Career Fair
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Career, Internship, and Job Fairs

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

  1. Update Your Materials
    • 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.
  2. Research Employers
    • 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.
  3. Prepare Your Introduction
    • 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.
  4. Plan Your Attire
    • 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.
  5. Arrive Ready
    • 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.
  6. Follow Up After the Fair
    • 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.