So I went to the Career Fair…Now What?

Earlier in the semester, the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment hosted over twenty agricultural companies at our annual Career Fair.  Students labored over their preparations for the Career Fair: we searched for the perfect professional outfit, brushed up our resumes with a fine toothed comb, and practiced our handshakes- all for the sake of securing an interview for a job or internship.  Now that the Career Fair is over, we’re done, right?

WRONG!  We are done with the hard part- making a good first impression with the recruiters.  Now, however, we have the opportunity to not only remind our potential employers of our names and credentials, but we also have the opportunity to impress them with our follow-up etiquette. 

What exactly is follow-up etiquette?  It is the simple steps we can take to ensure the connections we made at the Career Fair are solidified.  The day or so after the Career Fair, be sure to contact the employers to whom you spoke.  Sending a quick, simple e-mail thanking them for taking their time to come to the Career Fair and reminding them that you are interested in their company can help you to stand out above all the other people they met at the Career Fair.  If you spoke with them about something unusual, such as sports during your initial introduction or connection, mention it in your e-mail.  You want the employers to read it and think, “Oh, right, I remember this person…” 

Countless interviews, internships, and jobs have been won at Career Fairs, and the Career Fair hosted by the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment this week is no exception.  Who knows?  Maybe it will be YOU who earns one of those coveted positions at the prestigious companies who were on campus - just remember to use your follow-up etiquette and solidify the connections made.  

Looking for help o your internship or job search within the College?  Contact Amanda Saha, the College's new Director of Career Development & Enrichment.  

- Kendall

Kendall is a senior majoring in Agricultural Education.  She is from Georgetown, Kentucky and will be student teaching in the spring.  After graduation, Kendall would like to work in the education sector.