Job fairs can be overwhelming. To have the best experience, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. Don’t expect to leave with a job, but do expect to meet Human Resources personnel and principals from districts and schools that are looking to hire bright, enthusiastic new educators.

This information comes from the American Association for Employment in Education’s Job Hunter’s Guide. Visit www.aaee.org for more information.

Before the Fair

1. Learn the logistics: directions, parking, times etc.
2. Familiarize yourself with the fair’s website. If there is a map of the layout, find your top 10 school systems so you can plan your route. Are they doing pre-screening interviews? Can you access employers and open positions prior to the fair? Can you contact employers prior to the fair?
3. Research employers through their websites and your connections (friends, professors, supervisors, mentors, alumni etc.).
4. Take with you to the fair: notepad, pens, a nice looking folder/portfolio containing copies of your resumes and paper for note taking.
5. Write, solicit feedback and proofread your one to two page resume (two pages if you have been in the work force awhile). Print multiple copies of it on high quality paper. Even if you are in the middle of your licensure program, you should list your field experiences, tests passed, and licenses you will be eligible for and when. Your resume becomes your business card that you hand to recruiters during the fair.
6. Plan your clothing: professional yet comfortable (especially shoes!).

At the Fair

1. Arrive on time.
2. Pick up new information as you check-in. Check the map of employers and plan your route.
3. Visit as many tables as you can.
4. Put into action:
   
   • A firm handshake
   
   
   • Eye contact
   
   
   • Friendliness and a smile
   
   
   • Thanking recruiters for time and consideration
5. Be assertive talking to recruiters who do not currently have openings in your field.
6. Stay professional throughout the day—recruiters can see you even when you are not talking directly to them.
7. Write down names, addresses, and follow-up instructions after each contact. This may include business cards or brochures. Typically, recruiters are not prepared to make offers at the fair.
8. Some recruiters may schedule short interviews. Give yourself extra time between them to write down what happened, what you thought of the district etc. Remember, an interview is a time for them to get to screen you and you to screen them!
9. Some recruiters may get a mob of applicants and long lines. Make a decision for yourself—is it more important to get your resume to one or two of your favorite employers, or to meet as many as possible? Try to balance between the two (it is not efficient to meet a lot of employers from districts where you would not work).

After the Fair

1. Organize your materials.
2. Follow-up with thank you letters, emails or other items they requested.
3. Go to their websites and complete applications.
4. Reflect on your experience, what worked? What could you improve for next time?