No matter what you call these events: a job, employment, education, or a career fair, they all hold one important aspect in common: they’re a great place to start creating your network when looking for employment.

Yes, networking is still the number one way to get hired in today’s employment environment. The problem many job seekers have is that they do not know how to start their personal networks beyond friends and family. The solution: attend a fair; they are the networking mecca.

Career fairs, for simplicity, provide job seekers with an opportunity to discuss career options with employers. Employers make themselves available to speak with candidates about open positions and the applicants’ experience. Job seekers have an opportunity to meet with multiple employers who are looking to fill hundreds of jobs. If you’re lucky and the employer has immediate needs, you may be interviewed on the spot. The reality is that career fairs are mutually beneficial events for both employers and job seekers.

Career fairs bring together multiple employers and/or resource providers all looking for people from different backgrounds, perspectives and problem-solving strengths. The interesting fact here is that employers need to network as well.

During a fair, you have the opportunity to meet with potential employers in face-to-face conversation, but so do the employers meet and network. Employers talk to each other, they grow friendships with other employers they’ve met at these fairs. Their networks grow with every event.

So, you’ve decided to attend a local career fair; it’s important to know what the biggest complaint from all employers is: “How people dress!” Pajamas worn to a career fair is not an option; please do not be surprised if you do not get a call back. You need to market yourself in everything you do: dress for success, target your resume, and plan your attack. First impressions here are everything.

Your attack plan needs to be researched. Know ahead of time what companies will be attending. Research those companies that interest you and target your resume to their needs. Rehearse conversations with your friends and family to get comfortable speaking about your chosen profession. Become a marketing tool to grow your network. Your local CareerCenter holds classes that can help with most if not all of these job search activities.

Attending a career fair can be very hectic. Orient yourself by familiarizing yourself with the layout. Find your prospective employers and see them first. Market yourself by showing confidence in your smile and handshake. Ask appropriate questions and listen to their responses. If you see them write on your resume or your business card, they want to remember you, make sure you apply. For any positions that interest you, get their business cards so you can send a thank you and your resume/application.

Now that the hard part is done, you need to now go around and speak with everyone else. Again, human resource people know each other; they’ve learned through interacting where the jobs are. This is the mecca of job search networking.

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