Learn how to deal with no response or rejection from your career fair follow-up email, and how to keep your job search momentum going.

A great way to keep in touch is to not make every outreach about your job search. There are multiple ways to contact a recruiter or other connection that are focused on them and not focused on getting something for you: 1) send them an article related to their work; 2) recommend a book or other resource related to a professional (or personal) interest of theirs; 3) refer other people who would be good for them to know, and that could include other candidates for openings they post that aren't for you; 4) congratulate them if you hear good news about their company. Any of these points of contact keep you front of mind and remind them to contact you, but you're not pestering them with yet another request about your job search.

How do you handle no response or rejection from your career fair follow up email?

You attended a career fair and met some potential employers. You sent them a follow-up email to express your interest and remind them of your qualifications. But what if you don't hear back from them? Or worse, what if you get a rejection email? How do you handle these situations and keep your job search momentum going? Here are some tips to help you deal with no response or rejection from your career fair follow-up email.

1 Be patient and persistent

It's normal to feel anxious and eager to hear back from the employers you contacted after a career fair. However, you also need to understand that they may be busy with other candidates, projects, or priorities. Don't assume that no response means no interest. Give them some time to process your email and respond. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a week before following up again. You can send a polite and brief reminder email that reiterates your interest and value, and asks for an update on their hiring process. Don't spam them with multiple emails or calls, as this may annoy them or make you seem desperate.

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Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Executive Recruiter and Career Coach | Founder, Dream Career Club | Author, Jump Ship: 10 Steps To Starting A New Career | Senior Contributor, Forbes Leadership
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A great way to keep in touch is to not make every outreach about your job search. There are multiple ways to contact a recruiter or other connection that are focused on them and not focused on getting something for you: 1) send them an article related to their work; 2) recommend a book or other resource related to a professional (or personal) interest of theirs; 3) refer other people who would be good for them to know, and that could include other candidates for openings they post that aren't for you; 4) congratulate them if you hear good news about their company. Any of these points of contact keep you front of mind and remind them to contact you, but you're not pestering them with yet another request about your job search.

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2 Accept and learn from rejection

Rejection is inevitable in any job search, and it can hurt your confidence and motivation. However, you shouldn't take it personally or let it stop you from pursuing other opportunities. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth or potential, but rather a result of many factors that are beyond your control, such as the employer's needs, preferences, budget, or timeline. Instead of dwelling on the negative, try to learn from the rejection and use it as feedback to improve your skills, resume, or interview techniques. You can also ask the employer for constructive criticism or suggestions on how to do better next time. Thank them for their time and consideration, and express your interest in keeping in touch for future openings.

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Lisa Plain, MBA, PCC

Founder of Career Balance Coaching | Named One of the Top 10 Career Coaches in Canada | Guiding 30-50 year olds to redefine, refocus, and renew their careers after a layoff.
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The good thing about rejection is that it shows you're putting yourself out there. If you're not getting rejections, you're not taking enough action. You can normalize rejection by setting rejection goals for yourself in your job search. For example, you could say "this month, I'm aiming for 20 rejections". The purpose of shifting your perspective and approaching it from a different angle is that along with those 20 rejections, you're likely to see some positive opportunities arise as well. Collect the "no's" to get closer to the "yeses"!

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3 Keep networking and applying

One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a career fair is to put all your eggs in one basket and wait for a response from one or a few employers. This can limit your options and waste your time. You should treat your career fair follow-up email as one of many steps in your job search strategy, not as the end goal. You need to keep networking and applying to other relevant and suitable positions, and expand your reach and exposure. You never know when or where you might find your next opportunity, so don't stop looking and connecting with people who can help you achieve your career goals.

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4 Stay positive and resilient

The job search process can be challenging and frustrating, especially when you face no response or rejection from your career fair follow-up email. However, you should not let this discourage you or affect your self-esteem. You should stay positive and resilient, and focus on the things you can control, such as your attitude, effort, and actions. Remember that every no brings you closer to a yes, and that there is a job out there that matches your skills, interests, and values. You just need to keep trying, learning, and improving until you find it.

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5 Seek support and guidance

You don't have to go through your job search journey alone. You can seek support and guidance from various sources, such as your friends, family, mentors, coaches, or peers. They can offer you emotional support, encouragement, advice, or referrals, and help you cope with the stress and uncertainty of your job search. You can also use online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, or courses, to learn more about job search strategies, best practices, and trends. You can also join online communities, groups, or forums, where you can share your experiences, challenges, and successes with other job seekers, and get tips, feedback, or recommendations from them.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Lynn Hankins
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Sometimes these situations can be a blessing in disguise. I interviewed for a position that I was told I had the skills and after interviewing was told that I had the best interview and actually answered the questions indicating I could do the job but then never heard anything back despite individually emailing everyone in the interview. I later found out that one of the employees, whom I had worked with in another department, had bad-mouthed me and said things that were not true. In the end, the environment was not a good one and it was my good luck that I was not hired. Sometimes things do work out for the best.

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How do you handle no response or rejection from your career fair follow up email?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Be patient and persistent

2 Accept and learn from rejection

3 Keep networking and applying

4 Stay positive and resilient

5 Seek support and guidance

6 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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How do you handle no response or rejection from your career fair follow up email?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Be patient and persistent

2 Accept and learn from rejection

3 Keep networking and applying

4 Stay positive and resilient

5 Seek support and guidance

6 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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