Here’s a few job fair strategies to keep in mind as you prepare to meet face to face with company recruiters to discuss employment opportunities:

Pre-Game… take a few minutes to collect yourself after you arrive and get the lay of the land. Secure a map or a floor plan that outlines the table locations for all the companies attending and identify exactly where all the organizations that meet your interest will be in order to maximize your time there.

Warm-up… start off talking to a couple of companies low on your favorable list to sharpen your elevator pitch. Make sure your statement sounds natural, clear, and dynamic before you approach recruiters from the top rated companies on your list.

Be Memorable… ask for a business card then put it to good use. After you talk with each recruiter take a moment to write down a small note of anything that stood out in the conversation on the back of each business card. Use that info as a reference point in your follow-up email or phone call to help you immediately stand out in the recruiter’s memory.

Remember, preparing yourself ahead of time to make a memorable first impressions at these events is a crucial step towards having a successful job fair experience.