Meet several companies At the next Chicago Job Fair on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611, 10AM to 2PM.

Job Fairs on Chicago, IL are a great way for you to explore employment opportunities and gather information about companies who are currently hiring in the Chicago, IL area. Many job seekers view a Job Fair on Chicago, IL as a first interview, and other job seekers view a Job Fair on Chicago, IL as an opportunity to gather information about potential employers. Regardless of reasons for attending a Job Fair on Chicago, IL, there are a several key things to keep in mind before, during, and after the job fair to make the most of the Job Fair on Chicago, IL.

Before the Chicago Job Fair:

• Find out what Companies will be attending the Job Fair on Chicago. The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the Chicago Job Fair will be for you. After you register for the Chicago Job Fair you will be able to view the companies that will be hiring. You should then spend some time doing some research about the companies so you can have a more in depth conversation with the recruiter at the Chicago Job Fair. Try to find out what types of jobs they have open? What kind of skills is the company looking for? What kinds of skills do these companies need to have?
• Have few questions you would ask employers. Narrow your list of employers to those who have job opportunities you are interested in, or are employers you believe you would like to work for. Then list some questions you would like to ask the hiring manager at the Chicago Job Fair.
• Proofread your resume - at least two times. If you don't already have one, make one for the Chicago Job Fair. It gives employers a quick overview of your skills/experience and something to remember you by. Be sure to proofread your resume before the Chicago Job Fair and correct any spelling or grammatical mistakes (search for spell checker on: google, yahoo and msn for a free tool). Be sure to have someone else look over your resume, even if you think it is perfect. Don't let simple mistakes on your resume overshadow your work history and qualifications for a job!
• Be certain your resume has your latest contact information. Double check that your address, home phone number, cell phone number and e-mail address is current.

At the next Chicago Job Fair on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611, 10AM to 2PM.

• Dress for an interview. First impressions at the Chicago Job Fair are important. Show the employers that you are serious about your job search. It is best to wear a suit to a job fair, - unless you are looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. NEVER WEAR jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps, headphones ect. If you cannot wear a suit to the job fair, your best alternative is business casual. Nice slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Don’t wear excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.
• Spend time with each employer. Don't just hand a resume to the hiring manager and go to the next employer. Put in some time and effort into getting additional information about the hiring company and try to make a good an impression. Don’t just try to see how many resumes you can give to employers in the least amount of time - it is VERY IMPORTANT to make a connection with the hiring manager and find some good job opportunities. It is also important to know when to approach each employer. Try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of jobseekers, find an employer that is less busy. Trying to make a connection with an employer that is very busy at the job fair makes it harder for the employer to answer your individual questions, and they are far less likely to remember you.
• Use your research to your advantage.  You should feel more confident and knowledgeable because you did your home work, prior the Job Fair on Chicago, IL. Because you have done your research prior to the job fair, you won't have to ask the question, what does your company do? Instead you can start the conversation with “I am familiar with your company and I really would like to be involved with your line of products and services”. Then give them an example of one of the products or services you know about. You will have a real advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match what they are looking for. Employers look to hire job seekers who show an interest in their company.
• A firm handshake and maintaining eye contact. Show the employer how serious you are. Greet each employer with a firm handshake, and be certain to maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.
• After the Chicago Job Fair:

• Follow up with a thank you email. Experts agree that follow-up is a crucial part of attending a Job Fair on Chicago, IL. Make sure you pick up a business card, or at the very least get the name of the hiring manager you spoke with and his or her email address. Send a thank you note a email within two days of the job fair. This will show the employer you paid attention, are serious about the job opportunity, and that you are the right person for the job.