Job Fairs - A Valuable Tool for Your Job Search

It's that time of year once again when Job Fairs are upon us. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher ready to break into the world of education, you will definitely benefit from attending job fairs. Most job fairs begin in February and run until June, so make a note on your calendar because you don't want to miss out on this great approach to job hunting. It is important to maximize your time while attending a job fair and this article is intended to help you do just that. The formats of job fairs do vary, but most collect resumes and cover letters, as well as conduct informal interviews in consideration for possible future hiring. Occasionally, some hire candidates on the spot if they have active vacancies - although this is not the norm. Most attending school districts work very hard to promote their district as the best place to work. Why? It's simple...they want the best applicants to teach their students.

Attending job fairs will give you an opportunity to expand your network, investigate specific vacancies, meet with representatives from districts of interest, gather pertinent information on certain districts or counties, and receive advice on your job search. Even if you are currently a student who has no intention of pursuing employment opportunities at the moment, you would still benefit greatly from the job fair as it offers you the chance to build networks for the future, learn about specific school districts, and explore career options in education.

To find dates and locations of job fairs, check your local paper, college bulletin boards, or call direct to local schools, districts, or county offices.

Take the time to research the school districts that will be in attendance; this will help you prioritize the representatives you wish to speak with first and foremost. Make a solid list of the information you wish to receive from them and try to obtain a business card from each district that interests you. Research is one of the most critical aspects of your job search success, as it not only demonstrates your interest in the district but reveals that you know what it takes to stand out from the crowd. You will find that many in attendance fail to accomplish this critical task.

Make sure that your resume is up to date and loaded with core skills, positive experiences, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. Remember, first impressions count.

Always be prepared. Ensure that you bring enough resumes, transcripts, portfolios if necessary, and letters of references, as well as a notebook, several pens, licensure/certification details, and a list of questions. Bring anything that will increase your candidacy. And be sure to dress for success... this means dress the same way you would for a formal interview.

After the job fair, continue making a great impression by sending thank you letters to representatives.

It is also a good idea to follow up on the contact you made at the job fair. Bottom line - you don't want to miss out on any job fair opportunities, it could mean the difference between finding that wonderful teaching position and finding yourself without a job come fall.

Job Search Tip of the Week

A helpful hint — don't forget to follow up

At the end of the interview, make a positive comment about the interview and indicate your enthusiasm about the position. After this summary, ask a question to generate some feedback, such as: "Can you tell me if my skills and qualifications match your district's needs, as I believe they do?" Or try: "What is the next step in contributing my efforts and enthusiasm to your district?" Then send a thank you letter to everyone who interviewed you. This is polite, expected, and will keep you in the limelight. Plus, it'll keep you one step ahead of your competition.

Inspirational Quotes

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

— Will Rogers

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Please remember these are only basic tips. For further help with your resume, contact A+ Resumes for Teachers.

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