Just look in the Sunday paper or get on the internet and you’ll see plenty of career fairs out there. I’ll ask the question, “Are you ready?” Why would you even go to one of these things? The answer might surprise you.

In building your network through career fairs, I was quoted in yesterday’s Sunday paper. Let me share with you five simple steps:

• Dress professionally. Look at the fairs as a potential interview opportunity.
• Assess the list of participating employers ahead of time and develop a “short list” you want to focus on. Prepare targeted resumes for those companies.
• Make sure you have a supply of resumes and, if possible, business cards with you. Carry in a professional looking portfolio.
• Develop more than just a 30-second “elevator speech” to introduce yourself - make sure you know 10 and 20 second versions, too.
• Get a business card from every person you speak with and most important, follow up with them after the fair!

Also, keep this in mind - all career fairs are not created equal. Some may meet your needs and others may not. The key is to know what you are looking for? Make a list. Are the companies that will attend on your “target list”?

Finally, finding a position is all about building relationships, and going to job fairs is a good way to network and meet new people. You never know how a connection will play out!

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