PRSA TB Offers Résumé Reviews at Metropolitan Ministries
Posted on Nov. 18, 2022 / Subscribe 0
By Joseph Priest, APR
PRSA Tampa Bay is back! After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 restrictions, our Public Service Committee returned to Metropolitan Ministries for a third résumé-review session to help disadvantaged job seekers. The session follows two résumé-review sessions we made in 2019 and one job-search-skills counseling session in 2020.
On Nov. 2, the Public Service Committee organized our participation in this session for disadvantaged job seekers as part of the nonprofit’s life skills program. This program provides a range of life-management and career-building services to help people in critical economic need. The services include one that takes in people for a period of six to nine months during which they live at residence halls on Metropolitan Ministries’ main office and attend a series of workshops and activities to help them reset their life and prepare for a new future.
Our team took part in one of these workshops to help several disadvantaged job seekers who were looking to rebuild their résumé, job-search, and interview skills in order to restart their careers.
Six members and friends of the chapter participated:
- Heather Grzelka, APR, principal, Madeira Public Relations.
- Terra Hall, field advocacy communications lead, American Heart Association.
- Heather Hardwick, brand communications consultant and writer.
- Natalie Preston, director, Office of Engagement and Constituent Relations, USF College of Public Health.
- Joseph Priest, APR, content strategist, Schifino Lee.
- Christina Zarella, talent acquisition consultant, Publix Super Markets.
Some of the volunteers and attendees: Heather Grzelka (left), Terra Hall (fifth from left), Natalie Preston (sixth from left), Christina Zarella (seventh from left, back), and Heather Hardwick (right)
Our session consisted of presentations from each team member on résumé-writing tips, job-search best practices, interview pointers, networking considerations, and relationship-building recommendations; an on-site review of all résumés on areas such as neatness, organization, and effectiveness; and one-on-one meetings with the job seekers to share our feedback and provide advice on their job-search strategies.
Although we just had a few hours to contribute, our team had an amazingly rewarding experience. We were able to offer high-level communication advice to job seekers who don’t normally have access to this kind of counsel.
In particular, many of the typical job seekers in the Metropolitan Ministries program are different than many of the typical PR candidates that we more commonly work with in that they are older, have already had several jobs in a diversity of areas, and often face special challenges with their ability to work or with their job histories. These challenges include having regular access to transportation, having special family needs, or having health problems.
The way our team came together to apply our skills to address these different challenges and give personal counsel to the candidates truly exemplified both the professional value and community benefit of what our profession offers.
Here are some volunteers’ impressions of their experience:
Natalie Preston
“I am still doing lots of things via videoconference — work, tutoring sessions, health appointments and more. The benefit of hosting an event of this nature in person is the ability to connect with strangers. Touch is a powerful thing. A pat on the back or touching of someone’s hand to reassure them that ‘they got this’ is priceless. Thank you, PRSA Tampa Bay, for the opportunity to participate.”
Joseph Priest
“It was absolutely exhilarating to be able to return to an in-person résumé-review session after having had to pause these for more than two years because of COVID. In just an hour and a half, our group was able to share practical job search, interview, and personal-communication insights, directly apply our professional experience and public relations knowledge, and give hope and inspiration to people who may be in a tough spot in their lives. It made me feel more privileged than ever to be a member of PRSA Tampa Bay.”
Heather Hardwick
“The enthusiasm and engagement of the attendees were inspiring -- they all were committed to learning, candid about their challenges, and laser-focused on applying what they learned to enhance their résumés and job searches. Also, the ability to talk face to face made for a richer experience for the attendees and all of us. We could easily review and edit their résumés together as well as consult with the larger group in the room, for the benefit of all attendees.”
Terra Hall
“This was an awesome opportunity to give back to the community. While our intent was to help job seekers improve their résumés and interview skills, we also had a chance to learn and grow. I especially enjoyed meeting like-minded professionals who are committed to the fields of education and public health and who prioritize improving our community by helping others.”
The Public Service Committee is planning to build on this session with similar events next year. Stay tuned for more details on those here on the PRSA Tampa Bay website. 
0 Comments