When preparing for a career fair, your resume should be your top priority. You want to review your resume to ensure that it conveys your skills and accomplishments as they relate to your career path.

Verify the following items are correct on your resume:

• Name/Address
• Positions are listed chronologically
• Make sure that you list the dates of employment
• Use bullets or short sentences to describe your job duties
• Use professional references with the correct contact information

After reviewing your resume and making the necessary updates, you want to make sure that you have enough copies to provide to those hiring officials in attendance. Generally, you should bring twice as many resumes as the companies that are presenting.

Go to the job fair’s website and review the companies that are attending the job fair. Go to each company’s website and search for their current openings. If there are positions that you feel you are qualified for, follow the application process. Be sure to write down the job title/ job number that you applied to along with a brief description about the position. This could include the department, job duties, shift/work hours, etc. Keep this information so that you can have it handy when you attend the job fair.  Make sure that you go to those booths first and speak with the official there. Let them know the specific position you have applied for and provide them with a resume.

Dress comfortably for the job fair. More than likely you will have a lot of walking and standing. You want to dress professionally; however, you also want to be sensible. Flats or shoes with a low heel will work well on all surface types. Be mindful that the job fair could have a large turnout. Bring your patience with you.

Be prepared to receive handouts from the various vendors. Take a folder or book bag so that you will have somewhere to store the various items that you collect from the vendors. Make notations on the handouts that you receive. For example, if the official mentions that they will have specific positions available in the next week, document that so that you can follow-up with this organization. Occasionally vendors attending job fairs will ask that you email your resume or go to their website and create a profile.

Once you return home from the job fair, be sure to review your information immediately. Separate the information into various piles- companies with immediate openings, openings within the next 30 days or openings in the next six months. Document which positions you have applied for so that you can follow-up with the company within 48 hours.

Each job fair that you attend should be a learning experience. Don’t become dejected if you attend a job fair and there are 300 other people attending. Take the opportunity to network with others that have a similar career path. Share information and various tips. That individual could turn into the next hiring official!

- TJ