You’ve attended the career fair, made connections, left behind your resume and made a great first impression- now what do you do? Now is the time to show the employer just how interested you are in that position. Following are some helpful tips and suggestions on what to do after the career fair is over.

Within the week following the event, send a thank you email or note. This will ensure that the employer remembers you and makes another good impression. Sending a thank you email or note is a professional gesture that shows your interest and maintains an open line of communication.

• Keep your thank you note or email professional and to the point, and remember to proof read it as well as you did your resume.
• Thank the recruiter for his/her time and express that you have a great interest in the company and position. You may want to mention why this job is such a great fit for you.
• If after sending your note you have not heard from the employer, do another follow up and ask about the status of the position and next steps.

A full day at a Career Fair is definitely stimulating and it is likely that you had a lot of conversations, made many connections and have some things you’d like to reflect upon. Take some time to work on the items below to continue advancing your job search.

• At the fair you will do a lot of networking with other attendees and may have received information about other companies and job openings. When you leave the event remember to follow up on those leads as well.
• Discuss the meetings with friends to keep the discussions you had fresh in your memory.
• Read over the notes you took while at the fair about the company, open positions, and other suggestions you may have received from recruiters or attendees.
• Think back on your conversations and write down the things you would like to remember to focus upon in a future networking situation or interview.

You took a great step with attending the career fair, making connections and following up. Keep that momentum going and continue to focus on your job search rather than waiting to hear back from companies. Until you have accepted a new job offer you should continue to pursue leads.

• If you made a commitment to an interview be sure to show up or cancel promptly. Leave the recruiter with a positive impression even if you decide the next step is not a right fit for you.
• Recruiters do not always respond right away, and sometimes not at all, to thank you notes. Stay on track with your follow ups and requesting information on next steps.
• Consider your next job offer carefully- it is important to find a job, but take the time to select a position that is a fit so that you aren’t quickly engaged in another job search.
• Job rejections are not fun, but everyone receives them at one time or another. Look at it as a way to close out that chapter of your job search and move on to the next. This company is not the only one who will appreciate the skills you have to offer.

Throughout your job search remember to maintain that positive, action-oriented attitude that got you to the career fair in the first place. Each connection and discussion is an opportunity to move you forward!