Navigating the competitive job market in New York City can be a daunting task. Fortunately, plenty of job fairs in NYC offer a unique opportunity to connect directly with potential employers, network with industry professionals and gain insights into various career paths.
Whether you’re seeking opportunities within the city, exploring options in nearby areas or considering virtual events for convenience, the following guide provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming NYC job fairs in 2025.
Upcoming Job Fairs in New York City and Nearby Cities
New York City hosts a wide array of job fairs throughout the year, catering to industries such as hospitality, technology, healthcare, finance and more. Below are some of the best on-site career fairs in NYC happening this year.
1. New York City Career Fair
- Date: April 10, 2025
- Location: Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South-Midtown West, 237 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019
- Register here: Career Fair Connection
Hosted by Career Fair Connection, this event connects job seekers with employers across various industries like government, sales, IT and healthcare.
Here, one can expect opportunities for entry-level and experienced professionals alike. Attendees are also highly advised to professionally and bring multiple copies of their resumes to maximize their chances of securing an interview.
2. Diversity Employment Day Career Fair
- Date: May 22, 2025
- Location: Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square South, 338 W. 36th Street, New York, NY 10018
- Register here: City Career Fair
This NYC career fair provides job seekers from various backgrounds — including minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities — an opportunity to connect with recruiters from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and non-profits.
Attendees can expect on-the-spot interviews, networking opportunities and career resources to help advance their job search.
3. Cornell University’s 2025 Real Estate & Hospitality Career Fair
- Date: March 11, 2025
- Location: 117 Statler Drive, Ithaca, NY (Cornell University)
- Register here: Cornell Career Services
Organized by Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, this industry-specific career fair is tailored for students and professionals interested in hospitality management and real estate.
Featuring top companies from hotel groups, property development firms and real estate investment organizations, this event provides an exclusive platform to network, learn about industry trends and secure internships and full-time positions.
4. Columbia University’s NYC Food Ed Career Fair
- Date: March 8, 2025
- Location: Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th St., New York, NY 10027
- Register here: Columbia Climate School Events
Organized by the Columbia Climate School, the NYC Food Ed Career Fair is designed for individuals interested in food education and related fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore career paths in food education and network with professionals in the industry.
The event features an open table format, allowing participants to engage directly with organizations and learn about available opportunities.
5. Jobs NYC February Hiring Hall – Brooklyn
- Date: February 27, 2025
- Location: Ebenezer Urban Ministry Center – 660 Powell Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212
- Register here: Jobs NYC February Hiring Hall on Eventbrite
Organized by Jobs NYC, this Hiring Hall aims to connect job seekers with a variety of employers across multiple industries. Attendees are encouraged to bring updated resumes and dress professionally to make a strong impression.
6. Brooklyn Job Fair
- Date: April 24, 2025
- Location: Downtown Brooklyn, NY (Exact venue to be announced)
- Register here: Brooklyn Job Fair on Eventbrite
The Brooklyn Job Fair is a key hiring event designed to connect job seekers with top employers across multiple industries, including hospitality, healthcare, finance, retail, technology and more.
This fair is an excellent opportunity for entry-level, mid-career and experienced professionals to network with hiring managers and explore job openings in both small businesses and large corporations.
7. RetailHires Virtual Job Fair/Career Expo
- Dates: Every first Friday of each month
- Location: Virtual
- Register here: RetailHires
Organized by RetailHires, this virtual job fair connects job seekers with employers in the retail industry. Positions may range from entry-level roles to management positions.
Participants can engage in virtual interviews, submit resumes and network with hiring managers from various retail companies.
8. Dr. King Career Fair
- Date: April 10, 2025
- Location: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, NY
- Register here: New York State Department of Labor
This long-running annual career fair honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by providing employment opportunities to job seekers from diverse backgrounds. With over 170 businesses and organizations participating, attendees can explore openings across various industries.
The event also offers resume reviews, career workshops and networking sessions to help job seekers connect with potential employers.
9. NYC Ferry Career Fair
- Date: March 10, 2025
- Location: Brooklyn Public Library (Brooklyn Heights Branch) – 286 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Register here: NYC Ferry Career Fair on Eventbrite
This career fair is organized by NYC Ferry to recruit individuals interested in maritime and related industries. Positions may include roles such as deckhands, captains and customer service representatives.
Tips for Success at NYC Job Fairs
Below are tips that’ll help you maximize your chances of making meaningful connections and securing your next job opportunity at an NYC job fair.
- Do your research: Before attending, check the event’s website or registration page to see which companies will be there. Research the ones you’re interested in so you can tailor your conversations and show genuine enthusiasm for their opportunities.
- Bring multiple copies of your resume: Many recruiters will ask for a printed resume, so it’s best to bring at least 10 to 15 copies depending on the event size. If applying to different industries, consider preparing multiple versions highlighting relevant skills.
- Practice your elevator pitch: Prepare a 30-second introduction that includes your name, background, skills and what you’re looking for. For instance:
“Hi, I’m [Name]. I have five years of experience in hospitality management and a strong background in customer service. I’m excited to connect with companies that value leadership and team development. Could you tell me about any roles that might be a good fit?”
- Anticipate on-the-spot interviews: Some companies conduct immediate interviews, so be ready to discuss your experience, strengths and career goals. Practice answers to common interview questions and have thoughtful questions ready for recruiters.
- Interact with everyone in the event: Engage with company representatives, ask insightful questions and request contact information for follow-ups. Don’t just focus on recruiters — networking with other job seekers can lead to unexpected opportunities and job referrals, too.
- Take notes and follow up: After speaking with a recruiter at a job fair in NYC, jot down key points about the conversation. Then, send a follow-up email within 48 hours, thanking them for their time and expressing interest in any discussed opportunities.
Conclusion
Attending job fairs in NYC presents invaluable opportunities to advance your career. By participating in these events, you can connect with potential employers, expand your professional network and gain insights into various industries.
To further enhance your job search, consider utilizing OysterLink: a dedicated platform for restaurant and hospitality careers. Why not give the tool below a try?
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By leveraging the tools and information available, you can gain a competitive edge in your job search and make informed decisions about your career trajectory.
