Online recruitment websites are arguably one of the most favoured destinations for job seekers as well as employers today. However, with organised players conducting job fairs and career expos, another platform is being created for aspirants to interact with the best companies across industries. You may not necessarily find a new job at a career expo, but at least you can stay updated about current openings and trends in your industry.

DO'S

1.Be prepared for the job fair

2.Dress appropriately

3.Speak clearly and maintain eye contact

4.Ask intelligent questions

DON'TS

1.Don't ask basic questions that could be answered from a sim ple visit to the company's web site.

2.Don't immediately start grabbing the giveaway items from the table.

3.Don't show up during the last 10 or 15 minutes of the fair.

4.Don't expect a personal response if you submit your resume at a job fair.

How to make it work for you
Experts advise that someone attending such an event should do sufficient research before they arrive at the venue. Often, it is possible to obtain information about the participants in a job fair before the event. It is a good idea to shortlist the companies that you would be interested in, even if it is just two or three organisations. Further, it is better to obtain information about the kind of positions available in the company also. As part of their research, candidates should also plan in advance about what they could learn and gather information about prospective employers. While it is imperative that one be distinguished in a crowd, job seekers must remember that companies are quite serious when it comes to recruitment. Hence they should avoid casual attire and opt for a formal one instead. Based on the companies' requirements, it would also be wise if you can customise your resume as per the employer, rather than mass producing a generic resume.

Before getting to the job fair, prepare a 30 to 60-second introduction about yourself, along with your qualifications and work experience. While at a job fair, remember that your main purpose is not only to to hand out your resume, but also create a good impression by talking to the companies' representatives. Further, the typical company representative who mans a booth at a job fair will meet hundreds of people in a few hours. It is practically impossible for them to remember each name. One good way to make sure that your brief conversation is remembered, is to follow up with an e-mail after the event.

Walk in with confidence
It is hard to know just how valuable a job fair might be, without actually attending it. But by going in prepared and with an open mind, you will likely learn something valuable. You might meet an employer who sounds really terrific; you might be introduced to new options you had not considered before...and, who knows, you might just end up with the career of a lifetime!