LunaMaya".
- Never use numbers in an email address. Numbers can be interpreted as age or year of birth, and do not sound professional.
- Avoid separating names with hyphens, underscores, and periods. Using such punctuation marks is difficult for recruiters to remember because it makes the email address more complicated. Underlines are also hard to see in some inbox views. However, one point is fine. For example, "Susi. Susanti" or "Luna. Maya".
Step 6. Attach your CV to the email
Adjust the contents of the CV with the target company. Then, make a PDF copy to send with the email. If you have already given your CV to recruiters at a career fair, mention that you are attaching your CV now for reference only.
Save the CV file with your full name and the word "CV" before attaching it. If you use a regular file name, recruiters may not be able to find it anymore
Tip:
Make sure your email and CV are thoroughly checked before sending. Don't just rely on a spell checker. Read aloud to make it easier for you to spot mistakes.
Step 7. Email within 48 hours of the career fair
Ideally, a thank you email should be sent within 24 hours of the event. However, it may take you some time to study the company and gather records and information. As long as your emails are well-organized, neat, and professional, the 48-hour timeframe isn't a problem.
- If the career fair is on a Friday, submit it on Monday so that it won't be accepted by recruiters on the weekend.
- In general, the most professional time to send an email is during normal business hours (usually between 9am and 5pm). The morning seems better than the afternoon.
Method 2 of 3: Connecting with Recruiters
Step 1. Create a LinkedIn account if you don't have one
Many recruiters use LinkedIn intensively. This platform is designed to help you promote yourself and find new jobs. You can create a free account, then set up a profile page by adding information about education, work experience, and skills.
- Use professional language and information on your LinkedIn profile. Choose a photo in a professional attire and well-groomed. If you have a recent school photo or a graduation photo, that will work too.
- Spend some time searching the profiles of people you know, but remember that LinkedIn is not a "social" network like Facebook or Instagram. Friendship does not always mean added value to the network. On the other hand, connections with teachers, as well as former bosses or coworkers are a good idea.
Step 2. Search for your intended recruiter on LinkedIn
The recruiter's business card may contain a LinkedIn page address. Otherwise, you can use LinkedIn's search function. Just enter the name into the search bar.
After finding the right profile, study briefly to find out their career history and work at the company. You may find some similarities. For example, they graduated from the same school or college as you
Step 3. Send a short message with a request to connect
Write two or three sentences saying that you met them at a career fair and would like to connect with them. Specify the name of the career fair, along with the date it will be held. Include conversation details to help recruiters remember you.
- For example, "Morning, Mrs. Prita Pertamina Recruiter! We chatted at the UGM Career Exhibition on April 1. I would like to connect with you here to find out what opportunities might open up in your company. Thank you!"
- If you just send a connection request without a message, recruiters may not accept it. Most LinkedIn users don't accept connection requests from people they don't know or have no business relationship with.
Tip:
If you note the name of a manager or department head when browsing the company website, look it up on LinkedIn and establish a connection with them. Always include a message with the connection request, explaining who you are and why you want to connect with them.
Step 4. Use LinkedIn to follow companies you are interested in
Companies also have profiles on LinkedIn, not just individuals. By following a company's LinkedIn page, you can keep up with the latest developments and job vacancies at the company.
- Many executives and business leaders are also influencers on LinkedIn. You can follow influencer posts without having to send a connection request directly. Influencers often write about industry developments, ideas, and needs in the workforce. The writing gives you a lot of insight into the chosen field.
- LinkedIn provides videos and other materials that teach you how to use networking to propel your career. To get started, go to
Tip:
If you see an article on LinkedIn or elsewhere related to a job or company, share it with recruiters and ask for their opinion. This kind of interaction will connect you with the recruiter without appearing intrusive.
Method 3 of 3: Writing a Formal Follow Up Letter
Step 1. Mark the calendar for sending a formal letter
You can continue with a formal letter if you don't hear from the recruiter after sending a short thank you email. Wait a month if you don't plan to start work for several months. However, if you expect to be working within the next month or two, send a letter 10 to 14 days after sending the thank-you email.
You may need to set a reminder a few days before your scheduled follow-up date to have time to draft the letter
Step 2. Write the letter in a formal business structure
Word processor applications usually have templates that can be used for formal business letters. Address the letter to the recruiter you spoke to at the career fair.
Use a conservative, easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica, in size 10 or 12
Step 3. Use the information in the email as a starting point for composing the letter
Start by mentioning that you spoke to them at a career fair. Enter the specific name of the exhibition and the date it will be held. You can also add details from the conversation already mentioned in the thank you email.
If anything has changed since you sent the email, add that information in the first paragraph. For example, if a recruiter suggests you talk to a company department head, let them know that you've contacted the person in question
Step 4. Highlight skills and experience that may be valuable to the company
In the second paragraph, talk about how you can be a company asset in a position of interest. Mention skills such as leadership and self-motivation skills to complete this paragraph.
For example, mention that you are proactive and good at motivating yourself, then tell how you pioneered a volunteer program to take care of abandoned dogs at an animal shelter, for example
Step 5. End the letter with some sort of "call to action"
For the final paragraph, state what you will do next or what you want the recruiter to do in response to this letter. Include the date you will follow up again.
For example, if you are waiting for an interview, say when you can do it, saying, "I would like to discuss this opportunity with you in person. I can come on Thursday and Friday afternoons after 2pm."
Step 6. Check the letter carefully before it is printed and signed
If you send a letter that contains typos and grammatical errors, you will be at your own loss. Read aloud to catch grammatical errors and spot awkward wordings.
Consider asking a friend, teacher, or tutor to read the letter. They can give you tips for writing a more powerful and persuasive letter
Step 7. Include a copy of your CV
Reread the CV that has been sent to the recruiter and update it if there are any changes. Check before printing.
Print CV on quality CV paper. You can find it online or at an office supply store. It would be nice if the letter was also printed on the same paper
Tip:
If there have been significant changes to your CV since you last sent it to a recruiter, mention those changes in the letter.
Tips
- Organize all the business cards, brochures, and other information you receive at career fairs so that they are easy to find. Try creating a custom document that lists potential contacts and all established connections, and when you should follow up.
- Since handwritten cards are a rarity, a handwritten thank you note on professional paper can set you apart. Just make sure that your handwriting is neat and legible, otherwise this idea will only become your weapon.
