Job Fair Tips

Getting the Most out of Education Job Fairs

Tips for Candidate Success

The CSULB Education Job Fair is an event where school district personnel administrators and prospective educators meet one another. School districts can do initial screening of applicants and applicants can obtain applications from, and information about, school districts. On-site interviews often occur.

Preparing for the Fair

Try to determine the districts that will be attending the Fair by contacting Educational Career Services or by consulting the ECS website: www.ced.csulb.edu/ecs
Gather information about your targeted districts.
Review the names of school personnel in attendance and districts where you have had previous contact(s).
Prepare and make copies of your resume .
Practice your interviewing skills. Review standard questions, role-play with friends, and prepare questions to ask school district personnel.
Plan to wear professional attire. Remember, first impressions count, even if you are just gathering information.

At the Fair

Check in at the registration table to obtain a list of attending school districts and their locations.
Decide upon and prioritize the districts you wish to contact.
Orient yourself to the facility.
Select the school district for your first contact.
Relax. You're prepared for the event.
As you approach the district's table, respect other people's privacy as they complete conversations.
As you approach the school district officials, establish eye contact, smile, introduce yourself and tell why you are interested in that district.
Before leaving the table, ask the representative for a business card so you'll know how to address your thank you letter.

After the Fair

Make notes. While the Fair is still fresh in your mind, write down key names and information.
Follow up with thank you letters. Don't overlook this courtesy, especially if an interviewer or school district official has been particularly helpful. This is especially important if you received an interview with a district that truly interests you. It gives you another chance to state your interest and to remind the interviewer of your conversation at the Fair.

Last update: 11/27/06