Wearing a suit and tie, Jeremy Plankett strode through N.C. State's McKimmon Center from a practice interview to a career expo.

He isn't unemployed, but as a junior at Cary's Panther Creek High School and future aircraft engineering student, he hoped to learn more about what companies are looking for when they hire.

In a tight job market, Plankett and other high school students will soon be competing with many more experienced job seekers.

About 800 students in Wake County were chosen through Career and Technical Education classes to participate in the 11th annual Xtreme Beginnings Career Fair on April 15.

From resume and interview tips to sessions such as, "What Not to Wear, What Not to Say," high school students with a range of future careers listened to seasoned human resource professionals.

"Seek to be extraordinary, not ordinary," said motivational speaker Carolyn "CiCi" Higgins in her opening address. "In this economy, you have to stand out."

She urged students to stay connected, whether through the Internet, trade journals or volunteerism. Using an example of a 90-something woman who learned to surf the Internet, Higgins said lifelong learning was the secret to success.

Each student who attended the fair brought a resume and attended a practice interview with HR professionals from companies like Progress Energy, SAS and Piedmont A/C Company.

"The interviewer asked me about my most difficult course in high school so far, and if I took it over what I'd do differently," said Kayla Smith of Middle Creek High, who will attend N.C. State in the fall. "It was difficult to choose what to say."

For Ben Discoll, a junior at Panther Creek, the practice interview was a relief.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I feel pretty good about it - it felt like a conversation," he said. "The interviewer gave me some positive feedback, telling me I looked relaxed and made good eye contact."

Career Development Coordinators at high schools in the area hope to demystify the employment process and give students practical tips.

Amy Policastro-Schroeder, the coordinator at Athens Drive High School, said many of the students who attend often leave with more information than they imagined.

"It's an overwhelming professional day," she said. "When they walk in and see 800 students and 300 business folks in McKimmon Center, they're humbled."

Joy Frankoff, the School to Career Coordinator for Wake County, said the three-hour career fair aimed to reach the full spectrum of students, whether they planned to gain welding certification or complete a four-year college degree. She said the day was a win-win.

"For HR professionals, it's a way to give back to the community and help prepare the future workforce," she said. "And for students, they learn more about how to be college- and career-ready."