JOB FAIR MAY HELP INCREASE THE ODDS; FIRMS LOOKING TO FILL SOME 300 POSITIONS.

Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer

Dan Less is consistently amazed at the numbers of people who go to job fairs with little idea what jobs they're looking for, know next to nothing about companies they apply with, lack self-confidence, and even fail to dress professionally.

Yet these are the things that make a positive first impression with a potential employer and can be the key to landing a firm job offer, said Less, an executive divisional manager with Eagle Management Group, a financial planning and insurance services firm in Van Nuys.

``Your odds end up going to your side of the table if you are applying with X number of companies and you are the individual who is following the proper steps,'' he said. ``Your odds are greater than those who are not.''

Less will discuss this and other aspects of successful job seeking at today's Daily News Job Fair, a twice-yearly event that connects thousands of job seekers with a host of area employers.

More than 50 companies ranging from retailers to banks to health care providers will be recruiting for more than 300 positions, according to organizers.

At least 3,000 people are expected to attend the daylong fair, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And for those who won't have time to arrange for an interview at the fair, organizers, for a $5 fee, will distribute resumes to the participating companies. Resumes are limited to two single-sided pages on plain white paper.

In addition to job interview opportunities, the fair will feature a number of seminars and a free resume review.

THE FACTS

WHAT: The Daily News Job Fair.

WHEN: Today, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Terrace Parkway, Universal City, in the Grand Ballroom.

COST: Free admission; $6 hotel parking charge.

INFORMATION: [phone].