Job fairs can be a great way to meet people and practice your interviewing skills. However, they're not always the best option for finding jobs. That's because many employers use them to find applicants for future opportunities, not to fill current jobs.

Still, job fairs can be good practice and result in useful contacts. They can even be fun if you know what to expect. Some guidelines and tips to keep in mind:

• The people you meet at job fairs are generally recruiters, not people with hiring authority. So understand that the job fair is usually just a first step.
• Some companies do not accept hard-copy resumes at job fairs because of processing issues. So you may need to post your resume at their website.
• Some recruiters will review your resume on the spot, so make sure you know it by heart and are ready to discuss your qualifications.
• Have plenty of resumes within easy reach. This way you look organized and confident, which is important for making that first impression.
• Some experts suggest having a œmini resume� on a business card. This card has contact information on one side and a list of your skills on the reverse.
• Most job fairs have websites. Visit these sites first, and note any participating companies you're interested in. You can then focus on those companies at the fair.

For more guidance on distributing your resume when networking, see our section on how to network your resume.