How to make job fairs worth your while

Attending a job fair can seem a little like speed dating. You're one of many in a line of candidates who meet with participating employers so quickly there is barely time to shake hands and say hello before being rushed along.

With a little effort, however, you can use this brief time to your advantage. Here's how to stand out at job fairs:

Once you've found a suitable event, don't worry about making an impression on every employer there. Instead, create a list of the three or four that are a great match for your professional goals and interests. Don't overlook less familiar firms, which may have excellent career opportunities while attracting less competition. After you've made contact with each of your top targets, investigate additional companies as time permits.

Dress as you normally would for an interview and prepare a résumé that's customized for each of your top choices. Bring hard copies with you to the fair, even if you submitted your résumé online when you registered.

Don't count on your résumé to buy you extended attention from an employer. Every minute of a company's time at a job fair is precious. Well before the event, practice a pitch that's about the length of a TV commercial. Write it out, memorize it and rehearse it in front of a friend willing to provide a critique. The pitch should establish who you are, what your specialties are and how you can benefit the business.

It's true that most aspects of a job fair are out of your control. But that doesn't mean it's an entirely random affair. If you approach it as enduring a day of drudgery in exchange for a long-shot chance at a job offer, it's unlikely to do you any good. But if you're selective and assertive about the parts of the process you can control, you'll have good reason to feel optimistic about your chances.