Here's how you can network effectively at career fairs.

Preparing ahead of time is a great tip for making the most of your time at a career fair. Look up the list of organizations attending - sometimes those list will even have a specific list of representatives from those organizations who will be at the fair. Look those individuals up on LinkedIn and make note of anything you have in common.

Preparation is always KEY! When using a targeted resume to get in front of a company, make sure you do your research on the company and the position of interest. It is also okay to not know everything. Ask questions, be intrigued, be vulnerable. Asking questions shows interest and helps you develop.

The more prepared you are, the more likely your chances of success. If there is a map available for you to see which companies are located where, create a route for your day. Prioritize which companies you want to get in front of, and spend a few minutes researching each one. Don't leave your interactions open-ended. Schedule a follow-up time, an interview, etc.

Being prepared is being well researched going into a job fair. Make a “game plan” for what you want to accomplish. 1. Companies: Get a list if the companies ahead of time. 2. Contacts: Based on the list of companies that you’d like to talk with, find out who from the company will be there 3. Communication: Reach out to company contacts on Linked In..the ones who are active on Linked In may reply back...they’ll be on the lookout for you now and make sure you follow-up with a great to meet you email if you were able to connect with them. Use the AI tool built into Linked In Premium or ChatGPT to create your email templates pre and post career fair. Add in things you discussed to personalize it and make them remember you.

Dress to impress also could mean wear something that causes or makes conversation starting easier. Because I am an introvert I used to wear something that could be remarked on that enabled the start of a more personal or casual relationship. I also used the random strategy - like sitting next to someone on steps and starting a conversation about anything. Whether that person had any relevance to me, it was a personal engagement that fueled me for more formal encounters.

“Dressing to impress” can be based on a company’s culture. If the companies at a career fair are the more conservative types, dressing to impress is probably a suit or blazer w/ nice skirt / slacks & a sensible shoe…all in colors that are “safe” = black, brown/khaki, navy, or grey. If you're interviewing at startups or companies established in the 2000s or that have a hip vibe, jeans & a hoodie or blazer with a great sneaker (latest or vintage Jordan…or a hot shoe brand like Hoka or a sport loafer/pump that looks like a work shoe)…Dressing sends a nessage about who you are…and like any relationship, you shouln’t start out compromising who you are by wearing clothes or hair styles that aren’t “you”. The right company will love all of you.??

You have 7 seconds to build a first impression on someone, don't waste it by wearing wrinkled clothes or unprofessional clothing. Walk, stand, and talk with confidence!

Be confident, and be a delight to those you interact with. Smile! These qualities will make you stand out. If eye contact is an area that you can improve in, practice it with people you know. Eye contact can convey your confidence level, interest, intentions, emotions, and credibility. Do not take its importance for granted.

Active listening is so important. Being confident in yourself when talking on experience and listening to what questions are being asked will ensure you don't miss anything important or ask questions that have already been answered. being engaged in conversations will take you far when job searching.

As with most things in life, having confidence “wins the day”…people like people who are (or at least seem to be) confident. I find that there are three things that help with being confident: 1. Table stakes is knowing your stuff. You’ve done the work to get the point where you have a resume w/ robust work experience. Own it. Own the late nights and hard work. 2. Wear a comfortable “go to” outfit that you “feel” confident in when you wear it. The last thing you want to worry about is your clothes (e.g., don”t wear the pants that are too tight since the last time you wore them??) 3. Being prepared & having a “game plan” for the companies & people with whom you want to meet with a goal of what you want to take away from each conversation.

Remember that not everyone has business cards - you may not have them either, that's OKAY! The LinkedIn app has QR codes you can scan to share information or to collect information from individuals. Regardless of the method collect others information and be sure to send a quick thank you note in the day or two following the event to maintain that connection.

Be prepared in advance to exchange information. I honestly haven't carried paperstock business cards since 2016. In today's fast paced digital era, paper business cards feel dated. I use digital apps to exchange information like in the latest version of the Linked In app with a built-in QR code / QR code scanner that uses your phone’s camera. The number of people of all ages and professions who do not use this feature amazes me. It makes networking as a business professional and entrepreneur so much easier especially when people are so busy and many people across the world have smart phones and a Linked In account. Leave a comment if you want instructions to setup your QR code. Always here to help & network??.

Using a well-crafted elevator pitch at a career fair can help you build social capital by making a positive impression on recruiters and other professionals. Craft a succinct pitch that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. Customize your pitch for each company or individual you're speaking with. Research the organization beforehand to understand their values, needs, and culture, and tailor your pitch to showcase your value and engage in meaningful conversations, you can effectively build social capital and make valuable connections at a career fair.