With so many people crowding job fairs, are they even worth going to?

Absolutely. Human resources representatives who know the job openings and the culture of the organization will personally be on hand. And best of all, you can introduce yourself and ask them questions. You can’t get that from a website.

But, there are two things you have to do: First, change your mindset from going to find a job, to going to find an interview. That is the measure of success at a job fair. Second, prepare to walk up to a potential employer, start talking about yourself and impress them!

It’s nail-biting, but it’s all about the approach. Put some time and energy to demonstrate you are not just another person. Position yourself to be the person they want to talk to.

Your background must fit the opportunities so target job fairs that focus on the industry where you want to work. When possible, pre-register and see what companies will be there.

Then go to their websites and learn about them and what types of jobs are available. Next, evaluate your abilities in relationship to the jobs. If you do not have exactly the skills they are seeking, prepare to relate your strengths to a company’s needs.

Know yourself, know the employer, and show the fit.

Prepare an elevator speech (Career Corner, January 6, 2011), a 20 – 30 second personal introduction. Stay away from “I am dependable,” or “I’m a hard worker,” or sounding like a script. Instead, practice.

Don’t be misleading, it’s not a social event. You are being evaluated as a potential member of their workplace.

Recruiters I know are often amazed at how unprofessionally job seekers are dressed at fairs. Keep dress conservative with a little subtle color (that helps you stand out from the crowd). Remove all piercings and hide tattoos. Dress for the part you are applying for.

Visit as many employers as possible, start with the ones you’re least interested in to practice your elevator speech. It will boost your confidence for the ones you want to impress.

Once you are in front of a recruiter, you may have only 30-60 seconds to make an impression. And five to ten minutes to present. You are getting brief, face-to-face time with someone who could hire you.

Look organized, present at ...