“This Friday, hundreds of employers will be at the downtown convention center seeking to hire employees just like you. Admission and parking are free. Bring lots of copies of your resume and references, and be ready to find the job that’s right for you.”

We’ve all seen and heard these ads for career fairs, which enable job seekers to meet with a variety of employers who have current openings. Although few leave these events with a job offer in-hand, job fairs can be important tools in your search for a suitable job.

If you aren’t one of those lucky few who land a job on the spot, why should you attend a career fair? The answer is simple. If approached properly, these gatherings can be very effective in landing the right job. Here are seven ways to use job fairs to find your next employer:

1. Dress appropriately.
   You only get one opportunity to make a first impression. Treat job fairs as if they are a series of interviews—because they are. Wear suitable business attire and conduct yourself professionally.

2. Do your research.
   Identify the companies you are interested in before you go. Then, talk with the recruiter to learn more about the company, the positions they have available and what they are looking for in a new employee.

3. Enhance your network.
   Use the meeting with each company as an opportunity to further build your network. Share your goals and experience with the recruiters, as well as with other attendees you meet in line. What starts as chit-chat can lead to valuable information about new opportunities.

4. Practice your pitch.
   Use the job fair as a tune-up for a more formal interview. Prepare a brief commercial about yourself, then make note of the questions the recruiter asks you. The recruiter’s reaction and follow-up questions will help you fine-tune your personal promotional pitch.

5. Ask about next steps.
   At the close of each interview at the job fair, get the recruiter’s business card and find out how and when you should follow up.

6. Take notes after each meeting.
   Before moving on to the next table, jot down a few notes about the person you just met and what they said about the position and the company. These notes will help you remember who to follow up with and will be useful in writing thank you notes and preparing for formal interviews. 

7. Find out “what’s out there.”
   Generally, companies who attend job fairs are looking to fill existing positions, although some may simply be collecting resumes for anticipated future openings. Gather information about both existing and future hiring needs.

For more information about making the most of job fairs, see the related feature "Presenting: What to do during the job fair"