Need a job? With 11.3 million Americans currently unemployed there’s a good chance the answer is yes. Maybe you’re not part of the seven point something percent of Americans collecting unemployment. Maybe you’re in the 32 percent of the crowd that say they’re looking for a new job.No?

Then possibly you’re part of the 44 percent of the population who say they’re “unsatisfied” with their current position. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky few who goes to school full time and you get to wait until you graduate to get a job. Whatever your situation, the point is that most of us could use an open doorway to new opportunities and new contacts. What better way to get your foot in the door than to attend a job fair?

A job fair is simply an expo or convention where prospective employers and representatives from different companies set up booths so prospective employees and job seekers can fill out applications, drop off resumes and business cards and “schmooz it up.” Sometimes interviews are conducted right there on the spot and there’s plenty of networking to be done.

These career expos are excellent places to get a glimpse into a particular company’s culture. They allow you to meet with employers that you might not be able to access any other way. Let’s face it, meeting people face to face is much more personal than applying online.

On Wednesday, Oct. 16th, Skyline College will be hosting it’s biannual job fair right here on campus in the Fireside Dining Room (Building 6) from 9:30a.m.- 1:00p.m. According to one of Skyline’s career counselors there will be a raffle and special prizes for dressing professionally. Some of the companies participating include Verizon, Lowes, Adecco Staffing US, Cintas, and Target among others. Coincidentally, on that very same day Congresswoman Jackie Speier will be conducting a Job Hunter’s Boot Camp from 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. in the San Mateo Event Center, Fiesta Hall.

Whichever event you plan on making time for, to get the most out of it you’d be wise to do a little preparation beforehand. Though these events are great places for networking and introducing yourself to prospective employers, job fairs can be over crowded and confusing.

“We expect a total of somewhere around 400 and 500 students to cruise in and out at one point or another throughout the event.” Virginia Padron, Career Center Director at Skyline College said, “so far we are expecting a total of 80 representatives from 40 different companies.”

While The Skyline Career Center on campus (Building 1, first floor) and it’s website,www.skylinejobs.com are excellent resources, The Skyline View is here to help simplify preparation for your job seeking event with this handy “top 10” list:

• 10 – Do Research. Search out the companies in advance to target the most promising and participating employers. Go to your favorite company’s website and click on the “about us” link. This will help you better answer the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”

• 9 – Be prepared to fill out job applications on the spot. You’ll want to turn these in right away to make sure no other prospective, better prepared candidates beat you to the mark.

• 8 – Bring supplies. Pencils, pens and a notepad might come in handy if you need to jot down instructions or any helpful information that may not be found on someone’s business card.

• 7 – Practice your pitch. Summarize your experience and your skills. You’ll want to be ready to sell yourself to prospective employers.

• 6 – Ask questions. Write down and memorize a few questions for prospective employers. The more questions you ask, the more interested you’ll seem and the better impression you’ll make.

• 5- Dress for success. Treat the event just as though you would a job interview. Slacks and a jacket are certainly not out of place. Though comfortable shoes are key because you’ll be standing in line, you’ll want to leave your “fresh kicks” at home.

• 4 – Network. Talk to other people attending the fair. What better way to make the most of otherwise wasted time while waiting in line.

• 3 – Arrive early. Lines can be long so it’s best to try to beat the crowd. Be smart and show up well rested before the doors open.

• 2 – Update your resume. Have at least 25 crispy copies of your resume ready. Bring 50 copies for larger events and give them out enthusiastically. If you need help go to the Skyline Career Center. That’s what they’re there for.

• 1 – Go to www.skylinejobs.com. Since you will be interviewing on the spot, this is hands down the smartest thing you can do before attending. Here you can participate in a virtual job interview at different levels of difficulty from entry level to advanced. The Perfect Interview program lets you video yourself being interviewed. You can review your answers and criticize your body language in your own comfortable, private setting. There’s absolutely no better way to practice your interviewing skills. Don’t forget to smile.

Once the job fair is over stay late and ask follow up questions to employers you’re most interested in. Collect business cards and keep track of which employers you submitted resumes to. This will help you avoid resubmitting resumes too soon. Take notes on the company reps you spoke with.

You’ll want to talk to the same person if you land a follow up interview. Good luck out there.