Top 12 Tips for Making the Most of Job Fairs 

1. Register for job fairs in your desired work location; check with local colleges, universities and school districts for upcoming events. Check with your state department of education for statewide events. Depending on the event type, you may be asked to register in person, via mail, or online. 
   
   
2. Create a placement file/packet (online or paper) with your résumé and letters of recommendation. 
   
   
3. Carry extra résumés or placement files with you! If you know that you want to leave résumés with certain schools at this fair, attach a customized cover letter with each résumé.  
   
   
4. Contact the job fair coordinator(s) to find out which school districts will be attending, if interviews will be held on-site, and if there are any other last-minute details you should know. 
   
   
5. When a district plans to host interviews onsite, call the district before the scheduled fair to see if you can get on their interview roster. 
   
   
6. Don’t be intimidated if you happen to see 500 people in the parking lot. If you are prepared, you will stand out! 
7. Take time between registering and attending the job fair to research all the school districts that interest you. 
   
   
8. Plan and rehearse (speak out loud in front of a mirror) the introduction you will use when approaching the recruiter’s table. Plan concise, professional comments and practice speaking clearly. Consider including your name, specific skills, grades or content you hope to teach, and why you want to work in that district (based on your research). Be prepared for follow-up questions about yourself and your goals. 
   
   
9. Craft your responses to standard interview questions in case the opportunity for a full interview arises. 
   
   
10. When the big day arrives, dress for success and be ready to give your best marketing pitch as to why you are the best candidate for the job. 
    
    
11. Be sure to collect the business cards for each school recruiter with whom you speak! This is a great way to follow up after the event is over. Make notes on the backs of the cards to help you remember distinctive things about each. 
    
    
12. Following the job fair, write a brief, handwritten thank-you note to each administrator you talked with and send any pertinent follow-up paperwork or a link to your online portfolio to the appropriate school recruiters.