Step 1: Prepare

1. A rewarding job search strategy is to target your applications toward jobs you are most likely to get. Look at the businesses that will be attending and the types of open positions they have. Do your homework. Check companies websites for their background, areas that they focus on as well as company missions statements.
2. Review and fact check your resume, no need to exaggerate, there are many great jobs that you are qualified for with the experience you actually have. Proof and print out no less than ten copies your resume or have a professional looking business card that included a way to view your resume and contact information. Consider loosing the flippant Instagram moniker for a simple one that includes your first and last name rather than @HotGuy95 or Adulting@gmail.com.
3. Update any certifications, or industry specific credentials.
4. Portfolios should be organized in categories with your most current work first.

Step 2: Dress for Success

Wear your most professional outfit. While multi company job fairs may seem less formal and more relaxed than one on one interviews, they’re not. Companies make significant investments in job fairs, from registration and set-up costs to personnel time and technology. They take the events very seriously and are looking for job seekers to do the same. Dressing professionally shows them you’re serious. Many will make hiring decisions on the spot.

Step 3: Day of

1. Before entering the event, make sure to have your resume ready, proofread it. Send yourself a copy of your resume to your phone. This way you can easily forward to potential employers or recruiters.
2. Check your technology, maybe sure you have a fully charged battery on your phone and any other electronic devices you might need; laptop tablet.
3. Know what your goals are, what are you seeking in a new position and what your expectations are.
4. Be Professional
   1. Be polite, do not use slang. You will need to initiate some conversations, do it. Start talking to someone new with, ”Hello, tell me about what you are looking for?”
   2. This is where your research on the company will be useful, bring up anything you thought was interesting in your research about this company or their competitors.
   3. Stand up straight and make eye contact this projects self-assurance.
   4. It is acceptable to not shake hands post pandemic. If the other person reaches out, you can offer a fist bump or elbow bump. Or you can keep your hands full with your computer, folder, notebook or jacket.
5. Take Notes
   1. This step is perhaps the easiest and most important to accomplish. Take notes, you will speak to several different businesses and it will be difficult to remember who said what once you leave.
   2. Write it down, even if you take notes in your phone or on your device, take notes.
   3. Based on the research you did on the attending companies, use your notes to develop questions to ask the recruiters. Write down the answers.

Step 4: Follow-Up

Send thank you notes to everyone who takes the time to talk to you. It will impress them and keep your name and resume at the top of their mind.