The Education Opportunities Fair filled the Nebraskan Student Union on Sept. 4 with future teachers eager to make a strong impression on potential employers. While students entered the fair looking for opportunities, school districts came with their own checklist on what makes a candidate stand out.
Joe Haney, special services director at Education Service Unit 9, said personal qualities often matter more than academic credentials or experience.
“They all have the same education,” Haney said. “So what really helps someone stand out is involvement and personality.”
Multiple recruiters emphasized that the way candidates present themselves can make or break an impression. Professionalism, energy and enthusiasm leave the strongest impact, and several recruiters noted that students should demonstrate genuine excitement and passion for their future careers.
Haney pointed out that if students struggle to engage in conversations during the fair, it raises questions about their classroom readiness.
“If you can’t engage me while we’re talking here, I’m going to question if you are able to engage students,” Haney said.
Recruiters said students should come prepared by researching schools ahead of time and knowing what types of districts they want to explore. Others said that being open to different options can help candidates find the best fit and make the most of their time at the fair.
Sara Colford, assistant director of student services for Columbus Public Schools, said finding the right school district is key to excelling in a career in education.
“If you find the district that is your best fit, you’re more likely to find success in your classroom,” Colford said.
By researching districts beforehand, students could match their teaching styles to the right schools.
Students were reminded that the event is more than just an information session, and were encouraged to remain professional.
“These are the people that hire, nobody really tells you that,” Haney said. “We are the superintendents and other high-ranking officials from schools that do hire.”
Samantha Dey, a senior majoring in Elementary Education K-6, said networking and reputation also play a larger role than many students realize.
“Networking is so important,” Dey said. “It’s crucial to put your name out there.”
Haney said he wants students to remember that the education community is smaller than one might think and word spreads quickly.
Beyond education and qualifications, recruiters and students stressed the importance of preparation.
“We want them to be dressed professionally, interact professionally, be excited and engaging,” Colford said.
Students were advised to bring multiple copies of their resume, prepare questions for each district they talk to and dress in a way that shows they take the opportunity seriously.
“We want youthfulness and fresh ideas,” Colford said. “Bring a resume and be prepared with questions for the recruiters.”
Recruiters consistently agreed that preparation, passion and professionalism matter most. The fair isn’t just a chance to pass out resumes – it’s the start of the hiring process itself.