Figured it would be a convenient place to throw out thoughts done here regarding the fair.

I have been doing some finalized fair prep this week. I fly out early Thursday and should arrive in BOS around noon. Hopefulyl see a few of you all there!

On average (I know this one will be tough to nail down a correct number) how many candidates that attend a fair sign a contract? I know a lot happens post fair but curious as to how many roll in on Day 0 without a contract and leave after Day 3 with a contract?

@Thames

Thanks for this info! I have been looking at teaching in Germany myself. The tax situation does make me a little uneasy but I am single so I can make do on a rather small salary. The idea of getting all my taxes back if I leave after my 2 year contract is up in July or even tack on another 2 years ( to make it 4 years) and get half my tax money back is great!

A lot the answer you are looking for is off which city in southern Germany

I feel like fairs are pretty much straight forward. They are going to be pretty fierce as far as teachers "battling" for vacancies and such. Some teachers being "fake" to one another and some people hiring being a little shady but isn't that sort of the flow with these? I have not ever been to one but that is the gist I get from reading fair diary's and reviews on this forum in the past.

Every teacher puts on their best face at these things I assume.

Late 20s here. Thanks! Was not sure what an offer looks like from an IS and things are are often needed to be clarified.

Trying to be proactive before this event occurs. Anyone with tips on things to ask about specifically? I am a single male so no need to discuss tuition for dependents. Thanks in advance!

I think most school, from my research on this forum, give you a 24 hour time frame to accept/decline at the fair. You have to be considerate of the schools and other candidates regarding declining a position... the sooner the better if you know you are not accepting.

I plan on attending the BOS fair in nearly 2 weeks as well.

Positives for schools- SEARCH sifts through the people who are just really feeling their way through IT. Meaning, the people not very serious about IT get weeded out by SEARCH's process. They do recruit from their own websites too.

Positives for teachers- One stop shop for looking for vacancies. Also the ability to attend fairs, if invited.

Any updates so far? Anxious to hear how things went!

Thanks! somewhat feeling better about it. I, of course, am applying to any school of interest at this time... not just attending the fair but even those not.

I will post a fair diary before, during, and after scoping the entire process. I was particularly interested in this process as I was researching IS.

Thank you Thames and Shadow for the responses. I have definitely made some notes from your suggestions.

Are fair diary's still "allowed"? I would love to make one as a first time IT experience from the pre fair process through the fair process and eventually being hired (staying optimistic haha).

As I said, I plan on attending BOS. I teach in a "niche" area (Sped) and have had mixed results. I am not really picky in my locations, I just do not want to go to a hardship location. I know this somewhat narrows down my search in some ways as well as maybe being picky in some peoples eyes... Credential wise, I have 4 years of teaching on record as well as being department head in each year (I really figured that would have more sway in my search but thus far it seems as though it has not). I have had very minimal interest and have contacted round 40 schools.

After looking at the BOS fair, I am interested in 13 schools that will be in attendance with vacancies at my position. Is this normal? Any of the 13 would be wonderful places to be hired at, not because the location is great, but the schools seem great as well. I am not at the position where it is teach abroad or bust but I would love to begin my IT career in fall of 2017.

Thanks for the insight from you vets!

Asking all the posters who have went went to these fairs. I plan on attending the Bos fair at the end of January but know there are other posters new to the fair process that would love some tips or advice.

As for me, I have my resumes (35) and Ichiro's(60, it is kind of like a business card with my pictures and work experience on it) printed ready to roll. Any other suggestions on what to bring as far as giving to recruiters?

I plan to arrive at noon Thursday so I can get settled into hotel early before the fun begins. Flight departs around 5 Sunday. I chose to share a room with someone at the fair mainly for camaraderie... It is my first fair so I am kind of heading into this thing blindly, like most newbies I would imagine.

As far as pre fair interest, I have not had much. Fingers crossed it picks up over the next few weeks. I have sent out 30+ emails/apps to schools and I have had some basic responses plus one skype interview. I look forward to the whole process thought since it is new to me.

Like I said, any advice is much appreciated. Hope to see a few of you guys in Bos!

I have yet to meet ANYone who is concerned over a war. I mean if you are getting your news from CNN or MSNBC then maybe they say it.

Curious what you think would happen being an American in China with Trump as president