10 Essential Preparation Tips!

1. Dress professionally.
• Professional dress is expected; you will be participating in actual interviews with recruiters, HR professionals, principals, superintendents, and other decision-makers.
• Dress with comfort in mind as well. You will be walking and standing most of the day.
For more information see:
http://www.symsdress.com/ace.htm
http://www.tie-a-tie.net/tips.html
http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/Women8.html
http://uocareer.uoregon.edu/dressforsuccess/dress.asp#FAQ
http://www.black-collegian.com/career/dress2002-1st.shtml

2. Bring a picture ID for Check-in. A picture ID is required!

3. Other items to bring…
• Bring resumes (enough copies to distribute to school system in which you are interested), a notepad and pen, and money for phone calls, beverages, and lunch. A condensed version of your portfolio is optional.
• Letters of reference and transcripts can be forwarded at a later time.

4. Know the layout and format of the Job Fair.
• Review the Career Fair schedule. Check-in begins at 8:00 am. Follow signs to Student Check-in Area. After checking in, candidates will proceed to Interview Sign-ups and Networking. Your scheduled interviews will follow.

5. Know which school systems are attending and what types of vacancies they have available. Prepare a prioritized list of school systems with which you would like to interview.
• The types of available positions can be found by searching ANTICIPATED DISTRICT NEEDS posted by the school districts.
• Direct your efforts during sign-up periods to your prepared prioritized list.

6. Be Prepared for Interview Sign-ups and Open Networking.
• Interview sign-ups will take place from 8:00 to 10:00. Signs will clearly indicate this area.
• Be prepared for some "rushing around" as many candidates will be signing up at the same time.
• Leave some time for networking. Remember: you may be able to add school districts later through the add/drop process.

7. Be Prepared for a Screening Interview.
• Communicate a professional and enthusiastic attitude.
• Present yourself with a firm handshake and confident smile.
• Prepare a sincere, one-minute "commercial" about yourself. Include information such as: your major, courses, GPA, skills, activities, work values, reason why you would be a good match with their district, what makes you a special candidate, your greatest strengths are, or what you have to offer.
• Display knowledge of their district, community, special programs.
• Have questions for the representatives (i.e. time frame and process for the search, next steps, special interests.)
• Be sure the district has your resume and request a business card before you depart the interview. Send a thank-you note to interviewers within 24 - 48 hours.

8. Know About the Interview Add/Drop Process.
• During the Add/Drop hours, you will be able to add interviews with school systems that have vacant interview time slots. If absolutely necessary, you may drop an interview in order to make room for a priority school system. Important: You must have the time slot available prior to adding an interview!
• Morning interviews cannot be changed after you have scheduled them. Only drop interviews if absolutely necessary. Afternoon interviews only can be dropped during the morning add/drop hours.

9.  After the Fair
If you are interested in the opportunity, follow up by sending a thank you letter, and reiterate your interest in the job. These letters should go out within a day or two of the fair.

10. Accommodations
If you require specific accommodations, please notify your Career Center when you register for the fair. The facility is handicapped accessible.