What to do after the career fair Published April 24, 2008 By Steve Auld Family Support Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- A week from now, the After Careers Career Fair will be history. Well, what did you gain from attending? You probably picked up a whole bag full of information on different companies. Maybe you completed several applications forms. You probably exchanged your resume for business cards. But is it really over? It is up to you. The key to being able to use the information from the Career Fair in the future is organization. Get a three ring binder and categorize it by companies that you have information on. If you left them a resume, include a copy of that resume in with the company information section. That way when you are called for an interview later, you'll know what information you included in your resume for that particular company. Nothing worse than trying to remember what you told them in your resume while fumbling through an interview. Include the company research you gathered before attending the Career Fair. Here is where you can also include any notes you took following the Career Fair, such as who you spoke with, comments the representative made, and any other pertinent information. Now you've got all that information organized, it is time to start your follow-up. A brief thank you note expressing appreciation for the opportunity to have met with the company representative at the Career Fair is not only appropriate, but pays big dividends. Fifteen percent of hiring managers surveyed by a popular job search website said they would not hire a candidate who did not follow up with a thank-you note. And 32 percent said they'd think less of the person who did not write. Consider preceding the "snail" mail thank you with an email or phone message immediately following the Career Fair. The point here is to get your name in front of the employer once again. This extra courtesy can be just the thing to get you noticed above other candidates. Also, don't forget to immediately send out any necessary information that may have been requested by the company rep on the day of the Career Fair. Your note can be handwritten or typed. Express your appreciation for the time the representative spent talking to you. You can also mention a topic discussed, a problem you can help solve or something you forgot to mention at the Career Fair. But do remember, this is a note, not a cover letter. Be sincere and be brief. Give an employer about two weeks after sending the thank you before starting any further follow-up. Contact the employers you met at the Career Fair and ask if they have had a chance to review your resume or application. See if there is any other information that they need about you. If they haven't had a chance to review your resume or make any decisions yet, ask when would be a good time to check back. Take notes on the call and include it in your company information section. Also, make a note of when you will call back on your calendar that you may want to include in your binder. Continue to conduct company research and include this new information in your binder. OK, you've successfully navigated the company research, career fair and application process, endured the long lines, successfully delivered your Three Minute Commercial, and completed the essential follow-up; you're still not done. Next up, the interview! The job interview is the single most make-it-or-break-it part of the job search process. What can you do to start preparing for the best interview possible? Call the Family Support Center at 739-2747 and make an appointment to attend the Interviewing workshop. In this informative workshop will teach you about the guidelines for preparing for the interview, the different types of interviews, interview stages and much more. Career Fairs. . .many shudder at the words. Many have heard horror stories of long lines, companies attending but not hiring, confusion, crowds, and the inevitable sea of business suits. There are "Three P's" for succeeding at the Career Fair. Preparation - the key to successful endeavors. Obtain a list of employers and plan your strategy for which companies you will like to visit. (List available at the Family Support Center, Building 6001, after October 26.) A perfect resume is a must. Learn how to sell yourself fast. Professionalism - a must at the Job Fair. Now is not the time to stand out and be noticed with unusual clothing or resumes. Be polite at all times. Recruiters see candidates as possible future representatives of their organizations. Display confidence and enthusiasm. Get the recruiter's business card and discuss how and when you should follow up with the recruiter. Patience - a virtue taught by Moms everywhere Remember: Lines will be long, so wear comfortable shoes. Make notes after speaking with a recruiter. Statistics from career fairs indicate that 49 percent of candidates receive interviews from career fairs, and 65 percent of those eventually receive offers. This process can take three to four months (or longer). You might feel apprehensive now, but if you follow the "Three P's" you can have a successful career fair experience. If you need further information or would like to sign up for a Interviewing workshop, contact the Family Support Center at 739-2747.