| Whether you are graduating from college, returning | | | | Figure out your target. When you arrive at the job |
| to the work force, or contemplating a career change, | | | | fair, take a moment to figure out where your target |
| career fairs have lots to offer a job seeker. Following | | | | employers are located and have a plan for organizing |
| a few basic guidelines can help you make the most | | | | your time. Too much aimless wandering will decrease |
| of the experience and maximize some great | | | | your energy and make it difficult to stay focused. |
| networking opportunities. | | | | Network, network and network. Take advantage of |
| Dress as you would for a job interview. The | | | | opportunities to network not just with potential |
| interactions you have with prospective employers at | | | | employers, but with other job seekers. They may be |
| a job fair are likely to be brief, and first impressions | | | | able to offer valuable information that could save you |
| count. Put your best foot forward with proper attire, | | | | time, or open you up to possibilities you hadn't |
| a smile, and a confident hand shake. Also remember | | | | already considered. |
| your own promotional materials, and a professional | | | | Follow up. Once you have met with an employer, get |
| looking case to hold them as well as the information | | | | their contact information, and take some notes to |
| you collect. | | | | remind you of points you want to follow up on, |
| Come prepared. Bring copies of your up-to-date | | | | additional questions you may have thought of, and |
| resume, and be ready to talk about yourself. What | | | | any specific recommended action. Follow up with a |
| kind of positions are you interested in? How does | | | | thank you note or email to express your appreciation |
| your previous experience relate? Decide ahead of | | | | and solidify your good impression. |
| time what skills you are going to promote, and have | | | | Remember, even if you do not receive a job offer |
| the evidence to back them up. | | | | immediately following your attendance at a job fair, |
| Do your homework. Spend some time browsing | | | | networking is a huge and very valuable aspect of any |
| company websites ahead of time to get a better | | | | job hunt. Take business cards to exchange with |
| feel for their organizations, what they have to offer, | | | | others in the interest of helping one another and |
| and what they are looking for. Having a good basic | | | | broadening your contact list. A job fair is also good |
| understanding of a company will enable you to get | | | | for keeping you in practice, refreshing your interview |
| right to the point when you have the opportunity to | | | | skills, staying on top of job trends, and more. Make |
| ask questions in person. This will allow you to ask | | | | the most of your opportunity to meet others, |
| more useful questions, as well as make a better | | | | exchange information, give a positive impression of |
| impression than a person who has not prepared | | | | yourself, and remain open to future possibilities. |
| ahead. | | | | |