Everything You Need to Know About the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair

Key Takeaways:

• The Kendall College Culinary Job Fair is held biannually and is exclusive to current students and alumni of Kendall College.
• Free to attend, the fair offers workshops, resume-building sessions, live coaching, and networking mixers to help attendees build confidence and polish their job-seeking skills.
• Employers often conduct on-the-spot interviews and may follow up with additional rounds after the event. It's okay if you're not perfect—preparation and enthusiasm are key!
• Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes, practice elevator pitches, share portfolio links, and dress professionally to make a lasting impression—authenticity matters.
• Previous attendees, including recent graduates with minimal experience, have landed internships and full-time positions through connections made at the fair.

Breaking into the culinary world can be challenging, but the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair is designed to support both newcomers and seasoned professionals. This article provides everything you need to know, with tips, examples and advice for making the most of the event.

Event Overview

The Kendall College Culinary Job Fair is a highly anticipated event organized by the Career Bridge office, taking place on the 7th floor of Kendall College’s downtown Chicago campus. The fair connects current students and alumni with a wide variety of top employers, including renowned restaurants, hotels, catering companies and culinary institutions.

Whether you're looking for your first full-time position, hoping an internship will turn into a permanent role, or just eager to practice your networking skills, the event offers a valuable opportunity to learn and meet industry professionals. If you’re fortunate, you might even meet a mentor or discover a career path you hadn’t previously considered.

Eligibility and Registration

Making the most of the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair involves a few simple steps. Preparation is key—coming ready will help you stand out. If you're new or feeling a bit nervous, don't worry: there are workshops and resources available to support you before and during the event.

Eligibility criteria

The job fair is open exclusively to current students and alumni of Kendall College. Expect to meet individuals with a similar background and career interests. Graduating soon or just finishing your program? You're exactly who employers are eager to connect with. At this time, those outside of Kendall College are not eligible to attend, unless an exception is made through the Career Bridge office.

Registration process

To participate, you must register in advance through the Career Bridge portal. It's highly recommended to sign up early as spots can fill up quickly. Be sure to have your personal details ready: your name, contact information, program of study and graduation status. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with all the event details—like the date, time and location.

Sometimes, job fairs offer the opportunity to upload your resume or portfolio ahead of time, which allows recruiters to review your work before meeting you. If you have a digital portfolio or an Instagram showcasing your culinary creations, be sure to share that link—it's a great way to stand out!

Preparation Tips

To make the most of the job fair, consider the following preparation strategies:

• Update your resume: Ensure your resume reflects your most recent experiences, skills, and certifications.
• Elevator pitch: Craft a concise introduction that highlights your background and career aspirations.
• Portfolio: Bring a digital or printed portfolio showcasing your work, such as photos of dishes you've prepared or menus you've designed.
• Professional attire: Dress in business casual or chef attire to make a positive impression.
• Research employers: Familiarize yourself with the companies attending the fair to tailor your conversations and questions.

What to Expect at the Fair

At the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair, attendees can look forward to a highly interactive experience designed to help you showcase your skills and connect with top employers. Here's what to expect:

On-the-spot interviews
Many employers at the fair conduct immediate interviews. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, past experiences, and career aspirations. Keep your resume handy and be ready to make a strong impression on the spot.

Workshops and seminars
Participate in a variety of workshops and seminars designed to boost your confidence and enhance your career prospects. These sessions may cover topics such as resume building, interview techniques, and the latest industry trends—perfect for honing your professional skills.

Networking opportunities
The fair is a great chance to meet and connect with industry professionals and peers. Whether you're seeking advice, mentorship, or future career opportunities, networking mixers allow you to engage with potential employers and build valuable relationships.

Career counseling
Get personalized guidance from career services to help fine-tune your job search strategies. Whether you need help with refining your resume or understanding the next steps in your career, career counseling will provide you with the support you need to succeed.

This event is not just about handing out resumes—it's an opportunity to engage, learn and grow in your culinary career!

Benefits of Attending

Even if you don’t walk away with a job offer on the spot, attending the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair is a huge step forward in advancing your culinary career.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Face-to-face time with hiring managers: Many employers are eager to meet fresh talent, not just those with years of experience. This is your chance to make a strong impression in person.
• Valuable insider advice: Gain insights from workshops and mixers where employers often share what stands out in interviews, helping you sharpen your job-seeking strategies.
• A supportive environment to practice networking: Even if you're nervous, the fair offers a supportive atmosphere to practice your networking and job-seeking skills, surrounded by people who understand where you’re coming from.
• A broader network: Expanding your network with industry professionals and potential mentors could open doors to new opportunities you hadn't considered.
• Developing essential skills: You'll practice presenting yourself, following up with employers and maintaining professional relationships—all of which will serve you throughout your career, well beyond the first job.

Employers also benefit by meeting enthusiastic students ready to bring fresh perspectives and creativity to the table.

If you’re looking for concrete advice, checking out some commonly asked interview questions can help you stand out even more.

Tips for Making the Most of the Kendall College Culinary Job Fair

• Arrive early: Arriving early allows you to browse the employer list and ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities that align with your career goals.
• Prepare your elevator pitch: Keep it concise (about 20–30 seconds) and tailored to your strengths and interests. For example:

“Hi, I’m [Name], graduating soon from Kendall College. I’m passionate about pastry and hospitality teamwork, and I’m eager to find a role where I can learn and grow.”

• Ask meaningful questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the day-to-day aspects of a job or the potential for growth. Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and can set you apart from others.
• Follow up with a thank-you: After the event, send a polite thank-you email within a day or two. Attach your resume, mention something specific from your conversation, and keep the tone friendly yet professional.
• Bring business cards: If you have them, bring business cards. If not, storing contact info or having a portfolio link ready on your phone will do just fine.
• Keep an open mind: Don’t limit yourself to specific roles. Sometimes a catering gig or assistant manager position can open unexpected doors to exciting opportunities.
• Take quick notes: Jot down key details during conversations. These notes will help with personalized follow-ups, making your outreach more effective.

Before you go, check out this guide on follow-up calls after job interviews to ensure you reconnect with employers in the most effective way.

Conclusion

The Kendall College Culinary Job Fair is a valuable opportunity for students and alumni to take proactive steps toward their culinary career. Whether you’re seeking your first full-time position, hoping an internship will lead to a permanent role, or just practicing your networking skills, this event provides everything you need to succeed. 

Be prepared, stay enthusiastic and you’ll walk away with more than just job opportunities—you’ll leave with new connections, skills, and confidence that will serve you throughout your culinary journey.