Career fairs are a great way to network and explore job opportunities. Even if you’re just beginning your career, attending a fair can help build professional contacts and introduce you to representatives from multiple companies.

Career fairs also allow college graduates to explore different industries and prepare for interview questions. You can meet new people with similar interests, and receive information on internships. Here are some tips for making the most of your time at a fair:

Do the Research

Before attending a career fair, know which booths you want to visit. Research each company. Know what they do, who their customers are, where they are located and what type of people they hire. Prepare questions to ask the representatives. Dress for the job you want and exchange contact information with recruiters to build potential relationships. Bring multiple copies of your resume and ask for their honest evaluation of it.

Network

You’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals who could be helpful in a future job search or be a potential hire. Literally be prepared to meet future coworkers or clients. Ask for their contact information and follow up periodically.

Introduce yourself to your competitors as well. Explore what your common goals are or problems that is affecting everyone in your industry. Then, network, especially with people you might not meet otherwise. You will be surprised at how much you can learn from them.

Ask for feedback

While it’s essential to network, you also need to ask for feedback from recruiters. This may seem like an odd request, but it’s one of the best ways to build confidence and gain insight on your resume.  Asking for feedback will always help you professionally. Be open to what others have to say. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make the next big step in your career.