Get Ready for the Spring Teacher Job Fair!

The Spring Teacher Job Fair is coming Thursday, April 4 at 9 am.  Are you ready?

Here are 10 ways that you can help maximize your job fair experience:

1.     Know before you go!  Create a “game plan” for the job fair – Find out which employers will be participating, and make a list of the ones you want to meet. 

2.     Dress for Success!   Dress as you would for an interview (No jeans, tank tops, or shorts!)  You can find some more guidelines about job fair attire here: http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/getting-started/how-to-dress-for-job-fairs/article.aspx

3.     Bring your resume.  Is your resume up to date?  Don’t forget to bring enough copies!

4.     Ask questions.  Prepare some questions in advance, and don’t be shy about asking them! 

5.     Practice your “elevator speech.”  What’s an elevator speech?  Imagine that you’re in an elevator with a potential employer and you only have 30 seconds to tell him or her about yourself and your qualifications.  What would you say? 

6.     Network, network, network!  A job fair is the perfect opportunity to meet your future employer.  It’s all about tapping into the hidden job market – discovering the 90% of jobs that are never posted.

7.     Remember to follow up.  Once you’ve made that initial connection, be sure to let them know you appreciated their time and information.  Be sure to send a quick “thank you” letter, email or phone call.

8.     Go early!  Don’t wait to graduate before attending the Teacher Job Fair.   Learn who’s hiring, what they’re looking for in a teaching candidate.  It’s the perfect opportunity to make your presence known.

9.     Compile a career portfolio.  You can include letters of recommendation, awards, special projects, or virtually anything that documents your achievements and abilities.

10. Schedule an appointment with Career Services.  Are you still unsure about how to approach the job fair?  Need to brush up on your resume writing skills?  Is your elevator speech a bit rusty?  Contact Career Services today to schedule an appointment with a career counselor or submit your resume for a 48-hour resume critique. 

Along with Career Services representatives, College of Education advisors will be on-hand to answer any questions you might have.   We hope to see you there!