Job fairs offer job seekers an opportunity to interact with several organizations in single day conveniently, at one location. The ability to network yourself to a targeted pool of employers can significantly improve your chance of landing a job in the area of your interest. What used to take several weeks of job hunting and setting up appointments at multiple companies can now be accomplished in one productive day. Job fairs allow job seekers to reach a number of potential employers directly, ensuring that their applications and resumes actually reach the appropriate hiring personnel. They may also get the opportunity to speak with potential employers so proper preparation, attire and speech is necessary to for a successful first impression. These tips will help you make the best impression.

• Dress for Success.

  Attend the job fair dressed for success in professional interview attire, and carry a portfolio. However, do wear comfortable shoes, because you will be standing in line.



• Practice a Pitch.

  Practice a quick pitch summarizing your skills and experience so you're ready to promote your candidacy to prospective employers.



• Bring Supplies.

  Bring pen/pencil, notepad, extra copies of your resume and a folder or portfolio to hold your materials. Plan to take at least 25 crisp resumes to a job fair, 40 or so if it's a huge event. (The job fair might have copy facilities for free or a small fee, which is nice if you run out. But don't count on it ahead of time.)



• Check Out Companies.

  Many job fairs and career expos have information on participating companies on the job fair organizers web site. Take the time to find out what companies will be represented before the day of the career fair. Research information about the participating companies and organizations prior to approaching the recruiters. Use the Internet, news sources and career fair materials to learn about the companies' booths you plan to visit. You can impress a recruiter by knowing about his or her company and can discuss its current situation.



• Arrive Early.

  Keep in mind that lines can be long, so arrive early - before the fair officially opens. Use time wisely. Determine where employers are located and in what order to visit them. Focus on three companies that you are truly interested in. Visit your targeted employers first with resume in hand, and spend some "quality time" with each. But, remember that they have many more job seekers waiting, so don't try to hog all their time or be offended if they cut it short. Once you've hit all of your targets, "shop" other employers' booths and do some networking. If the job fair has casual get-togethers, have some fun while networking too!



• Attend a Workshop.

  If the job fair has workshops or seminars, attend them. In addition to getting job search advice, you'll have more opportunities to network.



• Network.

  While you are waiting in line, talk to others. You never know who might be able to help with your job search.



• Initiative.

  Shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when you reach the table. Demonstrate your interest in the company and their job opportunities. Be direct. Introduce yourself, including your name and career interests. If you are job-seeking, state the type of position in which you are interested. If you are gathering information, let employers know that you are only interested in materials and information. Remember to use good eye contact and a firm handshake. Career fairs are the perfect place to use your elevator speech.



• Be Enthusiastic.

  Employer surveys identify one of the most important personal attributes candidates can bring to a new position as enthusiasm. This means that employers want to see you smile!



• Ask Questions.

  Have some questions ready for the company representatives. The more you engage them, the better impression you'll make. Make sure you learn from the recruiter employment and/or hiring trends, skills necessary for different jobs, current openings, salary, benefits, training, and other information about the organization. Also make sure you know whom to contact for follow-up discussions. Ask the employer for the next steps in the recruitment process and try to obtain the recruiter's business card for follow-up discussions/correspondence.



• Take Notes.

  It's hard to keep track when you're meeting with multiple employers in a busy environment.Take down notes on the back of the business cards you have collected or on your notepad, so you have a reminder of who you spoke to about what.



• Say Thank You.

  Take the time to send a brief follow up thank you note or email to the company representatives you met at the job fair. It's a good way to reiterate your interest in the company and to remind company representatives that you're a strong candidate.



• After the Job Fair: -

  Afterwards, revisit the job fair organizers website periodically. Many continue to list new and unfilled openings for some time after job fairs. Post your resume if you haven't already done so. Again, if organizers don't offer these options, visit the sites of employers that interest you. It wouldn't hurt to visit the latter anyway, as they may have new openings they don't forward to the organizers after the job fair. But don't bombard employers with your resume, as it'll appear that you're unorganized and not keeping track. One resume in three to six months is enough. If you want to know what's going with your resume or if you see a new position, send a follow-up letter or letter of inquiry instead. The employer will let you know if you should submit your resume again.