So you’ve passed the first hurdle toward landing that internship or job. No more sweaty palms, nervously waiting in long lines, or practicing your elevator pitch; you’ve put away the stifling suit or too-tight heels, relieved that it’s all over. You’re not done yet though! The real work is just beginning. Read on to find out what’s next.
1) Follow up with recruiters
If you had a particularly good conversation with a representative of a company you’re interested in, stand out from the crowd and send a follow-up email. This email could serve as a thank-you note for their time, a chance for you to ask any additional questions you may have thought of, and a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the company and restate your skills and experience. Make sure to attach your résumé as well so the recruiter can have an easily accessible copy at their fingertips. At the very least, going the extra mile to reach out to them will keep you fresh in their memory and demonstrate your interest in the company. Because after all, who doesn’t want a passionate employee or intern working for them?
2) Stay organized!
While it’s still fresh in your mind, write down a short description about each company you talked to: note good conversations, names of the people you spoke to, which companies didn’t interest you, any advice you might have received (“come back next year when you’re older”). Don’t just plop the folder down with all the fliers and business cards you picked up and leave it sitting there for two weeks; be proactive, and do yourself a favor by writing it all down before you forget.
3) Check out the HuskyCareerLink
Even though it feels like summer just ended, most internships and job postings are looking to hire for next summer right now. That means deadlines for applications are right around the corner! UConn’s HuskyCareerLink through the Center for Career Development is a great way to stay on top of application deadlines. Create a profile through the link by answering a few basic questions (major, expected graduation year) and uploading any materials you’d like to send to employers (résumé, unofficial transcript). Once this process is complete, you can search for any company and see if job and internship postings are available. Due dates for applications are listed there, along with what types of supplementary materials the company requires for application submission (maybe a cover letter, for example). You can also read more about the positions available, what skills they’re looking for, and find contact information if you have any questions. Submit the required materials and you’re done!
4) Research the companies
While you may have done some preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the companies before attending the fair, take the time to read more in-depth about your favorite companies post-career fair. You can even follow the companies on social media, particularly on LinkedIn. Following a company on LinkedIn specifically can help you stay up-to-date on news pertaining to that company, but more importantly, can impress your potential employer. A company’s home page will yield valuable news updates that you can casually bring into conversation when you’re acing the interview. If you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and its industry, you’ll look more knowledgeable and worldly, two traits that will certainly set you apart from the competition.
5) Follow up in person
Some companies have a presence around UConn and visit the school beyond just the career fairs. Maybe they host a barbeque on campus for students, or hold an information session for networking and learning more about the company. Check your email regularly to make sure you’re not missing out on any of these opportunities to get your questions answered and make your name and face known. Who knows, you might even see the same recruiter you spoke to (and sent a thank-you email to, of course) from the career fair! Repeated, demonstrated interest is always in your favor.
6) Mark your calendar
Whether on your wall or in your phone, keep that calendar updated. Don’t let a deadline pass you by simply because one stressful week of midterms made you forget an important date. Be sure to mark off weeks during which on-campus interviews are being conducted (these dates are usually conveyed to you through email), days when employers are back on campus for info sessions, and when applications are due. You only get one shot. Don’t miss it!
7) Make sure you put your best foot forward
Last but not least, if you didn’t have time to get that résumé checked out before the career fair, do it now. There are tons of resources online to consult, résumé templates to copy, and of course, walk-in hours at the Center for Career Development to critique your résumé (Monday-Friday, 10AM – 5PM in Wilbur Cross, Room 202). The CCD also conducts mock interviews to prepare you for the real thing, and cover letters are critiqued as well (by appointment only). Consider creating a LinkedIn account for yourself if you don’t already have one; some employers look for that link on your résumé. As with everything, try to showcase your best self so that you have a chance of landing that interview.
If you try the above tips, you’ll surely be on your way to getting the job or internship you’re aiming for. Good luck!