Plan on attending a career fair?  Here are some tips for making a good impression (courtesy of Dress For Success Lackawanna)

1. Check out the employers who will be attending the EXPO and make a list of those you want to speak to.
2. Silence your cell phone you don’t want it going off if you’re in the middle of a conversation with a prospective employer.
3. Dress appropriately. First impressions only take a few seconds.
   1. Women: suit or business casual separates, dress pants, cardigan or blazer, nice blouse
   2. Men: suit, black, gray or tan pants; dress shirt w. sport coat / tie if possible
   3. Preferably no jeans. If jeans are all you have, make sure they are clean and wear a nice dress shirt.
   4. Nothing revealing, cover tattoos, no baseball caps, no low riding pants / sweatpants
   5. Don’t overdue the makeup, perfume and cologne
4. Have your resume ready and multiple copies with you. Recruiters take seconds to review resumes. Have someone proof read it…you don’t want to be eliminated due to grammar mistakes.
5. Make sure your contact information is correct and that your email address is appropriate.
6. Review the job description. Think about how your skills and accomplishments can be assets to the company.
7. Have your 30 second elevator speech ready. Be prepared to answer these standard questions:
8. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
9. Why do you want to work here?
10. What do you know about the company?
11. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
12. What skills can you bring to the position?
13. Practice answering interview questions out loud. You want your responses to sound confident but not rehearsed.
14. Prepare your own list of questions to ask. Remember…this is your opportunity to learn more about the position and the company’s culture. Bring a pad folio to take notes.
15. Be prepared to complete a written application, which will likely ask for your contact information and the addresses and phone numbers of your previous employers.
16. Learn as much as you can about the prospective employer by reviewing the company website thoroughly, reading industry publications and by talking to others who may know about the company’s culture and what the firm may be looking for in an employee. Linkedin is a great resource.
17. Complete a list of two to three professional references, or people who can speak positively about your skills and work ethic. Just be sure to ask if they are willing to serve as your references before you give out their contact information.
18. Ask for a business card or who to contact regarding the position to which you are applying, for a timeline for interviews and follow up.
19. This isn’t the place to bring children, so make sure you have childcare arrangements made.