TampaBay-Job-Links to Conduct Job-Search Boot Camp

January 30, 2019

TampaBay-Job-Links career coach Robyn Winters presented a Boot Camp at CBI last April.

In partnership with Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg (CBI), Gulf Coast JFCS, and the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties, TampaBay-Job-Links will present a full-day Job-Search Boot Camp providing vital tools and strategies to help individuals in career transition kick their job search into high gear. The workshop will take place at Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58^th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, on Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Topics will include: Master Change and Transition; Conduct Self-Assessments; Develop Your Professional Brand; Enhance Your Interview Skills; Manage Networking; Strengthen Your Résumé; Boost Your LinkedIn Profile; and Optimize Your References; and more. The Job-Search Boot Camp will be facilitated by Job-Links professional career coaches.

“Losing a job can mean the loss of identity, dignity, and self-esteem. People often feel stigmatized even when their job loss is no fault of their own. Without direction and relevant job-search skills, individuals can face an isolating and demoralizing job search,” said Sheila Solomon Rudd, TampaBay-Job-Links Executive Director.

“The Job-Search Boot Camp brings people together to learn current skills and strategies. It’s an interactive workshop for people at any stage of their career and regardless of the precipitating factors of their career transition. Layoffs, industry changes, technology, divorce, and life transitions are commonplace in 2019,” Solomon Rudd said.

“So, whether you’re a recent college graduate, returning to the workforce, or considering a career change, the day-long Boot Camp will be packed with practical information to help accelerate your job search,” Solomon Rudd explained.

Gulf Coast JFCS hosted the first Job-Links full-day community Boot Camp program in Pinellas County in 2014. “Over the last five years, Job-Links and Gulf Coast JFCS have been great referral partners,” said Cindy Minetti, Senior Director, Jewish Family & Counseling Services at Gulf Coast JFCS. “Several Job-Links candidates who have needed short-term mental health counseling have been served by our therapists. Job-Links has been a valuable resource for our clients seeking affordable guidance to help them navigate their career transitions effectively,” stated Minetti.

“The work of Job-Links is founded on partnerships -between the individual, their potential future employer, the Job-Links professional staff, and the community. Our Federation creates similar bonds which is why this effort is so meaningful for us to support!” said Emilie Socash, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties.

“Congregation B’nai Israel is honored to be hosting the February 20th Job-Search Boot Camp. Partnering with TampaBay-Job-Links and Federation allows us to work together to help people on their path to employment, as well as offer them comfort and fellowship inside the synagogue’s doors,” said Liz Sembler, Community Engagement Director at CBI.

“We are so pleased to collaborate again with CBI and two Pinellas county-based Jewish community organizations,” said Solomon Rudd. “Last April’s Boot Camp at CBI was well attended, and the anonymous participant feedback we received was outstanding. One person wrote, ‘I learned so much. I had no idea what I didn’t know.’ Another commented, ‘I think this is a great resource to jump-start a job search! Also, helps motivate and focus my search.’ And one individual, Dedee, sent us a follow-up note sharing the news that after learning current networking and research skills at the all-day seminar, she quickly landed a job.” Solomon Rudd added.

TampaBay-Job-Links is a non-profit organization and a supportive community where people gain relevant job-search and career-transition skills, helping them find employment to sustain themselves and their families. Professional career strategists work one-on-one and in small groups with individuals as they navigate through their career transition. Job-Links also assists employers with finding qualified candidates and offers outplacement services. Job-Links is a member of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.

The cost to attend the workshop is $25 if registered and paid by 2/12/19 or $30 after 2/12/19. A kosher lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required, and seating is limited. To register, call TampaBay-Job-Links at 813-344-0200 or email RSVP@TBJL.org.

Published in the February 8, 2019 edition of  The Jewish Press of Tampa:  “All-day seminar will offer tips for diving in the job-search pool” bit.ly/2Ygqwsq

Click HERE to download the PDF version of the press release.