If you are having a hard time looking for jobs you can attend job fairs so you can have a lot of companies you can apply at in one day. There are a lot of upcoming job fairs this coming months so you have to look and feel your best before attending these events.

In coming into these job fairs, make sure that you bring your updated resume with your active number, and be ready to bring a lot. There are a lot of participating companies in job fairs, and you never know how many companies are going to catch your eye. If you bring only one resume, you are going to waste the opportunity to apply in different companies in a day. Bring at least 5 copies of your resume just to be sure.

Also, dress as you would during a job interview. A lot of companies also conduct the interview on the spot, especially if they see that your resume is good enough to be considered. However, they might be turned off with you when you show up wearing jeans or shorts. Appearance is very important when you’re applying, but it doesn’t just mean the way you dress, but how you carry yourself overall. Also, don’t pass your resume to just any company because you might get called that same day and if you don’t know anything about the company, you are not only embarrassing yourself in front of them but in front of other companies and applicants as well.

Lastly, when you get invited to sit down for an interview, be calm and confident. These two qualities are the first things the interview is going to notice about you. If the interviewer sees that you are prepared and answers the questions properly, then you have a big chance of getting hired on the spot. However, if you seem like someone just forced you to attend the job fair and you’re not prepared, it’s going to show as well.

The most important thing to remember when you’re attending job fairs is to think that you’re already going in several different interviews. Set your mind to it and be ready for such opportunities. Also, think positive. Being optimistic emanates from within, and if you believe that you can get the job on the spot because you’ve prepared for it, there’s a big chance that you actually will.

Many people who have been laid off are taking advantage of the recession to retrench and learn a new skill, or follow a lifelong dream. But whether you’re an investment banker who’s always wanted to be an interior designer, or a laid off civil engineer dreaming of finally getting in fashion design, transitioning to a second career requires more than just passion. It requires planning.

1. Research the different jobs available in your dream industry. By learning the range of careers that are available, you expand your possibilities. For example, even though you might be interested in fashion design, there are many jobs within the industry besides that of the fashion designer, like the buyer, the fashion merchandiser, or the technical designer. The more options you have, the greater chances of a successful transition.

2. Network with professionals in the field. Set up informational interviews with people who are working in the careers you’re interested in. They can tell you what the job is really like, and what you can expect in terms of work hours and responsibilities. They can also give you insight as to the training and education you’ll need to break into the industry.

3. Connect with social networking sites. Online social media sites can put you just a few clicks away from people who can help you. If there’s a company you’ve always dreamed about working for, you can do a company search, find people who work there, and then ask your mutual friends to connect you. Search the bios of your friends and connections, and see if any work in the industry or career you’re interested in. And search all your friends’ friends as well.

4. Get the necessary education. Before you launch a new career, you will probably need some training, and even earn a degree. Fortunately, many schools offer professional designation programs that can be completed in a year. Even if you think that you can transition to a new career without additional schooling, remember that enrolling in a degree program will provide you with valuable career placement opportunities you otherwise would not have. For example, fashion design schools are plugged into the industry, and can help their students and graduates with internships, mentorships, and job leads.

5. Plan your finances. If you’re going back to school, you don’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Seek out financial aid packages from your intended school, as well as independent sources; there are no age limits. And the Department of Education has initiated a program that greatly increases the amount of financial aid available for unemployed workers who want to go back to school, without losing their unemployment benefits.