The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library recently was a hub — for those seeking opportunities for paying jobs, or to volunteer.
In fact, the library has a series of events this month, which is set aside as Career Development Month, focused on helping people find work.
On Nov. 7, a CareerSource Pasco-Hernando bus was parked outside the library, located at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Inside the bus was an array of computers to help people find employment opportunities.
David Hamilton is the local CareerSource operations manager who was there to help those dropping by The Mobile One Stop bus.
“My thing is to make sure I can help them apply for the job they want to apply for,” Hamilton explained. “I am looking at the general employment skill and that’s everybody, from no particular education, up to [a] bachelor’s degree.”
His aim is to help applicants find work they would be passionate about, as opposed to showing them a general list of what’s available.
As a 26-year career advisor, Hamilton helps others to create or polish up their resumes and cover letters.
It’s important to use correct grammar and punctuation, he said.
Cover letters, he added, should provide fresh content and not be redundant to what’s in an applicant’s resume.
Job applicants need to research a potential employer before creating the cover letter. It should tailor what that employer is seeking.
Hamilton then noted that Pasco County’s major employment category is retail and service, followed by health care.
But, he also pointed out that there’s more demand for nurses looking for work than for retail store managers.
He said he was there to assist people who may need technical help.
Hamilton also mentioned that those seeking jobs include youth entering the workforce for the first time, those who have been laid off and those moving to a new region.
He did mention that finding a position is more challenging for middle-age job seekers because they’re competing with a younger generation.
Pasco County’s current unemployment rate is at 3.3%, a drastic decline from its 12.7% peak a decade ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
And, with the holiday season approaching, Hamilton expects an increase in job openings.
While Hamilton was helping others find paying jobs, another discussion was taking place inside the library.
At the Social Seniors event inside, those gathered had the chance to learn about multiple ways to become a volunteer.
Social Seniors is geared toward those 55 years old and older who want to take a more active role in their community.
“The Social Seniors is a chance for them (patrons) to come socialize, get some refreshments, maybe learn something new,” said Catherine Seavey, a library branch attendant who helps oversee the program.
Generally, the program allows people age 55 and up to play cards, watch movies, be part of a book club or take part in learning activities.
The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has partnered with Pasco County Senior Services and the Seniors in Service organization, to help those seasoned in age, stay productive.
Attendance at monthly meetings tends to go up when there is a guest speaker, and on this particular day, there were speakers offering advice on how to stay engaged through volunteering.
After retiring, Rick Buzzee, of Land O’ Lakes, joined the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes to be involved in efforts to promote education, diminish poverty and help with community efforts.
“I think you have to stay mentally alert and mentally productive,” Buzzee said, adding there’s a correlation between good health and staying active.
Career Development Month
Where: Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When:
- Personality Development Personality Tests, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Building a Professional Presence online, Nov. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dress for Success, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- AmSkills Mobile Innovation Station, Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mock Interviews. Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- CareerSource Mobile One Stop bus, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Resume workshop on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 929-1214
Published November 13, 2019
