Be prepared before going to career fair

CAREER FAIRS can be the perfect occasions to network with recruiters who could help you land an interview.

Don’t waste your chance to make a good impression.

Know what type of job you want. Most fair organizers publish company participant lists in advance. Investigate those organizations’ needs and how they match with your skills, experiences and accomplishments.

What problems do they have that you can solve? Plan to be able to articulate the match between their needs and what you can offer.

Be able to introduce yourself to potential employers. This isn’t as easy as it might seem. Most jobseekers fail to have a succinct, clear and direct answer to the inevitable question, “Can you tell me about yourself?”

Don’t forget, your answer must articulate how your skills, accomplishments and experiences directly relate to the type of job you want to land at the organization.

Know about the company. There’s nothing more appealing to an employer than prospective hires who actually know something about their organization.

Spend time researching the organization. Learn about a company’s values, its competitors and the type of person who would thrive there.

Have some good questions to ask. Once you know the basics, it’s easy to draft several inquiries to make you look smart, informed, and on target. Has the company recently had some positive press? Comment on it!

Learn about the recruiter. If you can identify the recruiter who will attend the career fair, then look her up on Linkedin. Does she list any special interests or causes? Make notes and plan some conversation starters.

Look the part. It is absolutely crucial to dress professionally. This typically means a business suit that fits, a clean, pressed shirt or blouse, and polished shoes.

Bring copies of your résumé. Even though you will likely have to apply online, you must bring these along.

Swap business cards. Even if you’re not currently employed, create a professional business card with your name, a headline that illustrates what you do and your contact information. Be sure to use a professional email address. Be sure to pick up business cards from everyone you meet.

Follow up. Send the recruiter a note. Remind her of your qualifications. Explain that you applied online for the job, and reiterate your strong interest in working at the organization.

Don’t forget to connect with recruiters via Linkedin after the event. Be sure to create a LinkedIn profile before you touch base.

You may be surprised by how few people actually take this key step. It can make a difference between landing an interview or not.

Adjust your attitude. Even if you’re feeling down about your job prospects, make an effort to smile and act positive when meeting people at a job fair. No one wants to hire someone who seems bitter or unhappy.

Miriam Salpeter Excerpted from U.S. News & World Report’s Money page, at money.usnews.com.