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, visit 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 is 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 to 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.
About the Author
Candace Davies, Owner of A+ Resumes for Teachers, is a Global Career Management Professional dedicated to assisting educators worldwide to leverage their strengths, accomplishments, and unique selling points to capture their dream position. Her team has successfully assisted 3000-plus education professionals by transforming their talents into concise documents that secure numerous interviews, leading to excellent job offers. Candace is certified as a Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Certified Interview Coach, Certified Electronic Career Coach, and Certified Career Coach. Please visit her website at resumes-for-teachers.com, send her an email to candoco@telus.net, or call toll-free 877-738-8052.
