Job+Fair+Tips


 * Getting a Job: Tips for Job Fairs**

1.) Obviously, look professional. I couldn't believe some of the things people wore yesterday. I saw a girl chomping on her gum while talking to a school.

2.) I really learned a lot from the "practice" meetings I went through before going to the schools I REALLY wanted to see. It really built my confidence and usually the lines for those less-known schools were short. Also, some were surprisingly interesting and I am starting to consider schools that I probably wouldn't have before.
 * This really helps you gain your confidence. user:cartierm

3.) Play up the year-long internship. Megan had a great idea of writing Michigan State University on our nametags under our names. With the first school I spoke to, the Principal's eyes lit up when he saw my nametag and talked about how well prepared we must be. For the schools that weren't aware, I would incorporate it in my responses to their questions. "Well, because MSU has full school year of student teaching..."


 * I agree!!! Some places are unaware!! Make sure you mention you are a MSU graduate. I jumped right into talking with a school district, and at the middle of the conversation I realized that I hadn't mentioned that. What I did notice was when I did, she wrote "MSU" in big letters at the top and circled it. A definite plus. :D We really do have a leg up; I didn't realize how much of one until now. user:cartierm

4.) Do a little research ahead of time. In the list that they gave us, there were generic fact about each district. I looked up some of the school and their cities on the internet the night before and wrote one or two key words (unique is good) for each school on a list. When I stood in line, I would look at the key word and incorporated it when I spoke to the school representative. I spoke to one Oregon school about their growing Japanese population. I spoke to another about how more technology-based companies are moving into the area. I think it really made a difference because I appeared interested and it broke the ice too. Some of them seem genuinely surprised.

5.) A lot of interns would finish talking to someone from one school district and immediately get in line for the next district. After I finished talking to the school, I took a few seconds to check it off my written list, note the name of the person I talked to and their position. This kept everything organized when I looked through the large number of pamphlets and applications later. Also, when I interview, I think it will be helpful to refer to the person you spoke to at the fair. "When I spoke to Mr. Smith, the head of the foreign language department during the MSU Teacher Job Fair, he mentioned..."
 * Also a good thing to make sure you get their info, their name etc to write thank you card. I had to admit in one instance having to ask the person's name again (most were wearing badges, but he was not) and wrote that person's name down on something (like a handout from that district!! less writing that way!) so I was sure I had their name. user:cartierm

6.) Be assertive. Just because they haven't posted a position for you doesn't mean you can't leave an impression. There was a line for one district where the representative came out and announced that they were only looking for Special Education teachers. Everyone immediately left the line and I asked if I could still leave my resume and information with them. I ended up talking with this woman about their Japanese program for five minutes (without having to wait either). I went to another district that wasn't hiring a Japanese teacher and ended up talking with the MiWLA president. Even if they're not hiring, those connections can really help in the future.user:kimdebra

7. No one asked to see my portfolio. I had to do exactly what Cherice had told us... was flip to it when they asked a question. I didn't do this in all districts, but looking back, I really wish I had. So be bold and be willing to SHOW them what you believe about the questions they are asking. user:cartierm

In addition:

Be prepared to do an on the spot, full interview. Some districts, especially out of state are doing this, and in turn practically offering jobs on the spot - which was the case for me with Anchorage. In addition, be prepared for what you will tell them if they do really offer you a job on the spot.


 * At the end of the interview, (oh yeah and even if you don't sit down with them for a formal interview, the entire conversation you have REALLY IS AN INTERVIEW) they are going to ask you if you have any questions. If you don't know the district (which I suggest doing research-good research, because I did a little, but found myself confusing districts when I got there because there were so many) but if you don't know them really well.... try and think of something during your conversations, even if it is simple... because it shows you aren't willing to just take a job anywhere, but that you want a good match. user:cartierm

Bring more than you need. It is better to be overly prepared than to not be prepared enough. I stuffed manila envelope packets with my resume, copy of transcripts, MTTC scores, exit evaluations, general cover letter, and letter of good standing (not in that order) kind of like a compact portfolio. Some schools do not want something like this - all they need is a resume. Other schools accepted it and were glad to have it. If you do this, make sure to write or attach on the cover of the envelope your name and a list of the contents.

Don't be nervous! You will be fine, and you will be amazed by how confident and prepared you feel! I have faith in all of you, best of luck!

It is a nerve racking thing. Yesterday I was near a mental break down trying to put all the pieces of info together. However; people are generally friendly... they are giving you death stares and interrogating you. They were generally polite and friendly people, willing to talk about their districts. So be nervous, but really, if you have your stuff together, and you've practiced interviewing, you will be OKAY. No need to freak out.user:cartierm

Also, be prepared to do an interview in your target language. For Birmingham Schools, the woman interviewing is a Spanish teacher and spoke to me in Spanish throughout the whole process. It was a little nerve racking because it is hard enough to do that in English, but it was good practice, and I'm sure it's something that we will have to do at some point along the interview process with many schools. user:SarahPcat

Notes from Dan & Sarah based on the presentations given at the BYU Teacher Fair Preparation Workshop in 2010: http://languagelinks2006.wikispaces.com/Teacher+Fair+Prep+Notes user:chericem1