Welcome to the Mixing, Mingling & Networking at Career & Job Fairs podcast.  I'm your host, Paul Kavicky and with me are Jonathan Ross and Roberta Terrell who work with DTN Productions International – Hallmark of Etiquette.

Let's get started with several of your basic dos and taboos – these events can be quite overwhelming!

First and foremost think of this as "speed-dating!"  You have limited time to meet, greet and make an impression.

When wearing a nametag, should it be on the left or right shoulder?

The right shoulder – it's the sight line as we shake hands.

Makes sense! So Roberta, what's next?

Be extremely prepared – do some research in advance about which companies will be attending the career fair so you can target where you will spend your time.

And by knowing some details about the various companies in advance, you can prepare some questions to ask to demonstrate your interest in "THEM!"

I would imagine that resumes and business cards should be ready to present as you're working the room…..

Yes, and carry a nice folder in which you've placed 40 -50 copies of your resume or "resumes" if you've prepared more than one format.

You may want to have targeted resumes that emphasize a specific major and/or skills and abilities.  And don't forget your business cards!

And while at these job and career fairs, it is important to act like an independent adult – you don't need someone to tag along with you from booth to booth. 

And no backpacks – dress the part and look professional. It's very risky showing up as though you've just finished jogging! No sweats, sandals, t-shirts – you get the point!

That's not the first impression you want to make – look mature - it's a still a form of an interview. 

How early should one arrive to these events?  And how late? 

It's best not to arrive for only the last 30 minutes – you loose a lot of the momentum and optimum time to talk to the recruiters and hiring managers.

There's a lot to be said about arriving right at the beginning – it demonstrates a higher level of eagerness and organization. 

Jonathan, does a student really have the time to give a "sales pitch" to a recruiter during theses crowded fairs?

Yes, but it needs to be smooth as you hand off your resume and simultaneously give your famous 30 second commercial.  Every student needs to have prepared (and rehearsed) a memorable, confident and informative 30-second self-introduction.

and it's good to also have a brief 10-second intro ready – you might not be given  time for a more in-depth introduction

And be ready for their questions which follow – "tell me a little about yourself," "what's your major," "what attracted you to our company" – having some quick answers ready for them will help keep you focused!

And a good handshake, right?

A good, immediate, firm and gender-free handshake coupled with great eye contact! And regardless of how tired you may be, you need to exhibit some energy!

Got it!  What about taking notes while talking to the recruiters?  Is that a good thing to do or not?

Actually it comes across as thorough and will help in the follow-up.  It's impossible to remember everything and everyone at these large events, so taking notes validates the person with whom you're talking as well as helps any needed memory jogging later.

And I recommend making a real effort to listen to each person and focus!  People can tell when you are truly hearing what they are saying and giving them your undivided attention.

What kind of follow-up is important?

Any promises made such as a follow-up call, just make sure it's done. Thank you notes, e-mails or letters should be sent to those with whom you made contact as another reinforcement of "you!"

It also helps to send another copy of your resume along with the note.

And while there, gather as much information on all potential employers as possible. 

You give them your card and resume and pick up their card as well.  And as soon as possible after the event or even while there, make notes on their cards to help you remember important details.

So it is a lot like "speed-dating"  - only it's "speed-interviewing!" 

Yes and you never know where that job offer may come from when you least expect it!

And the more of these events you go to, the better you'll be at working them to your advantage!

Thanks Jonathan and Roberta – good tips!