How to Succeed at Job Fairs

Looking for a job, especially at job fairs, can be a lot like trying to get a date at a crowded bar -- there are plenty of potential dates to choose from, but chances are none will want to dance with you or date you for the long-term.

If you've ever been to one of the many job fairs across the country, you've seen the long lines of job applicants with resumes in hand, all pushing for a spot up front to get a recruiter's ear. It's a meat market without the drinks. I've been to a few since being laid off in June 2008, and have for the most part found them to be a waste of time unless you go in prepared and with a goal of networking rather than getting a job immediately.