Job Seeker Resources

Your Job Fair Game Plan

Written by Employment Connection Staff | Sep 3, 2026, 3:30:00 PM

Your Job Fair Game Plan: What to Do Before You Walk Through the Door

The Tulare County Job Fair is coming September 30 to the Visalia Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. More than 80 employers are expected to attend, with more than 1,000 job openings.

That’s a lot of opportunity in one room—and also a lot to take in.

You don’t want to spend the first hour deciding which employers to visit or realizing your resume needs an update. A little preparation can help you feel more confident, use your time wisely, and make a stronger first impression.

Here’s your game plan.

Start With the Employer List

Employment Connection will post the list of participating employers and available job leads the week before the job fair at www.tularecountyjobs.com. Use those lists to start your research.

Look up employers that interest you. Visit their websites, read about what they do, and review the positions they’re hiring for. Pay attention to the skills and experience listed in the job descriptions.

You don’t need to memorize everything. You just want enough information to have a better conversation.

Instead of asking: “What jobs do you have?”

You could say: “I saw you’re hiring for warehouse positions. What skills are you looking for?”

That simple change shows you prepared for the event.

Choose Your Top 5–10 Employers

With more than 80 employers expected, trying to speak with everyone may not be the best use of your time.

Before September 30, make a list of 5–10 employers you most want to meet. These are your priority stops.

When choosing them, think about more than pay. Consider:

  • Does the schedule work for you?
  • Is the location realistic with your transportation?
  • Are you interested in the work?
  • Does the job match skills you already have?
  • Can you learn new skills or grow with the employer?
  • Does the job offer the stability, benefits, or workplace environment you’re looking for?

A quality job is about finding the right fit for your needs and goals—not only the starting wage.

Get Your Resume Ready

Don’t wait until the night before the job fair to look at your resume.

Make sure your phone number and email address are correct. Add any recent work, education, training, certifications, volunteer experience, or skills that could help an employer see what you can offer.

Then check your resume for spelling mistakes and make sure it’s easy to read.

Employment Connection Career Coaches can provide one-on-one resume assistance and other job-search support.

Print Extra Copies

Bring enough resumes for your priority employers—and then bring extras.

You may arrive at the job fair and discover an employer or position you didn’t know about. Having extra copies means you’ll be ready for those unexpected opportunities.

Keep your resumes in a folder or portfolio so they stay clean and organized.

Plan What You’ll Wear

You don’t need expensive clothes to make a professional first impression.

Choose something that is clean, neat, comfortable, and appropriate for meeting an employer. Try your outfit on ahead of time and make sure your shoes are comfortable. You may spend a lot of time standing and walking.

Preparing your clothes the night before also gives you one less thing to worry about in the morning.

Know How You’re Getting There

The Tulare County Job Fair will be held at the Visalia Convention Center on September 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Plan your transportation before the morning of the event. Know where you’re going, how long the trip should take, and where you’ll park or be dropped off.

Give yourself extra time. Arriving calm and prepared is a much better start than rushing through the doors.

Stop by Employment Connection Before the Job Fair

Not sure if your resume is ready? Nervous about talking to employers? Need help deciding which jobs may be a good fit?

Visit an Employment Connection center before September 30.

Our Career Coaches can help with resume building, interview practice, career guidance, and job-search preparation. Employment Connection centers also have free resource rooms with computers, internet access, and printers that customers can use for their job search.

Bring the employer list, the jobs you’re interested in, and your current resume. Our team can help you build a plan for the day.

Your Job Fair Checklist

Before you walk through the doors on September 30, make sure you have:

  • Your list of 5–10 priority employers
  • Information about the jobs that interest you
  • Several clean copies of your updated resume
  • Professional, comfortable clothing
  • A transportation and parking plan
  • A few questions ready to ask employers
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to introduce yourself

With more than 80 employers and more than 1,000 job openings, the Tulare County Job Fair could be an important step in your job search. You don’t need to talk to every employer or find the perfect job that morning.

Start with a plan. Have a few good conversations. Ask questions. Learn about your options.

Visit www.tularecountyjobs.com the week before the event to see the participating employers and job leads, and stop by Employment Connection if you’d like help getting ready.

September 30 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Visalia Convention Center

Let’s Get to Work.