5. Arrive a few minutes early at a job fair, to register if required and plan your "attack." Pick up a booth map if available, and route your path to the employers you've targeted. If a job list is available, check it, just in case employers added new jobs since you last researched. If you're going to attend seminars, networking events and such, look for the schedules while you're at it.
6. Visit your targeted employers first with resume in hand, and spend some "quality time" with each. But, remember that they have many more job seekers waiting, so don't try to hog all their time or be offended if they cut it short. Once you've hit all of your targets, "shop" other employers' booths and do some networking. If the job fair has casual get-together, have some fun while networking too! But, natch, it's a good idea to go easy on the cocktails. Your potential new boss might be watching you.
7. When wrapping up your conversations with employers' reps, show your interest by asking them what the next steps are. Ask if it's okay to call them or sendfollow-up letters a few days after the job fair ends. But if they say they'll contact you, don't press your luck too much. The squeaking wheel doesn't always get the oil in this case.
8. Track to which employers you've submitted your resume at the job fair, so you don't redundantly resubmit it too soon. It's a good idea to jot down other notes too, right after you talk with each rep. This will help you to stay consistent, in case you land a follow-up interview with the same person. (You can bet that interested reps will take notes on you.) Taking notes will also help you to effectively follow up with a call or letter.
9. Collect business cards or contact info as you go, and do follow up within 24-48 hours with a thank-you letter to each of the representatives with whom you spoke. It's courteous, professional and typically expected, even after casual job fairs. Complying might make you stand out in their minds, to help you land follow-up interviews.
10. Afterward, revisit the job fair producers' sites periodically. Many continue to list new and unfilled openings for some time after job fairs. Post your resume if you haven't already done so. Again, if producers don't offer these options, visit the sites of employers that interest you. It wouldn't hurt to visit the latter anyway, as they may have new openings they don't forward to the producers after the job fair. But don't bombard employers with your resume, as it'll appear that you're unorganized and not keeping track. One resume in three to six months is enough. If you want to know what's going with your resume or if you see a new position, send a follow-up letter or letter of inquiry instead. The employer will let you know if you should submit your resume again.
source: about.com
see also: Jobs, Job
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