Hundreds of students and more than 160 different businesses attended Wednesday’s job fair at the Convocation Center.

“The employer turnout is good; it reflects prevailing economic conditions,” said Judy Kirchgessner, the recruiting coordinator for the Career Planning and Placement Center. “That large number tells us the economists are right; the job market is improving.”

A few years ago, the CPPC had 93 employers for one of the job fairs when the American economy was first falling into a recession, Kirchgessner said. This year, 35 employers were new to the fair.

“We do get a lot of repeat businesses but also a lot of new ones through our outreach efforts or word-of-mouth,” Kirchgessner said. “People know NIU is the place to be.”

The CPPC coordinates one job fair per semester. This fall’s job fair was NIU’s 33rd job fair since its launch in fall 1988.

The spring job fair is scheduled for Feb. 8, Kirchgessner said.

Many different types of employers attended the job fair. Some were looking for students strong in technology or business, while others sought out English majors. All were looking for potential candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

“Last spring, we got really excited because it was the first real diverse job fair we’d had in awhile,” Kirchgessner said.

At Wednesday’s job fair, each employer was looking for a specific type of employee.

“We’re looking for December graduates, preferably in the computer science area,” said Mike Celaric, programmer for SBC Communications.

Most employers seemed pleased with the students and turnout.

“We’re getting a lot of nice applicants today,” said Joanne Engle, a senior credit analyst at U.S. Bank. “We’re real pleased. I’ve been to other job fairs in the Chicago area, and this one has a nice turnout.” She said U.S. Bank was looking for good talent out of the College of Business.

Students prepared for the job fair by dressing professionally and having a good resume with them.

“Creating a resume was kind of tough,” said Dave Pearson, a senior marketing major. “I actually went to the CPPC and got help from them.”