Professional Networking Group to Feature Hiring Insights from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 

~July meeting features Deputy John Diaz discussing what employers look for throughout the hiring process~ 

TAMPA, Fla. — CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) will hold an in-person Professional Networking Group (PNG) meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at CSTB’s Tampa Center, 9215 N. Florida Ave., Room #13, Tampa, FL, 33612.  

Open to degreed professionals exploring new career opportunities, the PNG meeting provides a forum for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to build professional connections and gain career insights.  

The PNG supports professionals who are transitioning back into the workforce or pursuing a meaningful career change. Participants benefit from valuable insights, increased job opportunities, and an expanded professional network.  

This month’s meeting will feature special guest speaker Deputy John Diaz of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment and Screening Section. He will present “The Journey of Getting Hired,” discussing what employers look for in job seekers, sharing tips for navigating the hiring process, and highlighting current career opportunities with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.  

“Getting the employer’s perspective can help job seekers better understand what hiring managers are looking for and how to present themselves as strong candidates,” said Linda Parham, Business Services Consultant at CareerSource Tampa Bay. “Drawing on his recruitment experience, Deputy John Diaz will share practical advice on applications, interviews, and what employers value most.”  

The Professional Networking Group (PNG) is seeking job seekers who have:  

• A four-year degree or higher 

• And/or have five years or more of Management level experience  

• Or were earning at least $45,000 in yearly salary.  

• Or are a recent college graduate.  

• Special exemptions are considered when joining PNG. PNG members can participate in a monthly seminar designed to transition the professional job seeker back into the workforce or to a meaningful career change.  

Participants in the PNG group need to be registered with the statewide online job search program Employ Florida.  

For more information about the PNG group, click on the link below: https://careersourcetampabay.com/events/professional-networking-group-meeting-tampa/2026-07-16/ 

For more information about the event, contact CSTB Business Services Consultant Linda Parham at [email protected].  

About CareerSource Tampa Bay  

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Tampa Bay is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Tampa Bay is governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs) from each county commission. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.  

CareerSource Tampa Bay is the direct service provider for various workforce programs which are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $38,665,000 with 93% federally funded (Updated annually, as of September 2025).  

For more information about CareerSource Tampa Bay, please visit: https://careersourcetampabay.com  

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