The Job Fair is Over....Now What? Post Job Fair Tips

We’ve written about how to kill it at the job fair and how to leave a lasting impression at the Job Fair. But, what happens when the Job Fair doors close?Here at Codeup, we’re passionate about bridging the gap between talent and demand, so we’ve outlined helpful tips to ensure you continue bringing your A-game and leave a lasting impression!

1) Make meaningful connections with employers on LinkedIn

Don’t let yourself become someone they barely remember. Find the recruiters on LinkedIn and connect with them.Add a personal note as to why you want to connect with them. Consider recapping conversations you had at the job fair and reiterating what position(s) in which you were interested. Don’t blindly connect - remind them of who you are!

2) Social Media

Use social media to your advantage! Companies are more connected than ever before, so what better way to show you’re interested than by following them on social media? Some key ones include LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and possibly even Instagram. But, WHY social media? You’ll be constantly in the loop of what the companies are up to and what they’re in the business of doing. As a result, you stay relevant.

3) Set up alerts

In the advent of social media, apps are also on the rise. Set up alerts through your favorite job sites - almost all of which have apps.Here's a few that our Director of Employer Partnerships recommend:

• LinkedIn and the LinkedIn Jobs app (iOS) and (Android)
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Dice

4) Double check your resume

Do you have two resumés? It’s best to have two - one that is tailored for the role you want and one tailored to recruiters. Hand out the latter one to recruiters or at job fairs. It should also highlight the well roundedness of who you are!

5) How’s your cover letter?

Step one: do you have a cover letter? Step two: is it one that can be tailored with minimal effort? While most companies nowadays don’t require a mandatory cover letter, it’s good to have one on file. This link has great tips on prepping one.

6) Recruiters can be your friend (in the professional sense)

A good recruiter won't view working with you as a transaction. Working with a recruiter allows you to a) outsource a significant portion of the job search while also gaining a direct connection to a professional network b) give you access to a transparent job search process (such as company culture and interviewer style). In addition, it's in a recruiter's best interest to stay in touch with you once you accept an offer to make sure you're adjusting. You're not a transaction - you're an investment. When they see you continue to succeed, it allows them to stay at the top of your mind as you continue your professional path.

7) Show that you’re available

Does your LinkedIn reflect that you’re wanting to hear from recruiters? This is an often overlooked step, but is key when actively job searching.

Other (little) things that make a (BIG) Difference

• Functional email address
• Have a functional GMAIL address. Why Gmail? It's encrypted in transit and at rest. These emails are typically embraced by HR and recruiting managers
• If you have an email ending in .edu, that's okay!
• In addition, a naming conversation is encouraged, like "first.last," 'last.first," anything that incorporates your names and not personally identifying information (i.e. birthdays, SSN)
• Set up an outgoing voicemail, so recruiters aren’t totally detracted from the message. It helps convey a soft skill by hearing a voice We know robo calls are the worst. But, it’s best to answer your phone from unknown numbers while job searching - especially if it’s a local number to the job market where you’re searching. It could be a recruiter or a hiring manager who’s interested in you in that very moment, and may pass you up for the next person that picks up the phone.

The next Tech Job Fair is scheduled for September 2018. Until then, we wish you all the best of luck as you continue navigating through the job search!