Job Fair App

Code Boot Camp Instructor Harcourt Bull and recent graduate Abdiel Vazquez running tests of the Job Fair App they created.

Job fairs have historically had positive outcomes for both parties, and the recent graduates of Code Boot Camp at theClubhou.se were ready to see what was available in the area. These talented job-seekers wanted to make their way through meeting a variety of potential employers at booths; everyone hoping to take care of business. However, with a pandemic in full swing there are some clear concerns with trying to host one, this gave birth to the idea of hosting job fairs virtually.

The concept was simple: build a web-based application to host a virtual job fair in which each jobseeker was able to communicate with each employer via video conference. The quick interaction would last somewhere between the 3 and 5 minute mark and serve not as an interview but a sort of elevator pitch. After each communication was complete both participants would then be rotated to another user. This cycle would continue until each jobseeker met with each employer. Though the concept was simple, the execution would prove to be challenging.

The students got to work using the basics of web development learned in the course: HTML, CSS, Javascript, Node.js, and MySQL. The technology needed to establish and maintain these connections was a little more complex, including Web RTC, websockets, and turn servers. This enabled multiple vdeo/audio connections to be established with little to no latency.

The team creating this app consisted of Code Boot Camp Instructor Harcourt Bull and three soon-to-be graduates, working with a two week deadline.Harcourt shared, “Despite these odds, we were able to build a proof of concept model that was able to be demonstrated amongst many industry partners.” Code Boot Camp graduates from all 2020 cohorts were able to participate in the virtual job fair.