With a high number of employers, one would think the spring NIU job fair would see huge numbers of would-be employees.

After all, a job fair is an important opportunity for any NIU student concerned with post-college plans.

Imagine the disappointed look on employers’ faces when they found only scattered people in the Convocation Center.

Only 850 students and alumni attended the fair, about 250 fewer than the 1,100 who attended last year.

The fair has always been a success in past years. So far, organizers have done a great job in attracting employers’ attention to the school.

However, the decreased student involvement should be a cause for alarm because it discourages employers from coming back.

Although job-hunting is a responsibility that ultimately falls on the student, organizers could help increase attendance by making the fair more user-friendly.

For one, organizers could try recruiting a more diverse group of employers that appeals to more majors.

Granted, some departments host their own job fairs. For example, the accountancy department has its own “Meet the Firm” event in the spring.

Still, finding no employers to match job-seekers’ goals or majors can be so disappointing the students may not bother to come back.

Organizers could also consider revising the list of employers they give to the students. Instead of listing them alphabetically, they could group them according to major so students can decide which employers would be most worthwhile to visit.

Employers could also include a brief description in the list so students can research those that interest them the most. This will also help students decide which companies most closely tie into their values and goals so they can decide who they want to work for.

Finally, organizers can do more to promote the fair to increase student awareness.

But at the same time, students must take a more active role when it comes to their futures. Let’s hope next year’s job fair turnout breaks records.