Older Job Seekers Should Explore Every Option

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April 28, 2011Older Job Seekers Should Explore Every Option

By Toni Vranjes

Finding a job can be especially difficult for older people. They often face negative stereotypes, including the perception that they're "sluggish" or "behind the times." These stereotypes are unfair, and they leave many seniors feeling demoralized.

If you're an older job seeker, don't let these attitudes defeat you. Although age discrimination certainly exists, some companies actually go to great efforts to recruit senior citizens. Employers have several reasons for doing so. Hiring older people could be part of their diversity programs, or maybe they're recruiting seniors to mirror their customer base. Also, older people have lower turnover rates compared to younger workers.

So don't lose hope! As you look, focus on the steps you can take to improve your career prospects.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS
A great option is enrolling in a certificate program at a college or university. Getting certified allows you to develop expertise in a specific career field, and it's typically quicker and less expensive than getting a formal graduate degree. Be sure to mention the program on your resume.

CAST A WIDE NET FOR JOBS
You can try general searches on the major job boards and on job aggregators such as Simply Hired. Also visit employers' web sites to see if any jobs are posted there. But don't stop there.

Look for openings on niche websites, where you can find listings from employers who are seeking older workers. These sites include Retirement Jobs, Retired Brains, Seniors4Hire, SeniorJobBank, Workforce50.com, Jobs4.0 and BoomerJobs.com.Use a special feature from Simply Hired to search for jobs at "Age 50+ Friendly Companies."Look for job openings using the AARP job search engine.Consider the FedExperience pilot program, launched by the Partnership for Public Service in 2008. As part of the pilot, the FedExperience team offers guidance to older workers interested in careers with the federal government. The team recently launched a LinkedIn group to provide tips, networking opportunities, and job leads.If you need a helping hand financially, look into the federally funded Title V program, which provides on-the-job training for low-income seniors. Although the recent budget deal slashed funding for the program, you should still examine it as an option.You also can find listings on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter – and your contacts may pass along job leads.Get help with your search through the nationwide network of government-funded career facilities, often called "WorkSource" or "One-Stop" centers. Visit a local center and receive assistance while searching online for jobs.Attend career fairs, where you can talk to employers in person about job openings.If you've pursued all these options and you're still not getting anywhere, consider being your own boss. Check out Retirement Jobs' tips on self employment.

USE SPECIALIZED TOOLS TO FIND CONNECTIONS
If you're applying for jobs, get to know the people who can help you get a foot in the door. Here are a couple tools you could use:

The Simply Hired "Who Do I Know" feature, which shows if you have any connections at hiring companies.The LinkedIn "JobsInsider" tool, which shows whether you have contacts at a target employer.

Ultimately, you need to appreciate your unique talents and determine the best way to use them. Stay focused and be persistent, and explore all your options. It may take a while, but you'll eventually find a career path that's suited for you.

 

Toni Vranjes is editor-in-chief of Revive My Career, a resource for job seekers. The site provides employment news and career tips.

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Comments Older Job Seekers Should Explore Every Option

By Toni Vranjes

Finding a job can be especially difficult for older people. They often face negative stereotypes, including the perception that they're "sluggish" or "behind the times." These stereotypes are unfair, and they leave many seniors feeling demoralized.

If you're an older job seeker, don't let these attitudes defeat you. Although age discrimination certainly exists, some companies actually go to great efforts to recruit senior citizens. Employers have several reasons for doing so. Hiring older people could be part of their diversity programs, or maybe they're recruiting seniors to mirror their customer base. Also, older people have lower turnover rates compared to younger workers.

So don't lose hope! As you look, focus on the steps you can take to improve your career prospects.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS
A great option is enrolling in a certificate program at a college or university. Getting certified allows you to develop expertise in a specific career field, and it's typically quicker and less expensive than getting a formal graduate degree. Be sure to mention the program on your resume.

CAST A WIDE NET FOR JOBS
You can try general searches on the major job boards and on job aggregators such as Simply Hired. Also visit employers' web sites to see if any jobs are posted there. But don't stop there.

Look for openings on niche websites, where you can find listings from employers who are seeking older workers. These sites include Retirement Jobs, Retired Brains, Seniors4Hire, SeniorJobBank, Workforce50.com, Jobs4.0 and BoomerJobs.com.Use a special feature from Simply Hired to search for jobs at "Age 50+ Friendly Companies."Look for job openings using the AARP job search engine.Consider the FedExperience pilot program, launched by the Partnership for Public Service in 2008. As part of the pilot, the FedExperience team offers guidance to older workers interested in careers with the federal government. The team recently launched a LinkedIn group to provide tips, networking opportunities, and job leads.If you need a helping hand financially, look into the federally funded Title V program, which provides on-the-job training for low-income seniors. Although the recent budget deal slashed funding for the program, you should still examine it as an option.You also can find listings on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter – and your contacts may pass along job leads.Get help with your search through the nationwide network of government-funded career facilities, often called "WorkSource" or "One-Stop" centers. Visit a local center and receive assistance while searching online for jobs.Attend career fairs, where you can talk to employers in person about job openings.If you've pursued all these options and you're still not getting anywhere, consider being your own boss. Check out Retirement Jobs' tips on self employment.

USE SPECIALIZED TOOLS TO FIND CONNECTIONS
If you're applying for jobs, get to know the people who can help you get a foot in the door. Here are a couple tools you could use:

The Simply Hired "Who Do I Know" feature, which shows if you have any connections at hiring companies.The LinkedIn "JobsInsider" tool, which shows whether you have contacts at a target employer.

Ultimately, you need to appreciate your unique talents and determine the best way to use them. Stay focused and be persistent, and explore all your options. It may take a while, but you'll eventually find a career path that's suited for you.

 

Toni Vranjes is editor-in-chief of Revive My Career, a resource for job seekers. The site provides employment news and career tips.

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