Career Fair

Career, Internship, and Job Fairs

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Take advantage of our Job Fairs and Career & Internship Fairs to connect with employers and strengthen your professional communication skills. These two events are held every spring and fall and are open to NEIU students, alumni, and community members.

 

Dates and times for the fairs can be found by logging into Handshake and clicking on the "Events" tab on the toolbar at the navigation menu. 

How to Prepare

  • Upload your most recent resume to Handshake, including any recent or summer experiences.
  • Complete and update your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles.
  • Bring several hard copies of your resume to the fair.
  • If you need help creating or updating your resume or Handshake/LinkedIn profiles, you can schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor or visit this page to access resources such as our resume templates.

  • Review the list of attending employers on Handshake.
  • Visit employer websites and review their open positions.
  • “Follow” employers in Handshake to stay updated.
  • Sign up for employer newsletters for recruiting timelines and event details.
  • Identify alumni who work at the organization and start building connections before the fair.

  • Develop and practice a few versions of your elevator pitch (who you are, your major, interests, and goals).
  • Prepare a short list of questions to ask employers about job roles, company culture, training opportunities, or career pathways.

  • Dress in business professional or business casual attire, unless otherwise specified.
  • Choose clothing that helps you feel confident and comfortable—first impressions matter.
  • Make sure your shoes are appropriate since you may stand for long periods.
  • If you need access to professional clothing, you can visit our Power Closet by scheduling an appointment through Handshake.

  • Bring a notebook or folder with employer information and questions.
  • Keep an upbeat, positive attitude.
  • Show enthusiasm and be yourself when talking with employers.
  • Take notes after each conversation to help you remember key details.

  • Email or write a note to the recruiters you spoke with.
  • Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you.
  • Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn to maintain your professional network and stay updated on opportunities.

Schedule an Appointment

Meet with a Career Development staff member in person or virtually through your Handshake account.

How to Schedule an Appointment
  1. Log in with your NEIUport credentials and NEIU email
  2. When you log in, click on "Northeastern Illinois University Career Center."
  3. Next, click on the “Appointments” tab.
  4. Then, click on "Schedule a New Appointment."
  5. Choose your category and appointment type, then the times and dates of our Career Advisors will pop up. Appointments are both virtual and in-person.  

If you need help, contact us at (773) 442-4680 or ocs@neiu.edu.