RECRUITMENT: NAVIGATING THE JOB FAIR

RECRUITMENT: NAVIGATING THE JOB FAIR

When it comes to searching for employment opportunities and finding that perfect job, the very thought of job hunting can be daunting for those trying to capture their first job or interview. Though this present economic crisis many have seen a decline in positions with employers of choice, where in years past there may have been an abundance of positions available. As budgets tighten and schools are asked to do much more with far less, it becomes even more imperative that prospective recruits remain at the top of their employment game and develop a clear understanding of what could give them a possible edge when it comes to pursuing a viable position.  With fewer available employment opportunities to choose from and fierce competition amongst aspiring teachers, how is it that some recruits appear to be more successful than others when it comes to securing that first interview?

Many have ventured out to career fairs along with other colleagues and through that experience may have learned valuable lessons and tools to utilize during their next career fair pursuit.  In order to be successful, they have adopted some of the following quick tips that new recruits need to know when preparing and attending a career fair.

Be Prepared!

• Most recruitment fairs are held on college campuses, and at conferences with a job fair component. Prior to going to the job fair, do your homework!  Your college career office will have a listing in advance of all the districts, private schools, and organizations that are registered to attend the career fair.  If it is a conference, the conference website should have this information as well.  Research the schools ahead of time. Prepare by learning a few facts about schools of particular interest to you.  This shows the recruiter that you have done your homework and it also demonstrates a sincere interest in the school.
• You can never have enough resumes at a job fair, so please may make sure you pack accordingly! Be organized with your materials so you can easily give and accept documents, business cards, etc. without fumbling or excuses.
• Approach the job fair as if you are going on an actual first interview! Invest in appropriate business attire: a nice suit (men & women) and appropriate business shoes.  Many recruits forget that first impressions count and really do make a difference.  You have worked this hard to obtain your college degree and now it is time to present that professional image to a potential employer.
• There are some employers that regularly interview and hire on the spot, so it is quite possible that you enter the job fair looking for a job and leave with an intent to hire letter from a prospective employer.  Practice possible interview questions beforehand with a friend or register for practice interviews at your career center.

Be Confident!

Recruiters recognize that looking for a job isn’t easy and nervousness on behalf of the recruit is definitely a part of the territory, but if you have made it to the job fair, make sure you are ready for queries that involve specific teaching strategies or behavioral management techniques, and not just random questions.  The recruiter is searching for the best fit for their school and your ability to show your readiness is a definite asset.

• · Provide the recruiter with a solid hand shake and great eye contact.  Recruiters often deal with prospective recruits who are not comfortable doing either, and if that is you, than practice with a friend or with a representative at the career center, so you can begin to develop confidence in this area.
• · Be considerate of the recruiter’s time and efforts.  Remember, by the time you meet with the recruiter of your choice, they may have met with 50 or more prospective recruits prior to you.  Communicate your confidence in a professional manner by concentrating on what you bring to the table as a teacher and not how tired you are because you stayed up all night studying for an exam.

Be Engaged!

• Recruiters are seeking candidates who are energetic and enthusiastic.  If you are interested in an employment opportunity with that school then you must be ready to sell your knowledge, skills, and abilities to the recruiter.  Remember you may only have a minute or less to make a great first impression.  You are not just at a job fair looking for a job; you’re looking for THE job, the one that will enable you to make a difference in the lives of children.
• Allow the recruiter to connect with the “real you”.  Smile, relax, and share the best part of who you are as a professional with the recruiter. The recruiter already knows that you probably have your content area down pat, but who you are as a professional and how you will add value to their school is something that you need to share.
• Although many recruiters take resumes at job fairs, many others do not and will direct you to their on-line application system. If you have caught the attention of the recruiter make sure you follow through on this process immediately. This is the first step in ensuring that you are in the door.  Without a completed application, it says to the recruiter that you are really not that interested.
• A thank you note to employers of particular interest to you is one additional competitive step you can take.

Taking these steps will help ensure you make the most of job fair opportunities.  By preparing, professionally and confidently engaging with recruiters, and following through, you will increase your chances of successfully landing the job.