There are many free job search resources available in any community. This is the case in either a large or small city. One of the ways you can search for a job is to attend a job fair. At a job fair you can visit with many different employers seeking to hire new candidates. Job fairs offer you an opportunity to talk to the people in the know. Employers are just waiting to answer your questions. It’s easy to get caught up in the crowds and the confusion. Here’s how to improve your job hunting results when you attend a job fair.

Look over the floor plan of the job fair. Mark out those employers that you have an interest in and plan the most efficient way to visit each one. This way you’ll be able to spend more time with those that interest you rather than wandering throughout the entire job fair. With time left over browse the other employers, you never know when you may come upon something that interests you.

Write out a list of questions to ask the employer’s representatives. Try to put together a list of questions specific to each employer. If the information is already on the web site, don’t waste your time trying to stump the employer’s representative. Look for information on the organization’s work place culture, future plans and career progressions. If the particular employer has no openings that fit your skills and career plan ask for referrals. The employer’s representatives are in the recruiting business and may be aware of other openings that fit your skill levels and job requirements. Get the name of the representative and their phone number and email address.

Take notes of each conversation. You will be talking to so many people that your notes will help you later if you elect to follow-up with a specific employer. If possible, don’t just drop off a resume. Get a copy of the job announcement, and with the information learned at the job fair, draft a specific cover letter, with appropriate changes in your resume, and then mail the application packet to the employer. This way your cover letter and resume will closely fit the announced needs of the employer. Your chances of getting a favorable decision to advance to the next step just went up.

Many job fairs have informational workshops. Check the schedule on all the workshops and make sure to attend all that are of interest. Be prepared to ask general job hunting questions at these workshops. They are generally a good source of job hunting strategies, especially if seem stuck in a job hunting rut. At the end of the job fair, you’ll have a briefcase full of information, and hopefully a number of employers that have job openings that fit your skill set. If anyone helped give you a possible job referral send them a thank you note. Begin immediately writing appropriate cover letters and redrafted your resume to submit for possible job openings.

Online job search that involves going directly to company internet sites is a good way to introduce yourself to the company in which you think you might be interested. Typically, companies are eager to present themselves to the public online so they will have complete descriptions of their business philosophy, the services, supplies or products they promote, and a section for job hunters in which they post job openings. Generally, you can identify, through various search options, the jobs which might be appropriate for your skills and abilities. Many systems allow you to apply for specific jobs online through a system where you would complete an application and upload your resume. It will be transmitted to the Human Resources Department or function responsible for resume assessment.

Once you have completed a company’s application process, you will then become part of their database for a period of time. Some systems search their databases automatically when new jobs are posted. If your resume matches any of the job requirements, you shall get a notice and opportunity to apply for the job online.

The advantage of these online job search functionalities is that they give you access to an extensive database of job opportunities across the country. You can search by state and city, and view everything that is posted. The more sophisticated sites also allow you to narrow your search by job category, name or position level. Some allow you to specify a company name and search nationwide for job opportunities within that specific company. This online functionality puts many position descriptions in front of you quickly. You can apply for them immediately, or on the more expansive sites, you can put them in a “save” or “watch” category so you can think about it and apply at a later date.

Other sites have extensive functionality to help job searchers including: search by date posted, job profiles you can set up that alert you to jobs being posted that fit your skills. Resume posting on the job search site where employers can search resumes that match their requirements, salary calculators. Career resource links that provide services such as, coaching, education, interview tips, financial advice, etc. Career fair information, resume critique and video resume posting.

Check out the site you want to use, look for endorsements, privacy and security statements, and full disclosure about company ownership and business practices. Many online sites require you to purchase a membership, but the fees are not excessive and most have varying levels so you can pick one that suits your needs and your budget.

To be fair, there is one thing that online sites can not do: specifically, they can not put you in physical contact with a potential hiring company because most do not allow any contact outside the online service. However, the advantage of applying for a limitless number of jobs, in any category may outweigh the lack of personal contact. Searching online will certainly ensure that a far greater number of potential employers get to see your resume than if you used a single employment agency or recruiter.