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Hello EduMagicians,
I am back with Erin Lewis - we are going to dive into tips 6-10 for slaying the job fair like a boss! If you want to catch up tips 1-5 check out episode 10. These tips will not only prepare you for the job fair but will also help you build your confidence during the job fair experience.
By the end of this interview you will be ready for the job fair!
Let's jump right in!
6) Professional Attire
Plan to wear appropriate interview attire
Think conservative, darker colors
Blacks, browns, grays, navys
Nothing too flashy, limited jewelry
Cover tattoos and piercings
Skirts should be appropriate length, not too short and blouses should be school appropriate and not too low cut
Avoid heels that are too high -- you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
BE COMFORTABLE! Job fairs are long days. Wear something that you’ll feel confident in, but also that allows you to stay comfortable and professional
7) Show Initiative
Arrive Early
Shake Hands
Make Direct Eye Contact
Be Enthusiastic
SMILE
Stay Positive (No venting)
Remember to talk about your research -- the school, the position, the community
Show you did your research to reflect that you took initiative!
If there is a particular school in which you’re especially interested, you can take the initiative and reach out to that school/recruiter before the fair
Be courteous-- avoid taking school momentos before talking with a recruiter
8) Network
Collect Business cards from EVERYONE you meet with -- and take notes on how you met, what you talked about
Connect with EVERYONE on LinkedIn!
Talk to other job seekers! This is a fun way to warm up if you’re nervous to talk with recruiters!
If you are REALLY interested in a position, keep doing research and making connections
9) Take Notes
Who did you talk with and what did you talk about?
What are the next steps and their application process
Did you schedule an interview? What time? When? Location?
Write down the names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later
Note specific employer information sessions, on-campus interviewing and projected hiring dates that will affect you
You will not be able to take advantage of this information if you don't record it!
Did something REALLY stand out to you? Write it down. You are an Edumagician… but there is no need to try and keep all this information in your brain.
TIP: once you talk with the recruiter, go off to the side and make notes about everything that you talked about and actions you need to take. Do this IMMEDIATELY so you don’t have to worry about remembering it later!
Once you write down your notes, review the next school’s cheat sheet and then approach that table or booth. Repeat this process for every school or employer you meet with.
10) Follow Up
PROMPTLY send thank you notes!
Hand written is magical and shows that you care and go the extra step. Isn’t that the kind of educator YOU want to be?
It shows appreciation for the time they took to talk with you
It’s just a great professional habit to have
Did you need to apply online? Or complete some sort of NEXT STEP of action? If you’re serious about this opportunity -- do it in a timely fashion
One recruiter told me that 80% of applicants DON’T follow up/ take the next step and get eliminated….
Email Follow up is acceptable but not as personal. Save this form of follow up for schools in which you are not as interested.
BONUS TIP:
Some job fairs will allow for opportunity to interview, it’s a good idea to practice your interviewing skills prior to the fair. Check with your career center to see what interview services they offer. But do so well in advance of the job fair to allow time to prepare!
** Feel overwhelmed? → that is normal! Use your school’s career center. They are the experts and are there to help you.
** Listen to this podcast several times! There is a lot of information!
Friends did you notice we mentioned LinkedIn like a lot? Check out episode 9 of the EduMagic podcast to learn how to create a lit LinkedIn profile.
Check out the AAEE Job Fair here and register for FREE as a teacher candidate!
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