We currently have more than 100 employers registered to attend Teacher Fair on April 30 and May 1, 2008. Postings for individual positions will be continually updated until the event.

How you present yourself to employers will set the tone of the entire interview before you even have the chance to say hello. Even though everyday dress in your first teaching position will be more casual, be sure to dress to impress on April 30 and May 1.

With a little more than three weeks to go before Teacher Fair, you have plenty of time to raid your closet or, if needed, do some shopping to put together a stylish yet professional look. Dressing for an interview doesn’t require you to max out your credit card. Reasonably priced professional clothing can be found here in Muncie at one of the discount chains or at other stores at the mall or elsewhere.

When choosing interview attire, remember these basic guidelines:

The focus of the first twelve inches is on everything from your hair down to your collar.
For women: Apply natural-looking makeup, wear conservative earrings, and choose fitted shirts or light-weight shells under jackets with appropriate collars and necklines.
For men: Avoid extreme hair styles or colors and apply minimal styling product; facial hair should be neat and trimmed; earrings and facial jewelry should be removed. Choose a silk tie, but avoiding flashy or extreme designs.

The bottom twelve inches begins at the floor with your shoes and goes up from there.
For women: Wear comfortable closed-toe pumps that coordinate with your suit; avoid stiletto or chunky heals. Hosiery should be plain, opaque, or natural toned to complement your suit; skirts should be long enough to cover your thighs while sitting. Avoid high slits.
For men: Wear leather lace-up or slip-on business shoes in black, cordovan, or dark brown; coordinate your shoes with your belt. Socks should be calf length in a dark color matching your suit.

The last area of concern focuses on the twelve inches from you finger tips on up your arms.
For women and men: Greet employers with a firm handshake; present clean fingernails; women can wear clear coats or polish that complements their clothing. Wear a conservative watch; avoid multiple rings or bracelets; and remove all tags from clothing (especially important for men with new suits: be sure to remove the tag from the sleeve, and open vents and pockets that are sewn shut).

Additional information on professional attire can be obtained by clicking on the following:
Men's Attire
Women's Attire

If you need assistance or have additional questions, a career advisor is available to help.
Drop-in Advising
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 1-3 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-noon.
Teacher Drop-in Advising
Tuesday and Wednesday, 3-4:30 p.m.

No appointment is needed for drop-in advising. If drop-in hours do not meet your needs, call 285-1522 to schedule an appointment.

Putting together a professional image will allow you to present yourself in the best possible light and give you the confidence to succeed in an interview. The next edition of Teacher Fair Tips will cover interviewing techniques. For Introduction to Teacher Fair go to http://web.bsu.edu/careers/TFCandEmail_1.htm for a list of employers and general tips for Teacher Fair, please go to http://web.bsu.edu/careers/TFCandEmail_2.htm

Come to the rest of our Jump-Start programs to further develop your skills and prepare for Teacher Fair networking and interview opportunities!

Interviewing Jump-Start—April 23
Nervous about interviewing? Learn the interviewing techniques that will get you through the interview and leave a good impression on the employer. This program covers everything from how to answer questions to professional dress. Join us at TC 102 starting at 5 p.m.

Teacher Fair Jump-Start—April 22 and April 28
Learn how to successfully navigate a job fair and get the most out of your Teacher Fair experience. It will be a great way to get your last minute questions answered and make sure you are ready for the big event! Both programs will be held in TC 102 starting at 5 p.m.

Bring your Ball State University ID card to all Teacher Fair events. It will be required for
check-in and to print your nametags.

Sincerely,

Jenni Smith
Assistant Director
Career Center