Follow Up After Events (tips and tricks)

When recruitment events are over, follow up is often on the brain. Follow up is an important process of building professional relationships because it helps continue a connection that began at an event, during an informational interview, etc. Here are a few tasks to consider when following up with connections you’ve made.

  • Note what stood out to you in your conversations. What conversations seemed like a real connection?
  • What individual connections did you make that you want to continue? You don’t need to follow up with everyone because it’s doubtful you had a true connection with each person. Be selective about your follow up.
  • Send a follow up message via email or LinkedIn. Use these guides to help you craft your message.
  • Determine a system for tracking your correspondence. You’re probably attending a number of events and networking sessions. Without a system, you’re likely to lose track of valuable connections and your conversations with them. One system you can consider is the meeting tracker within Interstride.  It helps you to quickly enter your interactions with dates, contact info, and notes so that you don’t have to create your own system. Look for the button on the left. As you log your notes, you might consider when a strategic follow-up should happen, and schedule that, too. One less thing to keep track of in the future.
By Jenny Johnson (she/her)
Jenny Johnson (she/her) Assistant Director, Engineering Master's Career Services & Professional Development