The Illinois WorkNet Center of DeKalb will host a job fair Friday for residents of DeKalb seeking a career.

The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Community Outreach Center, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road. About 21 employers from the DeKalb County area including Nestle, Ryerson, Algus Packaging, Rasmussen College, as well as staffing agencies will be in attendance. The fair has been attended by 200-400 people in the past, and is open for all to attend at no cost.

“We offer job fairs throughout the year,” said Tom Conley, career resource center coordinator with Kishwaukee College. “There are currently 5,000 to 6,000 unemployed residents in DeKalb County.”

Conley said that while the rate of unemployment is always fluctuating, unemployment offices at the federal, state, and local level are working residents to help them with their job search.

“We have a career resource center and computer labs to help clients write resumes and apply for jobs online,” Conley said.

The WorkNet Center, 1701 E. Lincoln Highway, has multiple organizations hosted in one office, with someone working specifically with veterans. The emphasis for veterans comes from the federal initiative, “Hire the Heroes”, whose goal is helping returning veterans find work.

“Unemployment is a problem for veterans but the federal government has programs specifically for this,” said Newell Miao, junior environmental science major. “Many employers are required to mention employment for veterans.”

Students are welcomed and encouraged to attend the job fair. Attendees should bring their resumes and dress business casual. Students are also welcomed use the facilities such as the computer labs or resume assistance at the WorkNet Center at any time.