As the saying goes, “Chance favors the prepared, but preparation makes you lucky.”

With University departments kicking off their springtime blitz of career fairs and resume workshops this week, now is as good a time as any to follow the advice.

“This is one of the few chances you’ll get to meet face to face with potential employers,” Leslie Rand-Pickett, assistant director in the Career Center, said. “Establish yourself as someone they want to invite for an interview.”

CHASS and the College of Management have teamed up to provide students with their largest career fair to date, showcasing more than 90 companies on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Talley Student Center ballroom.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am,” Woody Catoe, assistant director and CHASS liaison of the Career Center, said. “It’ll be an increase of options for both CHASS and college of management students. Our response from employers is a good indication.”

The College of Engineering is hosting 180 companies in the McKimmon Center on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the McKimmon Center for one of the nation’s largest engineering-specific career fairs.

“We actually had to turn down 40 companies, which is a good problem to have,” Brian Koehler, director of academic affairs in engineering, said.

As soon as students walk in the doors, presentation is important.

“Prepare a 30-second introduction as to who you are,” Jeff Sackaroff, director of undergraduate career services for the College of Management, said. “Be comfortable going up and shaking hands.”

Not only will knowledge of the company be important, but so will knowledge of the professional world.

“Dress appropriately; if you’re a senior seeking a full-time job, then a suit is definitely appropriate,” Koehler said. “If you’re an undergraduate, business casual is recommended.”

When it all comes down to business, Career Center advisors said, the key at a career fair is to get noticed.

“What will knock the socks off [a potential employer] is if you approach them with information about their company, the products and services they offer, and talk with some of the more important issues of their company,” Koehler said.

A little information can go a long way when it comes to preparing before the fair. To help, there are a variety of resources available through the Career Center.

“I recommend students check out our podcasts, you can go in and listen, there are detailed instructions on how to prepare,” Rand-Pickett said.

The podcasts, which can help students on a variety of topics, as well as a full list of employers at the CHASS fair, is available online at www.ncsu.edu/career.

“All students should view our Web site, where they can find information like the participating companies link, company profile, jobs they’re recruiting for, about the company culture, stock symbol and a typical day in the life of an engineer at that company,” Koehler said.

The engineering career fair information can be found at http://students.engr.ncsu.edu/careerfair with 180 companies listed.

However, the most information a potential employer will have about you can be found on one simple sheet of paper.

“Do preparation ahead of time by pulling together your resume and having it critiqued by the Career Center,” Rand-Pickett said. “Bring several copies of your resume to hand out.”

Woody Catoe and other resume experts from the Career Center will be available for a “resume blitz” workshop Wednesday and Thursday in the Caldwell lounge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Though students may be exhausted by the end, but the goal of the fair is not over once you leave the doors, experts said.

“Know how to follow up with employers, know what you need to do to make it happen,” Sackaroff said.

Sending a simple thank you can make all the difference.

“Try to get business cards, or contact info to send a thank you note, e-mail is fine,” Rand-Pickett said. “Let employers know you appreciate them coming to the fair.”

Above all, the career fairs should not intimidate students.

“Employers at the fairs want to get to know students. These employers are very friendly, very interested in our students,” Sackaroff said.

A little advanced research can go a long way.

“If you show you care about the company, it really makes for the start of a great relationship for future employment,” Koehler said.