How to Follow Up After a Career Expo

The career expo is over, After you've met with the recruiting team, handed in your resume and exchanged smiles, you may be left not knowing what to do, eternally waiting by the phone anticipating that fateful decision from the recruiter. Following these steps can give you an edge in the process, instead of just another resume to add to the pile. Here are ways to follow up after a career expo:

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Computer with email

Instructions

1. Send a combination thank-you letter and follow-up note. In one letter, express your thanks for the time and consideration the recruiter took in getting to know you at the expo. Also include additional information about you and your qualifications that you were unable to mention during your brief encounter with the recruiter. At the end of the letter, include a sentence or two promising that you can be available for an interview at the recruiter's convenience.

2. Call your contact person a week after sending the letter if you haven't heard anything back. Recruiters are busy people, and calling every day until they finally return your call will not get you anywhere. What will end up happening is you'll annoy them, and there is a fine line between being on top of things and being unprofessional. Relax, and remember that one form of communication per week is enough to get you a long way.

3. If you have not heard back and it's been a couple of weeks since the expo, contact the hiring manager directly. It's the recruiter's job to screen the candidates and refer them to the hiring manager for the second round of the process, but it's ultimately the manager's decision to hire you. Be resourceful and call the company HR for the contact information you need. You will appear like a go-getter who is serious about the job.

4. Use your connections. Sites like LinkedIn make this part easier for you, since you can virtually add contacts immediately and have access to their networks' networks. If you know someone in the industry, whether it's a professor, a family friend or your neighbor, he may know someone connected to the company or in a related position. Seek these people out and ask for informational interviews and they just might be able to connect you to the right person. Then during your interview, you can tell the hiring team about your contacts in the industry and how you've gained information and interest in the position through them.