Job fairs are the opportunity to both recruiters and job seeker. They can offer recruiters the opportunity to contact many of potential employers within one place, and they can help job seeker get a good job. The following preparations will help you to get the most out from these job fairs.

1. Do advance research

Your goal is to target the most promising employers at upcoming job fairs. To do that, you need to know who those employers are and what they offer. Usually, the promotional materials or advertisements for job fairs will list participating employers and the general types of jobs they have open. Get online and search for information about the companies you are interested in. Knowing more about the companies than the other job seekers who visit their booths will help you make a memorable impression. The more you know, the better.

2.Bring enough resumes

Bring at least 25 copies of your resume (more if it’s a large event).

3. Be prepared to fill out applications

Most companies will not accept a rsum instead of an application. So even if you provide them with a nice rsum, you’ll probably be asked to fill out an application form, too. Be sure to bring a pen and a “cheat sheet” with the information you’ll need to complete job applications on the spot. This is better than taking the applications home and sending them back later, as many job seekers will do. You’ll beat them to the punch!

4. Dress for success

First impressions are important. Just because job fairs tend to be friendly, informal events, don’t be too casual. Dress and act professionally, be enthusiastic, and remember to smile.

5. Arrive early

Pick up a booth-location map and plan your route. By arriving early, you may be able to get in and out before it gets too crowded. Visit your targeted companies first, then “shop around” and do some networking.

6. Think “Quality” over “Quantity.”

It’s much better to spend quality time talking with only a few, well-targeted employers who are looking for your specific skills, than to drop off your resume at every booth you see.

7. Be prepared for interviews

Some companies may want to do short, on-the-spot interviews at the job fair. Be prepared to talk about your best selling points, the assets and skills you will bring to the company. Doing research, as suggested in Step 1, will help you to design your answers to meet the companies’ specific needs. As the interview is wrapping up, remember to ask what the next steps are.

8. Keep track of where you submit your resumes

Collect business cards and make a list of the companies you apply for. Jot notes about conversations you have with representatives or topics discussed during interviews. This will help you when following up later.

9. Send thank-you letters

Send thank-you letters within 24-48 hours to each of the companies/representatives you spoke with. Even if there was no real interview, doing this will help you to stand out in their minds among the hundreds of job seekers who visited their booth during the job fair. Tell them how much you appreciated the time they took to talk with you and answer your questions. Mention the name or location of the fair and the positions you discussed, and reiterate your interest in working for their companies.

10. Follow up

Depending on their answers to your “what are the next steps” question (see Step 7), follow up appropriately with the companies for which you applied.

Doing well all these prerarations is necessary for a job seeker who is going to find a good job at a job fair. There are a few of the benefits you will have if you follow the tips given above.

Your career is one of the most important things in your life, and changing it is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. You can change your career to your loved career or a stable career in coming years. It’s up to you. Here are some useful information to you before changing your career.

Take a look at the outlook for the employment field of your choice

If you have not joined a job network site, now is the time to do so. Here you can see which jobs are hot and pay the best salaries. You will not want to take a job that you will not enjoy just for the money – this is a big mistake. Be sure to choose a career field that appeals to you – one that you will enjoy when you are considering changing careers.

Find out what skills are needed for this career choice

Every type of career requires certain job skills as well as education. There are some career fields that require more training than education and some that you can enter with as little as 6 months training. Take a look at your employment choices and see what you need to do to enter the career field of your choice. Remember that you are changing careers and not furthering your own career. More of an education in the same field is not required. You may need to totally revamp your education.

Consider teaching

One way that you can change careers is to consider teaching. If you have a four year degree and have been laid off from a business job, consider getting a teaching certificate. There are many school districts desperate for qualified teachers. One of the easiest career changes that you can make is to transfer from the private sector to the public by getting a teaching certification. Jobs in this field offer a decent salary as well as benefits.

Acquire the skills

After you have decided what you want to do, start to acquire the skills. If you are still employed, you can opt to take classes to get your training or education in the evenings or online. In some cases, you can work at your own pace to acquire the skills and education that you need to earn a job in the career field of your choice. Many times, you can get the skills and education you need in a short amount of time so that you can embark on your career change.

Build your resume

Once you are ready to go out and seek a job in your new employment field, you can the build your resume that is geared towards this field. Be sure to use all resume building tips that you can to accent your positive attributes and what you can bring to your new employer. You may want to take some resume building tips from a job network board, especially if it has been a long time since you created a resume for yourself.

When you have all the information you need, you should focus on your career option and work hard to reach it. Always listen to your heart and head to  make a balanced decision. Whatever you do, remember you need to be flexible and devote a lot of time and energy to jump start your efforts. Good luck!