Be prepared to present yourself clearly, smoothly and with confidence in 15 seconds.

Here’s an example:

1. Identify who you are. (My name is Pamela Thompson.)

2. Describe in one or two sentences your profession, occupation, or background. (I’m an independent recruiter with 10 years experience recruiting for the entertainment business, mostly in visual effects, games, and animation. I have a production background in these areas so I know what employers need.)

3. Spell out what you want from the person you’re talking to. (I’m looking for a company that needs help in finding top talent.)

You can vary this basic pitch depending on the situation, your audience and what aspect of your background you want to highlight. Be able to present this thumbnail picture clearly, smoothly and with confidence.

How to Prepare Before the Job Fair
If the job fair has a website or brochure, check it out prior to the job fair to see who will attend. Research all the participating companies before the event. “Go to the website and get as much info about the companies attending the job fair as you can. Make a list of the companies whose work you like,” urges Lewis. Datz agrees, “Do research on the companies attending the job fair so you know which companies do which kind of work and what kind of artists they need.”

Company websites often have news articles about the company, including press releases that describe both past projects and future projects. Study the staff listings. Read the bios of the company leaders and note names of human resources personnel. If the company is public, check its stock performance and annual reports. Take notes on what its upcoming projects are and what their current job openings are. Make a list of those companies looking for someone with your skills and background and set those as a priority to see on the day of the job fair. Prepare a chart listing the company name, job openings, projects (both future and past) and leave space for notes you’ll glean from the job fair.

Madeleine Slutsky, director of career services, The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, and co- chair of the ACM SIGGRAPH Job Fair suggests, “Be open to all the different companies that are participating in the job fair — both high profile and lesser known. Those that have less name recognition might just have the perfect job opportunity.” Datz concurs, “I would also advise that applicants who really want to work in features not overlook a company because, for example, they work primarily on TV projects. It is an ever-changing industry and by limiting yourself to one area of the industry, I believe applicants do themselves a disservice.”

Do your research and make notes before coming to a job fair.

If possible, apply for the job before the job fair. “Contact companies in advance and ask them if they are pre-screening people before the conference. Ask them what exactly they are looking for and try to get a scheduled interview. Do that two or three months before a big conference like SIGGRAPH,” advises DD’s Lewis.

What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes. Look sharp and pay attention to details. First impressions count so make an effort to look professional. What you wear to an interview and to a job fair is not self-expression, it’s marketing. Recruiters assume you need a job at a job fair — you don’t need to prove it by dressing like a homeless person.

How to Navigate the Job Fair
There will be human resources representatives from about 55-60 companies. Don’t just walk through the room and decide which booths to approach. “Instead of wandering around aimlessly, make a list of the companies whose work you like and make sure you hit those studios. Utilize your time wisely. It’s easy to get distracted once you are there. Make sure you hit the studios you are most interested in. You could spend three weeks at the conference and not talk to everyone,” warns Lewis. Use the chart you created and check off the companies on your chart you’ve met with as you navigate the job fair.