[sqircles]

I believe they're the current "cheat code" to the hiring process. If you get called up for an interview after talking to a company at a career fair, there's a good inclination that you have already passed or at least have a leg up on the "culture fit" part of the interview.

With hundreds to thousands of people spamming every job posting under the sun the second it is posted, just getting your credentials read by a human is a major barrier right now that career fairs help alleviate.

[ethbr1]

Belated reply for posterity: another cheat code for job fairs is pre-researching the companies there.

Typically, attending companies are listed (or you can ask an organizer for a list). Do some quick searching and type up a summary.

Company name. What they do. 1-2 questions. Emphasis on companies you've never heard of!

You'd be amazed how many doors open when you walk up to a recruiter for a small, specialized company and know exactly who they are and what market they're in. (Remember: that poor person has probably spent all day explaining that to everyone else)