Get the most out of a job fair — before, during and after

Sending your resumes out one at a time is a necessity of the job search but it can also be tedious. What if you could meet face-to-face with multiple employers within the span of a few hours? Wouldn’t that be a better use of your time?

Job fairs, hiring events, career expos — whatever you call them — are a perfect place to meet face-to-face with an employer. It is an opportunity to talk to a hiring manager about the company or a position before you apply. Even more importantly, it is an opportunity for the hiring managers to meet you before you apply so that they can keep a look out for your application and resume.

Warning: You can’t just show up to a job fair and be successful. There’s work to do before, during and after the event. Here are a few things to consider: Before the event • Do your research ahead of time: Research which companies will be in attendance and what job openings they have available. Write down questions you may have for different employers.

• Develop a strong resume: Resumes should be targeted to occupations or even specific jobs. Bring your best to the job fair.

• Develop a 30-second elevator speech: This allows you to quickly tell an employer about yourself. Include your skills, knowledge and interests. Practice it ahead of time to convey confidence.

• Come prepared: Make sure you have all the supplies you need for the day. Have them organized so you are not fumbling in front of an employer. Come with more copies of your resume than you think you will need; your portfolio of work if appropriate; business cards if you have them; a pad of paper to take notes; extra pens or pencils; personal care items (breath mints, brush; tissues, etc.) During the event • Dress professionally: Dress as if you were headed to an interview, because that’s what you are doing. Employers will make decisions based on first impressions. These can make a lasting impact, and can open doors or close them. (Tip: wear comfortable but professional shoes. You may be on your feet for several hours.)

• Arrive early: In some cases, you can preregister for the event. Do so. Lines can be long at the larger fairs, so if you arrive early and have your targeted companies in mind, you can meet them right away. • Map out your day: You’ve done your research. Locate each company on the event map so you can make the most of your time.

• Exude confidence with a strong handshake, intelligent questions and note taking: Recruiters spend all day hearing people talk about themselves. Try to make it a dialogue. Demonstrate your research by asking the recruiter questions. Show off your listening skills and take notes so you can follow up later.

• Leave your resume and card: Leave them with something such as your resume or a business card — or both. Don’t forget to grab a card from the employer as well. After the event

• Follow up on promises: If you said you would send something, do it.

• Send thank you notes: Hand written or email, send a note to each person you met. Thank them for their time and reinforce your interest in their company and/or a specific position.

For more advice, guidance and help, check out the Tri-Valley One-Stop’s website: www. trivalleyonestop.org. Better yet, stop in, come to a workshop and let the staff help you — all are free of charge.