NIU’s fall job fair expects to draw 158 companies to the Convocation Center on October 20.

Seniors and graduate students are the primary hiring pool for employers, but alumni are encouraged to attend to make job contacts.

All students can use the event to talk to employers and gather information about the companies and their job opportunities.

Contrary to what many students think, the job fair is considered a networking event and job offers are rarely made, but many interviews are scheduled.

Some recruiters have decisions made in 30 seconds – as soon as they see and talk to a student, said Julie Madsen, Enterprise Rent-A-Car regional recruiting manager.

Students have to first understand what kind of position they are looking for and pay attention to the culture of the company, Madsen said.

Buy a suit, prepare and practice, and think conservative when dressing, Madsen said.

Employers are there to meet people, accept resumes, and at the end of the day, they usually contact good applicants for follow-up interviews. The student’s primary goal should be to make some contacts, learn about the companies’ opportunities available and follow-up if requested.

NIU’s Career Planning and Placement Center has a list of advice for students in its job hunter guide.

One tip is to bring enough resumes for all interview sessions and to leave one with the Job Fair Candidate Registration Desk which will be used in place of filling out a registration form.

Students also should prepare a list of employers that offer the employment opportunities which most closely matches their interests and abilities.

Students should be aware of the employer’s products and/or services, location, job responsibilities and corporate culture and ask for a business card from all recruiters they speak with.

While students are talking to the recruiters, Madsen advises them to take control of the conversation.

Students also have to have questions for the interviewer, she said.

For more information about the fair students can visit www.niu.edu/cppc.