Are you a transitioning teacher looking for an edtech career? If so, you’re in luck! Jeff Patterson, the CEO of Gaggle, hosts virtual Edtech Career Fairs. These are fantastic opportunities to explore edtech career opportunities, meet recruiters, and potentially land your dream job. Our team has participated in these fairs in the past by hosting tables and supporting job seekers.
The next Edtech Career Fair is on February 21st, 2023, and you can sign up here.
This is a great chance to learn about the edtech industry and connect with key players. So, grab your pen and paper and get ready to take notes! We’ll be sharing some insight to help you make the most of your experience and stand out from the crowd. Let’s get started!
Tip 1: Have Clear Expectations Of Job Fairs
It’s important to know the job fair is not an interview. You will not be getting a job while you participate. This is more a chance to learn about different companies and their available roles. And an opportunity to catch the eye of a hiring manager before they start reviewing applications. With limited time at each company’s table, it’s crucial to come prepared and make the most of your 5-7 minutes. You don’t want to overstay at each table, so make sure to come prepared to move tables often.
Tip 2: Find The Right Edtech Career Fit Before You Go
When it comes to making the most of the Edtech Career Fair, being clear on your desired role is key. Trying to fit into the mold of every position is going to make you stand out less. Instead, have a few roles in mind, such as customer success or training, to help focus your attention. You can share your experience and traits that make you the best fit for these specific positions. This way, you’ll make a stronger impression and show recruiters you are genuinely interested and knowledgeable about positions.
You can take our free career quiz to narrow down your options. You can also listen to the following Teacher Career Coach Podcast episodes about edtech careers:
- From SpEd Teacher To Associate Partner Success Manager
- From Teacher To Project Manager
- From Teacher To Tech Recruiter
- From Teacher To EdTech Account Manager
- From Teacher To Senior Marketing Manager
- A Career In Sales Isn’t Scary
Tip 3: Research The Edtech Companies Participating
Knowing about the company, its mission, products, and open positions can give you a competitive advantage during your interactions. To maximize your time, prioritize companies you would love to work for. You may not know every company name beforehand, so this will take some research.
Make sure to gather as much information as possible about them beforehand. While you don’t have to be an expert, watching short videos will help you understand the product. Check their social media presence to understand their marketing strategy and company culture.
Most importantly, look at their company’s career page to read the job descriptions for open positions. Evaluate which jobs will be the best fit for you, and write down any questions you have about the specific positions.
The tables are often filled, so keep a list prepared to keep circling back to try to get a spot.
Registered Companies for Feb 2023 EdTech Careers fair:
ACT
Advanced Classroom Technologies
Age of Learning
Anthology Inc
Axiom Learning
Big Ideas Learning
BW Walch
Caesar Rodney School District
Cambium Learning Group
Catapult Learning
CTL
Defined
Denver Public Schools
Double Line, Inc.
Ed2Market
Edpuzzle
Five Star Technology Solutions
FLVS Solutions for Schools & Districts
Goalbook
Harvard Strategic Data Project
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Horace Mann
iTutor.com Inc.
Klett World Languages Inc.
Kuder
Learners Edge
Litera
McGraw Hill
NextWaveSTEM
New Meridian Corp
ParentSquare
Proctorio
Propello
Progress Learning
Proximity Learning
PSS
Quick Start Daycare Inc.
RedShelf
Six Red MArbles
Solution Tree
Huron | Studer Education
Teq
Thorn.org
Visible Body
Waterford.org
Yellowtail.tech
Tip 4: Prepare Your Questions Ahead Of Time
Prepare a list of questions to ask the company. You can ask specific questions about the job opportunities they have available. You may also want to ask about the skills and qualifications they are looking for in a candidate. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about each role, as different companies may have different requirements and expectations. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable insights.
You can ask specific questions about the role, to make sure your resume is filled with applicable experience.
Company culture questions to ask are “What is the potential for long-term career growth at your company from this position?” You can ask how the company encourages upskilling and continued growth.
If you use a product in your classroom and love it, feel free to ask questions specific to that as well. “How do you see X product changing in the next few years?”
If you currently don’t see any open positions you’re interested in, come prepared to ask about future opportunities. You could say something like, “I noticed you don’t currently have any [type of role or roles on a specific team] open. Can you give me some insight on what kinds of opportunities in those areas you may have in the future?” This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the company and allows you to make a lasting impression with the recruiter. This is also advised for those not planning to apply to jobs so they can finish out the school year.
Tip 5: Have Your Resume Translated For Edtech Careers
Job seekers should still expect to apply through the ATS. Have a well-prepared resume ready to go for after the fair. You will likely be asked to apply through the company’s applicant tracking system (ATS). You can learn more about rewriting your resume here.
Tip 6: Network And Build Relationships While You’re There
Don’t forget to network after the job fair! By reaching out to those you met through connecting with them on LinkedIn, you demonstrate genuine interest in the opportunity. This can also help increase the chances of staying in their minds as they make hiring decisions. If you are not ready for a new job, prioritize meeting other job seekers and hiring managers at target companies. They’ll have tables specifically for networking and learning from others in edtech careers. This can also lead to future job openings becoming available to you.
Tip 7: Know The Hiring Timeline For Edtech Careers
Don’t apply for jobs open this early if you aren’t ready to take them in the next month. Sometimes it’s clearly stated in the job description if a role starts in the summer, but the majority of roles advertised need candidates who are ready. It’s important to be mindful of timing when applying for jobs. If you’re not ready to start a new role in the next month, it’s best to wait before applying for open positions. Instead, use the job fair as an opportunity to network, learn, and upskill. This helps avoid frustration for hiring managers who receive applications from those not ready to take on a new role.
Conclusion: Edtech Career Fairs
In conclusion, participating in an Edtech career fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to network and learn about various companies and job opportunities within the field.
To make the most of this opportunity, it is important to prepare beforehand by researching the companies, identifying the roles that interest you, and having a clear understanding of what you want in your next role. Additionally, bring your resume and a list of thoughtful questions to ask recruiters about the company, their open positions, and the skills and qualifications they are looking for in a candidate.
Finally, follow up with hiring managers and recruiters after the fair to stay top of mind and potentially secure future job opportunities. By following these tips, you will be on your way to landing your dream edtech career.
