More than 20 companies, including Kaiser Permanente, Fred Meyer, HSBC, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will be participating in Mt. Hood Community College’s 2005 Career Fair on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

The event, co-sponsored by KBOO and the Career Planning and Counseling Center this year, will be open to the community, according to Steve Grote, a career development specialist with the Career Center. Attendees will be able to meet representatives from various companies and learn about different career opportunities.

Grote said, “Everyone should come. Career fairs are a chance for people to develop networking skills and short interview skills.”

Grote adds, “It doesn’t hurt to do research on companies you’re interested in prior to the event.” Showing an interest in the company and coming prepared to ask interesting questions can help give an applicant the edge over others, Grote said, “What are you doing to stand out?”

Last year 600 participants attended, a number the Career Center is hoping to surpass this year.