If you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome, don’t stop your work when you leave the fair. There are still plenty of things to do to show your level of seriousness and professionalism.

Organize the information you’ve collected during the event.

• You will find quite a few job search tracking applications or worksheets available for free online. Find a tool that you will be comfortable with and that will help you get and remain organized.

Track and follow-up with contacts on LinkedIn

• If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, consider creating one, as it is a powerful networking tool.
• Did you know that the uOttawa Career Corner offers a free LinkedIn profile critique service?

Stay in touch with the employers that interest you most. It’s extremely important to keep the lines of communication open. Prepare and send personalized thank you emails to your top five to 10 most promising contacts. Send them within 24 to 48 hours of the event. In the emails you should:

• Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
• Review key points that were discussed during your conversation.
• Explain how you would be an asset to the employer (address the key points discussed in your conversation or from employer literature).
• Add new information that may not have been addressed during your quick meeting.
• Send a resumé that reflects the skills you have that meet the needs of the employer.
• Check back after a few weeks to see if opportunities are available for you with their organization.

The secret to effective networking is following up and staying in touch with your contacts.

• If you have promised something, be sure to do it.
• If you have agreed to meet at a later date, take the initiative of making the call to schedule the meeting.
• If you have been given the contact information of a third party or some sort  of lead, don’t forget to call back the person who provided you with the information to thank him or her, and more importantly, to report back on how things turned out.

Let us know how you did. Share your constructive comments with the uOttawa Career Corner team so we can plan even better events for you next year. Email us.

The University of Ottawa informs every employer attending our fairs that we adhere to NACE professional standards for college and university career services. If you believe that an employer has not respected those guidelines, it’s very important that you contact the Career Corner. We will immediately follow up with you and schedule an appointment to review any alleged incident.

Now that you’re all set, will you be attending one of our events? The uOttawa Career Corner is trying hard to make our students aware of our career events. Please help us spread the word!