No matter if you were invited to a function hosted by a student organization or a law firm, an invitation that comes with an RSVP means just that – “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” or “Please reply.” Your hosts, no matter how big or small, need to plan accordingly, and this is a small, but vital step towards building your reputation within the organization.
Helpful tips:
- Reply in the manner indicated in the invitation. If they are requesting you to sign up via online portal, don’t call. Following directions is a sure-fire way to win the hearts of the recruiters.
- If at the last minute a true emergency happens (not just a better option or your sweatpants and Netflix calling), it is important to let the host know immediately. Being a “No Show” is not only rude, but also can detrimentally impact your reputation with the firm. Often firms print out name tags before events; you don’t want your name to be the one on the table at the end of the night. Other times, firms behind the scenes will talk to their associates about speaking to certain individuals due to shared interests. You wouldn’t want an associate to note that you were absent after they were expecting you.
- If you are invited to multiple receptions for the same evening, you can attend multiple events. Please let the recruiters know that you will be arriving late or leaving early. While you don’t have to give specifics, it doesn’t hurt for the hosts to know that you are a sought after guest! The exception to this (because we are lawyers and love a good exception) is a sit-down dinner invitation. It is not appropriate to arrive late to a sit down dinner invitation.
- Do not bring a guest. Unless an invitation states that you may bring a guest, don’t ask to bring someone. Firms are often intentional about who they extend invitations to, as these events are often an extension of the interview process. You don’t want to put the host in an awkward situation, and sometimes bringing a guest may impede your networking, as you may be concerned about your guest instead of developing new relationships.
- Don’t disappear at the end of the evening. Make sure to thank your hosts before you leave, and then follow up with an email thank you note the next day. It can be very brief. We at the Career Center are happy to review.
- Don’t forget to view the latest update on 1L employer winter receptions here and don’t forget to RSVP!