Fall Education Job Fair
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | MLK Jr. University Union
Tips to make the job fair a success!
View the list of schools attending the event
- Prioritize the ones you want to speak with the most.
- RESEARCH! Know about the employers before you talk to them-it will make a HUGE difference.
- Include schools of interest even if they have not noted your teaching field on their list of needs.
- Be open to considering other schools, even of they are outside your geographic preference, or area "comfort zone."
Prepare your resume
- Use good quality resume paper (resume paper is for sale at Career Services).
- Review our Resume Section for tips and samples.
- Have your resume critiqued by a Career Services professional, if time allows. Attend a Resume Start-Up or Resume Critique Blitz before the Career Fair. Individual appointments also available---but these fill up
fast! You can also drop off a copy of your resume for quick review, please allow at least 48 hours for review. - Make sure your resume has your current telephone number and e-mail address.
- Make your resume clear & concise. Remember, an employer will typically only spend 30-60 seconds reading your resume.
- PROOFREAD!! Typos and spelling errors are big turn-offs to employers.
- You will need approximately 25-30 copies of your resume, depending upon how many employers you will approach. Keep them in a folder or portfolio at the event.
- If you have a 2-page resume, staple pages together. No paperclips.
- You will NOT need a cover letter.
Prepare your "30-second Infomercial"
- You will only have a few minutes with each recruiter--impress them quickly!
- Communicate your purpose. If you are looking for a job, state the type of position that interests you. If you are gathering career information, tell employers you are exploring career options and are interesting in learning about them.
- In your introduction, include your major, year in school, student teaching experience, relevant work experience, your strengths, activities, and teaching interests.
- Tailor your introduction to each employer based on your research. Articulate how you are a good fit for the employer.
- Be prepared to answer basic questions about your resume.
- Maintain good eye contact and offer a firm handshake before & after meeting them.
- PRACTICE with a friend or in front of a mirror. You will project confidence if you are comfortable with what you are saying.
YES: "I have had a chance to meet some really interesting parents during my student teaching. I saw on your web site that (name of school) prides itself on its strong teacher-parent program and hope you can tell me more about the program."
NO: "Do you guys have any openings?"
Prepare questions to ask
- Research the school district web site and formulate questions for the recruiters.
- Questions will depend upon your career goals.
- Are you interested in finding out about a particular teaching field?
Then ask generalized questions about working within the field. - If you're seeking career opportunities, focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about that employer.
- Review the Education Interview section for questions to ask.
Dress Professionally!
If you want to be taken seriously--dress seriously! Employers will make decisions based on first impressions.
- Underclassmen: If you don't own professional attire, try to select a conservative dress shirt and pants such as khakis. No jeans or "going out" clothing.
- Leave the following at home: flip flops, body piercing, sweat pants, jeans, sparkled attire, spiked heels.
- Review the Professional Dress section for guidelines.
During the fair
- Arrive early if possible! The most productive time of the event is between 9:00 and noon. Keep in mind that many employers have traveled a great distance and may need to leave early.
- Quiet cell phones upon arrival.
- Remember to collect printed material (including an application) from schools of interest and a business card from the school rep. Make a few notes to yourself before you leave the fair.
- Allow a minimum of an hour; more if you have several schools you are interested in speaking with.
- Keep an open mind. Being flexible will bring more opportunities for employment!
- Don't accept a job offer "on the spot" unless you are very sure this is the school or district in which you are really interested.
- Realize this is a learning experience that can be rewarding. Keep a positive attitude and put your best foot forward!
After the fair
- Follow-up with employers that you are interested in.
- Remember to ask for business cards from all recruiters that you speak with.
- Send a thank-you note via email within 24 hours and include your resume.
- Monitor the employers' websites for application procedures.
Tips from Employers
Here are some tips and comments provided by employers who attended our previous events:
- First 5 minutes makes the impression. Dress neatly. Come prepared.
- Be prepared to discuss a favorite lesson or class project – show your passion & enthusiasm.
- Provide references rather than having us request them. Include e-mail addresses.
- Be yourself and confident.
- 1) Work on firm handshake. 2) Present in confident manner.
- Elementary Education candidates need to be able to communicate a better reading background.
- Instead of standing in long lines, talk more to other open tables.
- Be sure to check out the school’s website-that will show true interest to the district. Have a couple of facts about school you like that fits with you mission.
- Prepare questions to ask. It helps me evaluate you.
- Be sure to include student teaching and practicum experience on resume.
- Be sure to prominently list certification information.
- Remove visible piercings (lip, tongue, eyebrows). Significant facial piercings would be viewed as inappropriate in a classroom setting.
- Be willing to experience schools outside of Illinois.
- Don't disregard some of the smaller schools or those not in the "most desired areas."
- We are to see you at your best. Professional dress, attitude, and personality are keys to successful interviews.
