1. CANDIDATE WORKSHOP (PERC Member Institutions)

2. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Boulevard Monroeville, PA 15146 www.monroevilleconventioncenter.com

3.  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.

4.  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

5.  Go to www.percjobfair.org/index.phpwww.percjobfair.org/index.php  From the PERC home page, under PERC Registration (bottom left-hand corner), click on “Students & Alumni”  Read all instructions  Complete the form  Click “Submit” – this redirects you to PayPal  Registration is not complete until paid  Print your receipt and bring it to PERC as proof of payment

6.  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.

7.  From the PERC website, review the Top 10 Tips for PERC list.Top 10 Tips  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”).

8. 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.

9.  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

10.  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.

11. 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.

12.  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!

13.  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.

14.  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.

15.  Contact your Career Center for more information