The old saying, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” has never been more true than when it comes to hiring events and job fairs.

Job fair and hiring event preparation happens long before you walk into the event, so take as much time as possible in the days leading up to prepare.

Here are our six tips on how to showcase your best self at these events, and increase your chances of landing a job.

Bring copies of your resume Bring at least 2 copies of your resume FOR EACH COMPANY/ROLE you are applying to. (Don’t have a resume? Learn how to use the Jobcase resume-generator tool.) If possible, tailor your resume to the open positions you’re applying for by incorporating keywords from the job description (watch the video on how to get past applicant tracking systems).

Research employers and positions Showcase your best self by showing up to the event with a keen understanding of the companies and roles you plan on applying to. Basically - do your research. Before the event, take notes on the company’s mission and values, and understand how they align with your skills. These key findings translate into key talking points, which can make you stand out amongst other candidates.

Arrive prepared It’s crucial to make a good first impression: recruiters make screening decisions within just two to five minutes of speaking with you at these events. So, come prepared! Use the knowledge you learned from your research to power you through this initial step. If you can showcase your knowledge about a company, you will stand out and pass the screen. Arrive prepared with well-thought-out questions to ask that are tailored to the company and the role. Forget about questions on vacation time, scheduling, salary or promotions. Ask questions like, “I noticed in the description that you’re looking for someone with experience in customer satisfaction, can you explain more about how that plays into the role?” Or, “Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities and interactions with other team members?” You might find yourself stopping by tables or talking to recruiters for other companies, so think about your “elevator pitch” and craft answers to generic questions you’re likely to be asked that aren’t company-specific. (Click here to learn about perfecting your ‘elevator pitch’ – the perfect back-pocket spiel for these very moments).

Dress for success You have to look the part, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Think business casual (no sweatpants!). The little things count here: get a haircut if need be, brush your hair, clip your nails. Men should be clean shaven. Shine your shoes, give your shirt a quick iron, and check for any loose hems or tears. Get your outfit prepped (and try it on) the night before to make sure everything fits and is good to go.

Network, network, network Sure, you’re at this event to connect with recruiters, but networking with other attendees is always a good idea. Other job seekers likely have some helpful wisdom about their techniques and tactics when it comes to navigating these events, and they also might be willing to share some information about job leads or have insights about certain companies. This is the perfect venue to expand your professional network – take advantage of it.

Follow up Just like you would after a regular onsite job interview, be sure to obtain the contact information of any and all recruiters you interact with at the event, so you can send them a follow-up “thank you” email. This might seem like a mundane task, but you’d be surprised how few people actually take the time to do it, and will make you stand out.

Remember to stay calm, arrive early, and be prepared. Good luck!