How to Follow Up – Networking Edition

Follow UpYou attended a networking event, career fair, virtual event, or have networked in another fashion and now you are at that pivotal junction: how do I follow up to let them know I am interested and want to move forward with this (professional) relationship? The good news is that you have a couple of different options! 

📨Email  

Send that follow up email! After you received their contact information from your interaction, an obvious next step is sending them an email. Thank them for their time, refer back to key takeaways from the conversation, and let them know if you have taken any action steps (like applying to an opportunity). We also have some great resources to help you format those emails to showcase the best you! Try to send this thank you email within 24 hours of the interaction.

📋Apply 

Did you chat about an open position? Even if you didn’t specifically talk about an opening, but there is one of interest, APPLY! This will also help when you send that follow up email — keeping the momentum going and highlighting your application.  

💻Connect 

Use Handshake to search for students who have had an opportunity with the organization and reach out to them to learn more. This will help you build your network of contacts associated with the organization. It could also provide valuable information on what the interning/working experience was like for that student, how they were able to succeed in the interview process, and any other tips and tricks they may have for exceling at the organization. When you talk to recruiters, you can let them know that you have chatted with other students and highlight some insider knowledge to show you’ve gone the extra step to learn more.  

⭐Follow 

Follow the employer(s) of interest on Handshake and LinkedIn. On Handshake, you’ll be the first to be notified when they post new opportunities, host an event, or partake in events here at Tufts!

By Susannah Krenn
Susannah Krenn Assistant Director, Communications & Marketing / Career Advisor