How do you get to the real interviews at a Job Faire? The rivalry can be noteworthy, but you can help yourself leap out from the gang with early homework. At AA-Careers, we have a simple step-by-step process to get ready. Plan to go? Here’s how to prepare:

First, investigate the organizations that are going and pick your objectives. Use the web to research the companies that are there before you go. Go to their internet sites and see if they have their openings posted. Pick a tenable number to go after, and get ready to spend an hour or more researching each one. It’s hard to do more than seven in a day, and 3-5 is a much more reasonable target. For each hiring company, you want to know: recent news, key product lines, and contacts you know. Try to see if you know anyone at the target companies. You should end up with a page or two of research for each company/job.

Second, if there are job postings on the web, read them to see what the hiring department is looking for. Create a mapping of your achievements and skills to the demands of the job. Make the language match. If the hiring organization calls customers "clients", your resume should do the same thing. The accomplishments should be written in the style of the hiring company.

Third, create a ‘mini sales pitch’ for each likely organization/position combination. Write down a ninety second ‘thumbnail’ that you can repeat out loud describing why you are a fantastic prospect for that position. You’ll use this in your resume and when you meet people at the job kiosk.

Fourth, modify your resume for each opportunity. The objective on your resume should exactly match the position you’re want. The executive summary should be a written form of your “mini sales pitch” for the job. Then choose the accomplishments and skills that most clearly match the job prerequisites. Especially at a Job Fair, the purpose of your resume is a sales tool for you – to get you on-site job interviews. It should be a no-brainer to see that you’re a match based on your resume.

Fifth, dress and prepare as if you’re doing on-site interviews. Dress nicely and be properly groomed. Don’t over do-it (this isn’t a date!) and don’t underdress (no jeans or t-shirts, no matter how much you paid for them). Avoid strong cologne or perfume.

Finally, practice your ‘mini-sales-pitch’. Collect your research and the resume for each spot – bring a couple of copies for each – and put each in a clearly marked folder. Keep them in a light briefcase or folio.

Remember to smile, and good hunting!