When you’re studying to be a clinician, career fairs are usually part of the curriculum. More than likely, your professors encourage attendance or even require it. They might ask you to tick off items on a checklist or encourage active participation at the fair (with a Bingo card, for example) to make it fun.

When you attend a career fair, you’ll get the chance to meet potential employers and make a positive first impression. You’ll also get to network with others on the same career path who may become online connections, friends, and even colleagues.

But career fairs can also be downright overwhelming: the sheer volume of people, the plethora of exhibits and panels, and the long day itself. Some students feel intimidated. Others don’t see the value of a fair day and would rather job search online from the comfort of home.

Whether you have to attend or want to attend, it’s smart to set a clear intention about what you hope to gain. It might be practicing your “elevator speech” or building a professional network. Whatever your goals may be, these 5 things can help you get the most out of your experience.

1. Research the Organizations in Attendance

Before you arrive at the fair, whether virtually or in person, you should do a little research, just like you would for a job interview.

You wouldn’t meet a potential employer without finding out as much about them as possible. Since many organizations have representation at the fair, you’ll need to do some extra prep work. Be selective, but open-minded, as you choose a few that interest you. Then roll up your sleeves and study:

The organization’s website. Assess the patient population, its size, and its location. Get a sense of not only what the organization does, but how they do it. What is the mission statement? What is their culture like? Are there opportunities for professional growth?
LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Social media offers a unique glimpse into an organization’s life through photos, videos, news updates, job postings, and blog posts. You can read about individuals who work there and get a sense of what they care about.
Reviews. It’s smart to read Google and Glassdoor reviews of the organizations you’re interested in. Just remember to take the reviews with a grain of salt. People tend to leave reviews when they are extremely pleased or displeased, so the truth might be in the middle. Clear positive or negative patterns in the reviews, though, mean you should probably take notice.

Once you arrive at the career fair, you can put your research to good use. Ask questions that show you cared enough to prepare and are genuinely curious to know more about a potential employer. And take note as to whether (or not) the reps seem to embody the mission and values you read about.

2. Bring Your Resume

Many students who attend career fairs in person don’t bring a resume. That’s a mistake. After all, employers have intentions at the job fair, too. They attend to find and attract the best possible future clinicians. Bringing a resume will set you apart from the rest and give them a tangible way to remember you.

Having your resume in hand signals a seriousness about your future as a clinician. And handing the resume to a possible employer after a positive conversation signals seriousness about your future with them.

The way in which you share your resume matters. Crumpled, torn, or loose resumes are never ok. You’re representing yourself on paper, so make sure it’s neatly presented and folded in an envelope or in a folder. Before you put your resume in an envelope or folder, though, check it. And not just once. Read it aloud and make sure it’s error-free—then ask a trusted friend to do the same.

3. Dress For Success

Like it or not, first impressions are mostly visual. Just as your resume needs to be neat and tidy, your clothing ought to be, too. Let your personality shine through but in an appropriate way.

Avoid overdressing or underdressing. That means no suit and tie or evening dress — and no athleisure, jeans, tees, or sweatshirts/sweatpants. Business casual is usually just right: pressed pants and a blouse or button-down shirt. Shoes and accessories should be clean and tasteful. Tattoos and piercings may be more common, but give some thought as to what seems right to show in this context.

Your appearance and posture can convey a lot about who you are and will be as a clinician.

4. Be Enthusiastic

When you smile, you’re demonstrating warmth and friendliness — two things vital to your future job as a clinician. Employers want to know you can connect with other human beings. Plus, when you smile, it shows you want to be there (and aren’t just knocking out a course requirement or picking up freebies from the tables).

Another easy win: eye contact. Simply looking into the eyes of an employer communicates your confidence and your full attention. And put your phone in a bag, purse, or pocket and show them they're your priority while you talk.

5. Follow Up

People are going to have their business cards at the career fair. Ask for them just like you would after an interview. Even if you just have a remote interest in the organization, follow up with a thank you by email. Share one thing you enjoyed about your conversation with them or one thing that stood out to you. It doesn't need to be a long message — three to five sentences is ideal. And attach an electronic copy of your resume, too.

Standing out from the career fair crowd isn’t as hard as you might think. Very few people arrive fully prepared, fully presentable, and enthusiastic, and follow up with an email. These simple efforts will pay off no matter what. It’s great practice for interviews. And you may make a favorable and unforgettable impression on an organization that eventually hires you.