The KOMO Problem Solvers are hosting a huge job fair Thursday in Kent, and we hope lots and lots of people show up.

A lot of people go to job fairs expecting to walk out with an offer, but employers say that's not what job fairs are all about. The real value of job fairs is the leads that can help you get that offer.

Here are some job fair strategies that can give you an edge.

The first rule of job fairs: expect long lines. And if you can, plan to stay for the entire event.

"Later in the day the employers will not be as busy. But certain ones you're just gonna have to wait in line to talk to," said career counselor Robin Ryan.

Ryan says go prepared to make those lines a part of your job search. Network with fellow job seekers while you wait.

Ask them what kind of jobs they're looking for, where they used to work, what places they've looked, who they know that might have a lead in your area of expertise.

"They may know someone who can help you in your job search. No ones going to help you probably more than another job hunter, because they know exactly how you feel," Ryan explained.

And Ryan says go prepared to make your 60-second sell -- a strategy from her popular book, 60 Seconds and You're Hired!

It's a verbal business card. In one minute, be able to introduce yourself and summarize your qualifications, your background and your marketable skills.

"You've got to be able to tell them very quickly, here's what I can do for you, here's my background, and then ask a couple of key questions," she said.

Ask these three key questions:

Do they have the specific department you're interested in?
Do they anticipate any openings?
And who leads that department? Get the manager's name.

Identify the employers you want to target ahead of time and go to those employers first. Get managers names and double-check the spelling so you can follow up with a resume, and a cover letter explaining you talked with their company representative at the specific job fair.

When you follow up with managers, Ryan says do it right away and do it by postal mail. Snail mail has a better chance of getting noticed more quickly compared to sending email, because managers have hundreds of emails to sort through and they don't get that much mail anymore.

"If you can walk away with two or three managers names from two or three companies, you've had a fabulous day!" said Ryan.

Which gets us to the three things you need to take with you: plenty of first class resumes, a notebook and pen, and a professional, positive attitude.

In addition to wearing professional, business attire, employers say do not take children or spouses to a job fair. That can be an automatic strike out, because it's distracting, and can send a message that you're not focused enough about work.

A quick list of dos and don'ts

Go to any job fair these days and you can expect to find crowds of people there all looking for work, many competing for the same job you want.

So you've got to be prepared. And you need to have realistic expectations. Even if you don't walk away with a job, you may find a few promising leads. And you will definitely benefit from the experience.

Having said all that, there are ways to improve your odds. Here are six things to remember.

Dress appropriately: because first impressions do matter. Formal business attire is the rule. It makes you look more prepared and capable. Career counselors say over-dressed is better than under-dressed. And please, no chewing gum!

Focus your energy: rather than strolling from booth to booth, get a list of the companies at the fair, figure out which ones interest you and focus on them.

Talk to the hiring manager, if possible: You may not have that option, but it's always best to speak to the senior person at the booth.

Be prepared to sell yourself: and quickly. You need to do a mini on the spot interview about your skills, your work experience and what you could bring to the company. In most cases, I'm told, it's best not to bring up salary at the job fair.

Stay upbeat and energized: that's not easy to do if you've been out of work for a while, but it critical. Enthusiasm in contagious. Just don't over-do it.

Collect business cards: This will make it easier for you to follow-up about the position -- something you'll want to do shortly after the job fair.

OK. Now, a quick list of don'ts:

Don't chew gum.

Don't come without enough resumes.

Don't bring the family or kids.

Don't be bummed out if you aren't offered a job at the fair. the employers there will be flooded with resumes. they'll need some time to sort through all of them.

Don't forget: the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers Job Fair is on Thursday at Kent's Sho-Ware Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. You can meet 60 employers who have more than a thousand job openings. Parking is free. Connie Thompson and I will be there most of the day. We'd love to see you there.

For more information:

Job Fair Participation Tips

Job Fair Do's and Don'ts

Resume Tips for job Fair Success

Faring Well at Job Fairs