If you are looking to stand out at any upcoming career events – networking opportunities or job fairs, in-person or virtual – you’ll need to put in some advance work. Follow these six tips and you’ll boost your chance to make yourself memorable … and move forward on your career path.

First, do your homework. Find out who will attend the event and who they’ll represent – specific companies/organizations, but also connected industries/sectors. Most events will include an employer listing.

Second, educate yourself. Start with some simple research. Visit the website of featured employers to find more about them. Staying as informed as possible on current trends is vital for understanding the industry, business opportunities, and the different career pathways which may be right for you. 

[MORE MOAA RESOURCES: MOAA.org/Careers]

Third, look for specific opportunities at your target companies. Interested in CACI International? You’ll notice their career opportunities – from program management and IT to logistics and intelligence, just to name a few – align well with veterans’ and transitioning servicemembers’ military occupational specialties. With approximately 38% of CACI’s workforce consisting of veterans and military spouses, you know their corporate culture would greatly value your leadership, work ethic, teamwork, self-discipline, integrity, and commitment to mission accomplishment.

Fourth, prepare a résumé tailored to the position announcement. Be sure you:

• Highlight your education; any certifications and credentials; your relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities; and your unique value proposition.
• Emphasize results, outcomes, achievements, and accomplishments from your professional work experience to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position (standing out over potentially equally qualified candidates).
• Want help? MOAA has you covered.

Fifth, be ready. Practice your 30-second elevator pitch. It’s important to prepare some questions about the company and the position, and to have specific reasons as to why you are the best fit for the desired role. It’s easier to engage with recruiters and talent acquisition professionals when you are accustomed to talking about the industry, how your strengths and skills align with your career goals, and how the contributions you can offer a targeted company or organization will meet and exceed their requirements.  

[RELATED: MOAA on LinkedIn]

Sixth, and most important, follow up! Before the engagement ends, get the preferred contact method to stay in touch – whether it be email, LinkedIn, or phone. Follow up in a timely manner with a note of thanks that will keep the lines of communications open and the conversation moving forward. 

A little prep can go a long way. Need more guidance? Check out MOAA.org/Careers for articles from our transition experts, helpful publications, and exclusive benefits for Premium and Life members.