hiring event next steps

If you chatted with a recruiter during a hiring event, that’s a priceless connection you can leverage in the hiring process, and it’s a good idea for you to send the recruiter an email within 24-48 hours after the event. It’s also a good idea to email the employers of job openings you sumbitted your resume/applied for or expressed an interest in, whether you chatted with a recruiter or not.

It’s always a good idea to follow up with employers you meet at job fairs, even if the company doesn’t have an immediate need for someone with your qualifications or even if you decide you aren’t interested in the job after chatting with the recruiter. Sending a follow-up email reiterates your interest in the organization and serves as a reminder of who you are to a busy recruiter who met with many competitive job candidates during the event.

When should I follow-up?
Send your email promptly, but be sure to give yourself enough time to draft a professional and intentional message. It’s better to send a thoughtful, professional message 48 hours after the event than a rushed, poorly written one 24 hours after. Consider following up during standard business hours (M-F 8 am-5 pm); but if the only time you can find to send an email is after work on a Thursday or when you wake up on Sunday, don’t let that stop you.

What do I say?
Your message should be short, simple, original (don’t copy and paste!) and genuine. To ensure the recruiter knows who you are and what job you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to include the elements listed below in your email.

• Reference the name, date and location of the event where you interacted with the employer. Recruiters oftentimes attend multiple events in a day or week, so including the event name, date and location will help refresh their memory on where they met you.
• If you had a good conversation, note something specific you discussed during the hiring fair that the recruiter might remember you by.
• Reiterate your interest in the position, and reference the position using the exact title used during the hiring fair. If you use an incorrect or shortened position title, you could confuse the recruiter.
• Remind the recruiter why you’re interested in the position and why you’re the right candidate for the job.
• Thank the recruiter for their time and consideration, and provide updated contact information so they can reach you.
• Make sure your follow up is well written, maintains a professional tone, and uses proper grammar.

What if I don’t hear back right away?
Don’t worry – but also don’t spam or harass. Checking in 10-14 days after an initial interaction or after a follow-up email is an appropriate amount of time to reach back out to a recruiter. Recruiters are busy, and the process of reviewing resumes and interest also takes time. Be enthusiastic – but also be patient and don’t abuse your connection with the recruiter.

Subject Line: [Your First Name Your Last Name] – [Job Title] Interest

Dear [Mr./Ms. Recruiter Last Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to chat with me at the [Event Name] in [City/Location] on [Event Date or Day of Week]. It was great to learn about [specific detail from conversation with recruiter], and I’m very interest in the [position/job title] at [Company Name]. I believe my [relevant, personal experience] makes me a strong candidate for the job.

For your convenience, I have attached a copy of the resume I submitted during the hiring fair, and I am happy to provide references at your request. I will call next week to see if we can arrange a time to discuss this position. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me at this time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Your First Name Your Last Name
Your phone number
Your email address

Having experience, credentials, and/or skill sets can only get you so far in your job search. Being interview-ready is a critical part of getting the job.

We offer free virtual workshops every week that are designed to help you prepare for an interview by teaching you how to feel confident and giving you opportunities to practice interviewing skills. Click the link below to view upcoming workshops.

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Don’t just wait around for a job offer or interview request – be proactive! If you haven’t heard back about the position within 10-14 days after the event, check in with the recruiter.

Sending a follow up email will help you understand where the company is in the hiring process, as well as let the recruiter know you are still interested in the position.

If you are unemployed, you should treat your job search like your full-time job – or at least your part-time job. Maintaining a regular schedule will help you work steadily toward your employment goals. 

Try to wake up at the same time every day and complete job-seeking activities during the time you would normally be at work. If you are looking for jobs while maintaining a regular work schedule, dedicate an hour or two to the job search each evening before or after dinner. Activities can include attending hiring events, applying for jobs online, following up on applications and interviews, networking and volunteering, updating and improving your resume, practicing interviewing, honing your responses to potential interview questions, and attending job readiness workshops.

WorkInTexas.com, Texas’ largest employment database, is a great tool for helping you find jobs in your area that align with your skills, interests, education, work schedule, and salary requirements. If you haven’t already, create an account to view job openings and utilize its smart job matching features to simplify your online job search.

If you don’t have an account and would like assistance setting one up, request 1-on-1 virtual assistance from one of our representatives.