CANDIDATE WORKSHOP(PERC Member Institutions)

Wednesday, March 26, 20149:30 am – 3:30 pm

Monroeville Convention Center209 Mall Boulevard

Monroeville, PA 15146www.monroevilleconventioncenter.com

Current students from PERC member institutions who will complete requirements for certification by August 31, 2014

Alumni who hold current teacher certification

Certification areas include teaching, OT/PT/SLP, school counseling, administration, & related areas.

Pre-registration - $10 Through PayPal on the PERC website (http://percjobfair.org/index.php) before Wednesday, March 7, 4:30 p.m.

After March 7 - On-site at PERC, $25 (cash only)

For non-consortium member students: $50 (cash only) on-site as a walk-in

Go to www.percjobfair.org/index.php From the PERC home page, under PERC Registration (bottom left-hand corner), click on “Students & Alumni”Read all instructionsComplete the formClick “Submit” – this redirects you to PayPalRegistration is not complete until paidPrint your receipt and bring it to PERC as proof of payment

Pre-register by March 7, 4:30 p.m.(You may attend PERC without pre-registering online, but the fee as a “walk-in” registrant is higher.)

Attend PERC on March 26, 2014.

From the PERC website, review the Top 10 Tips for PERC list. After Mid-January, check the PERC website to identify registered employers under “Information for Students & Alumni” tab. Research them! Fine-tune your resume. Bring lots of copies. Consider a streamlined portfolio or brochure. Prepare your introduction (“elevator speech”).

• Meet with a variety of employers to expand your employment options!

• Emphasize your strengths.• Prepare to interview … and practice.• Collect and organize information

obtained from employers. • Follow up with employers post-PERC.

Suits are most appropriate. Males – if a suit is not feasible: a tie,

dress pants, dress shirt, and professional sports jacket

Females – if a matching suit is not feasible: skirt or pants with a professional blouse & jacket

Females – closed-toe shoes are a must; make sure they’re comfortable!

No jeans, hoodies, sneakers or t-shirts. No tattoos, piercings or body art

visible to the employer. Minimal jewelry and cologne/perfume. Females – no short (mini) skirts or

dresses.

How can job seekers best respond to/approach the "apply online" or "visit our website" response from employers?

•The Benefits of Attending a Job Fair

Employers still value face-to-face time with you. Don’t be put off because the application process is online.

Plenty of resumes.Streamlined or mini-portfolio.Briefcase or other professional-looking tote bag.Any other “props” that will make you feel confident and professional.An open mind!

Resume Collection – Some employers will interact with you at this level (it’s important for initial connections and gives you an “in” for follow-up)Interviews – Many employers will conduct interviews—from 5 to 30 minutes, some standing at their table; other reps will schedule you and direct you to a separate interview area.

Job Offers - A few employers will make job offers to selected candidates. Don’t feel pressured to respond immediately.

Questions at PERC - If you would like to consult with a career services professional, stop by the Assistance Table at PERC.

Contact your Career Center for more information