DEAR JOYCE: What's the difference between career fairs and job fairs? Are they worth the effort in these trying times? -- C.K.

Fairs account for only a small percentage of hires -- 3 percent to 5 percent, according to most studies -- but, hey, every opportunity counts when you're standing in the rain at midnight looking for a welcoming doorway.

Today I focus on real-space events, setting aside online fairs for another time.

DOWNSIDES OF FAIRS: Some experts see fairs as meat markets staffed by junior employees who lack the power to hire you. Participating fair employers may have open jobs. Others are building a talent pool for future jobs. Still others have no hiring intent but are building brand recognition by showing up. (As you booth-hop, ask: "Are you hiring now or are you scouting for the future?) Four reasons why fairs don't pay off:

1. Time vampires. You may better use the heavy time investment needed to score at a fair on other pursuits, such as growing a supportive networking crew.

2. Beehive of competition. As unemployment rises, you'll compete with swarms of job seekers crowding around fewer participating employers -- less than half of last year's number, according to some reports.

3. Tempus fugit. Similar to the limitations of speed-dating events, you typically won't have the face time to adequately present your charms. (Which is why your resume better be a knockout.)

4. Post-event funk. If you fail fair-searching 101, you risk pangs of rejection that send you to bed for three days.

UPSIDES OF FAIRS. Other experts tout fairs as marvelous venues for making a high-profile impression through preparedness. But in a format that also allows you to keep moving on quickly unless you're receiving future sit-down interview signals. As recruiters know, it's faster to screen out than in; at fairs, you turn the tables by passing on employers of little interest and focusing on those of serious appeal. Four reasons to value fairs:

1. Jackpot result. You could get a job offer by landing on one or more short lists for future closer scrutiny. (Don't expect an offer on the spot.) Continued...