September is a harbinger of many things: kids back in school, cooler autumn weather,and yes, career fairs. I have done a few in the last few weeks and I have decided to share with you some advice of how, and how not to, present yourself at a career fair.

First of all, career fairs come in different shapes and sizes. They can be small and formal or huge and informal. They can be in hotels, convention centers, schools, etc. What they all have in common is that people are on their feet all day long and you end up repeating the same jargon over and over again (this goes for candidates as well as company reps). I decided to take mental notes of things that transpired and then share them with you in a helpful top 5 list (David Letterman owns the top 10 list).

5. The earlier you arrive, the better. You want to catch the company reps when they are fresh and haven't repeated themselves a thousand times already. They will be more attentive to you and chances are that you will make a better impression on them. Usually towards the end of a career fair, all we want is to sit down. Make sure you get us in our prime.

4. Staple your resume. Minimize the possibilities of us losing a page. Trust me...it happens. Make sure it is a crisp, clear copy. Remember, your resume is what we take back with us and we may not be able to remember your great suit and winning smile. All we will have is the resume.

3. Always have your resume at hand. A career fair is like waiting in line at a fast food restaurant and the person in front of you is paying in pennies (or whatever the smallest denomination is in your currency). So many times I see people bending over to pull their resume out of a briefcase or file folder. You just stand their looking at them while the impatient people in the back just cringe. Have all your documentation at your fingertips. It shows the company rep that there is someone who is well organized and efficient in front of them.

2. NEVER ask an employer at a career fair, "what do you have to offer?" or "do you have any positions open?". We don't do career fairs for a good time. Either we have immediate positions open or are preparing for ones set to open soon. We wouldn't be there if we had nothing open. Regarding the "what do you have to offer" question, please don't ask this because what you are really asking is for this person to run through every opening available for the 100th time. Instead, quickly run through your background and what you want to do and then ask if there is anything that matches your skills.

1. Bring a lot of mints or gum. You will end up talking more in a period of two hours at a career fair than you will in an average day. The last thing you want to be remembered for is your bad breath. (THIS ALSO GOES FOR DEODORANT)

If you are able to do these 5 simple things, you will already be on the winning side. You can't imagine how many people ignore the above. All I can say is that it is rare that I see somoene at a career fair that has avoided breaking my top 5 rules.

Now the ball is in your court...make me proud.

Bonus hint: If you have clammy, wet hands...don't shake someone else's. It might be the smartest thing you have ever done!!!