USF’s free community resume review event

I coordinated and hosted a free resume review event for the community at USF yesterday. I wanted to do something to help people who have been laid off and are struggling due to the economy, so I reached out to recruiters and others in the community who have experienced writing resumes. 16 of them volunteered their time for four hours to give free 10 – 15 minute resume reviews for the community.

150 people signed up for the event ahead of time, and 112 showed up. I was surprised we didn’t have a higher turnout. We had the capacity to see double that number. There are so many people out there looking for jobs – why wouldn’t they want a free resume review from a professional? We got plenty of publicity, thanks to  WTBN, 970 WFLA, Mix 100.7, ABC Action News, Fox 13 (I appeared on Good Day Tampa Bay Friday morning), the St. Pete Times, tbt, and I’m sure others we missed.

Overall, the event was a success despite the lower than expected turnout. Everyone was extremely appreciative and said the advice they received was very helpful. The resume reviewers said they noticed a lot of common resume mistakes, so I think we provided a great service for the people who came. I met one man who is over 70 years old and looking for a job in the IT field. He has a great deal of experience but is worried about his age keeping him from finding something. He was also disabled due to a motorcycle accident. He was so thankful and appreciate of the help. The look on his face made the event all worthwhile. I really hope he finds a good position soon, and that companies will see him for his tremendous experience, not his age.

Tampa Downtown Market

I’ve visited the market twice now, and it’s one of the best local markets I’ve been to. On my first visit, I bought the following (some for myself, some for Christmas gifts): soap made locally from goat’s milk, homemade semolina pasta with rosemary and garlic, apple curd, a CD-rom with Burgert Brothers historic photos of Tampa, fresh whole wheat bread and a mango banana smoothie. The second time, I got some grapefruit, a pastry and a smoothie. They also had homemade dog treats, loose leaf tea, coffee, olive oil, dips, local honey, handbags, jewelry, cigars, crepes, biscotti and vegetables. There was a wide variety, and all of the items were local. The vendors were also very nice and thankful for the support.

Some of the items were a little pricey, so it’s not something I can shop at on a regular basis. It’s also only open on Fridays from 10 – 2. I asked why it isn’t open on weekends and was told they don’t want to compete with the St. Petersburg Saturday market or the one in Ybor City. I think St. Pete is far enough away not to be of concern, and I like this one a lot better than the one in Ybor because of more variety. Hopefully they will expand some day so more people than those who work in downtown can enjoy it.

The only negatives were the cost of some of the items. I would also have liked to have seen fresh flowers there.

Overall, a great experience!
www.tampadowntownmarket.com