PREPARATION

• Prepare a brief one-minute summary of your interests and qualifications. Then when a school system's recruiter asks you "Tell me about yourself," you are ready!
• Review the standard questions asked in educational interviews (available in your school's career office) and participate in practice interviews.
• Dress appropriately! First impressions are lasting, particularly at a job fair.
• Job Fair formats may vary. Be sure you understand the job fair's individual procedures so that you may make the most productive use of the occasion.

ARRIVAL

• Check in at the student registration tables to pick up your final registration packet, which will include contact name and address information about the schools in attendance.
• Orient yourself to the facility. Locate interview areas, restrooms, telephones, and anything else you may need.

ACTION

• Lines may be long. Respect other candidates' privacy while waiting for a recruiter.
• As you approach the recruiter, establish eye contact, present a firm handshake, introduce yourself, and explain why you are interested in his or her district or school.
• Respond to questions with specific and concise examples, and endeavor to remain relaxed and enthusiastic.
• Answer truthfully, always painting a positive picture of yourself (e.g., "I have not yet had an opportunity to…but in a similar situation, I…")
• Determine the school system's hiring process and its time lines. Ask for the interviewer's business card. Be sure you leave with the full name, title, and address of all persons with whom you may wish to follow up.
• At the end of the interview, offer a firm handshake and express your appreciation. Try to use the interviewer's name.

FOLLOW-UP

• Make notes after you've spoken with a recruiter. Do this while you're waiting to speak with your next recruiter, or sit away from the crowd to jot down your notes. Take time to regroup and have your thoughts in order for your next interview.
• Send a typewritten thank-you letter within 48 hours to each interviewer with whom you met.
• Arrange to send your credentials to the school systems.
• After two weeks, phone the schools to determine if they need additional materials from you, and to express your continued interest