EMPLOYER FAQ’s

Note: MERC has reserved a block of rooms at the Boston Marriott Quincy for our recruiters needing overnight accommodations on Wednesday April 18 and/or Thursday April 19. A very large city-wide conference has booked most of the lodging in the greater Boston area for the week of April 15 – 21, 2007. Many hotels are already completely sold out including the Doubletree at Bayside, a facility we have used over the past few years. Recruiters are strongly encouraged to reserve hotel space now; once our block is sold we will be unable to guarantee overnight space in the immediate area.

What is MERC?
MERC, otherwise known as the Massachusetts Educational Recruiting Consortium, is an organization of 42 Massachusetts colleges and universities, dedicated to facilitating the hiring process in education and related fields. This partnership between higher education and school personnel from across the country produces one of the finest annual recruiting events of its kind. Join us as MERC celebrates its 33rd year with the April 20th conference in Boston, MA .

What do Employers say about MERC?  
"Best recruiting fair in the country! We return every year!"

"The Massachusetts candidates are first-rate! Last year, we were able to hire several of the candidates we met at MERC!"

"This is my tenth year - MERC is a definite on our recruiting calendar!"

"Great location, great candidates, helpful staff!"

"We travel around the country in search of the best and the brightest. MERC is always a highlight on our recruiting calendar. The candidates are superb and the Boston location can't be beat!"

Who Can Attend MERC?
Participation in the MERC Fair is restricted to candidates from our consortium colleges and universities. Candidates may be students or alumni who are licensed or license eligible in one or more teaching or education-related fields. Candidates not affiliated with our consortium are not eligible. The fair is not open to the public but is by invitation only to eligible candidates.

What license/certification fields might be represented at MERC?
MERC Colleges and Universities prepare candidates in the following licensure areas:

Early Childhood and Elementary	Mathematics
Biology	Middle School
Business	Music
Chemistry	Physical Education
Dance	Physics
Earth Science	Political Science/Political Philosophy
English	Speech
ESL	Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities
Foreign Language	Severe Disabilities
General Science	Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Health/Family and Consumer Science	Visually Impaired
History	Technology/Engineering
Latin and Classical Humanities	Theatre and Visual Art
Library

Candidates in the following professional areas are also invited:

School Guidance Counselor

School Nurse

School Psychologist

School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor and Specialists in Speech

Language and Hearing Disorders.

How many candidates are anticipated at the April event?
Since candidates do not pre-register for the recruiting event we are unable to accurately predict attendance. The 2005 conference attracted just over 800 candidates.

Can employers meet with candidates who are not affiliated with MERC member schools?  
No. The MERC fair is restricted to students and alumni from MERC member colleges and universities. All other interviews should be scheduled before or after MERC in a location of your choosing.

QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION    

How do I register?
The process is simple! Complete the online registration form. This will hold your space until March 29th You may pay your registration fee with credit card or check. If paying by check, print your invoice and process immediately since payment must be received. by March 29th. All unpaid registrations will be voided on this date unless prior arrangements have been made.

Does MERC have a Federal ID Number?
Yes, the FID # is 22-2873746

How do I make Payment?  
Major credit cards are welcomed. Make checks payable to MERC and mail to:
MERC
P. O. Box 1342
Westfield, MA 01086

How important is it to indicate school/district needs on the registration form?
It is imperative that you post your anticipated hiring needs, since candidates visit the web site frequently as they prepare for the conference. You should update these postings as often as necessary. We also ask that you post vacancies at your booth.

What if my school system needs to cancel?  
All cancellations should be faxed or emailed to Maureen McCartney by March 15, 2007. No refunds will be processed after this date. All refunds will be assessed a $50.00 handling fee. Please note that a large portion of our facility expenses are paid in advance. When a school system registers and fails to pay - MERC must absorb these costs. Candidates may also be traveling some distance for the opportunity to meet with you. Early departures and no-shows can be very frustrating for these candidates.  

AT THE FAIR

When should recruiters arrive and leave the conference?
Recruiters should plan to arrive between 8:00 am and 8:40 am. A continental breakfast will be provided beginning at 8:00 am. Those preferring to set up on Wednesday afternoon may do so between3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Candidates will enter the fair at 9:00 am sharp. Recruiters will be offered lunch on-site between 12:00 noon and 1:3 0 pm. Recruiters are asked to respect the posted fair hours of 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Many candidates travel a great distance to meet with registered schools systems and are very disappointed when recruiters leave early. Please note that candidates will be arriving throughout the day.

How is the fair structured?
MERC will provide an "open" fair format - where candidates and employers can interact throughout the day. In the past, we have utilized an expo and scheduled interview format. In response to employer requests, we are relaxing this format to provide greater access and flexibility. Employers may organize the day as they wish, with typical career fair booths, brief interviews or a combination of the two. The more recruiters you bring, the greater your flexibility in terms of networking and interviewing.

What is available at my booth?
Employers are provided with a 10' draped booth, 8' table, sign and chairs. This booth package will accommodate two recruiters. Recruiters will also be provided with an "Anticipated Vacancy Board", for posting anticipated needs. Banners, displays and other amenities are welcomed. If you would like electricity or internet access, you must make these arrangements in advance. There is an additional charge for these services.

Additional Questions?
Contact Maureen McCartney mmccartney@wsc.ma.edu or 413 572-5206.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE FOR RECRUITERS
The Massachusetts Educational Recruiting Consortium provides an exciting opportunity to meet highly qualified candidates from our 42 member colleges and universities. This day long event brings together a nation-wide array of public and private school systems and candidates who are licensed or licensed eligible in a wide range of fields.

Features:

• Register online using our "quick and easy" registration system.
• Market your system and vacancies prior to the conference.
• Organize your recruiting day as you wish to maximize exposure and access to our highly qualified candidates.

MERC 2007 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE  

Thursday, April 19, 2007

8:00 am - 8:40 am EMPLOYER REGISTRATION Check-in, prepare booth and enjoy a continental breakfast. 9:00 am   CANDIDATES REGISTER AND ENTER ARENA 9:00 am CONFERENCE BEGINS 9:00 am - 3:30 pm   EMPLOYER/CANDIDATE NETWORKING/INTERVIEWING 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EMPLOYER LUNCHEON BUFFET 3:30 pm CONFERENCE CLOSES