Get the most out of a every opportunity by knowing what to take to job fairs

With unemployment at near record highs, people are looking for any way to get a foot in the door.  Job fairs are one of the easiest ways to make contact with a number of employers in a short time.

But just showing up for a job fair won’t guarantee you a new position.  Of course your skills and experience matter.  But what you bring to job fairs also makes a big difference in your chance of finding a fresh start with a new company.

Here are the things you need to bring to the next job fair to have the best chance at landing a job.

Lots of copies of your resume

Don’t underestimate the number of resumes you need to bring to job fairs.  Not only do you want to give one to each potential employer, but some companies will request you leave multiple copies.

If necessary, leave extra copies of your current resume in the car, so you can get them when you run out. 

But whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of one job hunter I met.  He brought only one copy of his resume, saying he did not want to waste paper on resumes until he had an interview.  He thought seeing his resume would be enough to get him an interview, but his attempt at being green failed to garner him any job offers. 

An up-to-date listing of your references

Potential employers who request a copy of your resume may also wish to have you complete an application.  And that means you’ll need the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your references.

Be sure you’ve checked with people before you list them as references, by the way.  Nothing’s worse than having a reference caught off guard or one who doesn’t remember your work.

A letter binder or pocket folder

Be sure to bring something to collect and organize information you gather.  Sometimes plastic bags are provided, but that?s a good way to go home with crumpled applications and mismatched business cards.

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Your business cards

You must have networking cards to be successful at job fairs.  These are a personal “calling” card with your contact information. Offer each person you talk to one of your cards.  Make sure all of the information on your card is current.  Crossed out information, or cards from a job you no longer have are not acceptable.

A small package of sticky notes

If you talk to a potential employer and take away a business card or application, make notes about the conversation on sticky notes and attach them to the papers or cards.  That way you won?t forget a name or find yourself with an odd telephone number but no information about who it belongs to.

Several good pens

Odds are a few employers will ask you to fill out applications or contact cards.  Avoid getting off on the wrong foot by having to ask for a pen, or having a pen quit halfway through a form.

Make sure all of the pens you bring are the same color, preferably black.  That way, if  a pen quits, you can continue filling out the form without an obvious break.

A watch or a cell phone with alarms

It?s not uncommon at job fairs to be asked to come back to the booth at a later time.  Make sure you?re on time by having a watch or cell phone ready to keep track of your schedule.

A well-dressed you

It may not be an official job interview, but you?ll never get to that step if you show up at job fairs dressed for the beach or a night on the town. 

Consider a job fair step one in the interview process, and dress accordingly.  Remember, your appearance that day will be a potential employer?s first impression.  Make it a good one.