If you’ve seen one job fair in this area, you’ve seen them all. Rooms full of tables with flyers and smiling people in suits or matching polo shirts standing around them, hundreds or thousands of people showing up handing out resumes like it’s Halloween for HR, getting business cards in return.

After a while you start to see the same people handing out the same resume or trying to recruit for the same jobs. There’s got to be another way...

Some of you may know that I work with the MIT Enterprise Forum of Washington and Baltimore, a local educational non-profit focusing on mentoring entrepreneurial spirits. On November 30th, they will be hosting their Team Build event.

What is it? It’s like a job fair crossed with speed dating. It’s like a networking event for startup companies and talented people looking for something new.

Here’s how it works: The companies will take five minutes to describe themselves, what they do, what kind of skills they need, and why they’re a great place to work. If they pique your interest, step up and introduce yourself. You’ll have 15-20 seconds -- about the time it takes to ride an elevator -- to give your own “elevator pitch” to them, and then leave them a 3x5 card with your name and contact information. They’ll give you a business card.

The cycle restarts every 10 minutes.

That’s it. No resumes, no cover letters, just a 3x5 card and your personal pitch.

If you make a strong enough impression, they may call you -- but I wouldn’t bet on it. Be prepared to follow up with the companies you think are a great fit.

For more information, check out the Team Build event page on the Forum’s website.