It is what you do afterwards that really counts
The job fair is over… now what? As a career fair draws to a close, some job-seekers think it is okay to let their job searches wind down too. Good idea? Of course not!
The reality is that few people are hired at job fairs — or even immediately afterward. The fairs are a chance for administrators to look at candidates and to consider who will be invited for interviews later in the spring or summer. The real work for candidates begins when the fairs conclude.
How can you maximise the important time after the fairs and use it to your advantage? Take this opportunity to distinguish yourself from those who joined you in the long job fair lines. Here are a few ways to do this:
Send thank-you letters or e-mails to the employers with whom you spoke at the fairs. Actually, you should have done this immediately after each fair, but if you forgot, it is better to do it late than not at all.
Do you have questions for employers that came up after a fair? If so, now is the time to ask.
Check websites from the career services offices or organisations that sponsored the job fairs. Many job fair listings stay alive along after the fair has ended. You can still contact the schools or districts who attended to inquire about the openings they posted.
Use the time to thoroughly research districts that interested you. Yes, you should have done this before the fair, but taking with district representatives may have prompted you to research aspects that you overlooked the first time.
Keep looking! There are many good sites for job openings, beginning with districts and regional offices’ websites.
Built up accomplishments that will clearly separate you (hopefully, in a positive way) from competitors.
Volunteer — for whatever is needed — at your school. Attend school events and make important contacts.
Coach, or assist with coaching.
Check into summer jobs that will demonstrate your interest.
Investigate taking a summer class to increase your marketability. Examples: ELL/ESL, foreign language (especially Spanish), strategies for working with students with special needs.
Update or tune up your resume. Remember that it is a living document it should change and grow as you do.
Strengthen and expand your network.
Do a practice interview and get feedback to help you hone your face-to-face marketing skills.
The Job fair may have ended, but it was just the beginning of the recruiting process. It is what you do after the fair that really counts. — Agencies
