In the process of finding employment, seasoned workers are discovering many changes in the way to look for a job. Before the 1990's most people found jobs listed in newspapers, through public and private employment agencies, friends and acquintances. With the computers and the Internet the world has changed. This is especially true in the way jobs are found. Even so, about 70% of the jobs available are not found in newspapers or even on the Internet unless a person knows where to look. That being the case, where do we look?
NETWORKING
How many times have we heard “It’s who you know.” or “It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time.” How do we make these opportunities work for us?
In finding a job through networking is one of the best tools seasoned workers have available. The buzzwords "social networking" and being 50 years old or more provides decades of experiences, contacts and gives the seasoned worker an advantage. Who are these contacts? Some are close relationships and many more are informal relationships and friendships that can be very effective in helping to find a job, any kind of job.
Start close to home.
Family & Friends
Neighbors
Former employers and co-workers
Current and/or former teachers
Classmates
Clergy and Church acquaintances
Contacts in volunteer activities and clubs
Local businesses frequented
Local activities attended
Local officials
Business and professional contacts
Where else to look?
Business Shows
Employment Offices/Career Centers
Local Adult Education Departments
Local Chamber of Commerce Programs
Job Fairs
Forums and Seminars
Volunteer somewhere
What else is needed?
Business or “Calling’ Card with Name. Mailing Address. Email, Phone number – standard business card size and keep it neat and simple.
Create a short 30 to 60 second "sales pitch" about yourself - make it simple, direct, brief and well practiced. Practice it with someone who will be candid about the content and the way it sounds.
Resume` - use of the new technologies can be very helpful in creating a useful resume’.
Ambition, desire and be optimistic
Finding any kind of work is a fulltime job. There's much more to do and new things to learn. Let your life experience work for you, have fun and look at the process as a new adventure.
New technologies, especially computers and the Internet, are important tools that can extend your worklife and keeps you mentally alert!
COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET LEARN! LEARN! LEARN!
UNDERSTAND THIS - According to recent studies by several universities people over 50 learn differently than children and folks under 30 years old. Seasoned people learn by putting new information into a process of problem solving using the frontal lobe of the brain. They have to sort, resort and apply what's learned to problem solving techniques - that's what takes extra time to learn. Once learned the technology becomes an important and valuable tool. In the 21st Century our lives are becoming more and more involved with the Internet. Opportunities in the workforce depend more and more on your knowledge of modern technologies. The computer has given seasoned people new opportunities and the tools to continue working. If you don't know how to use a computer, make a decision to learn. Here are some tips:
1. Check in your community for adult educations classes or other training programs by local agencies (Senior Spectrum and others). 2.Own your own computer. The cost of the computer and an internet connection will be more than covered by the enjoyment, information and other research you can do on line. 3. Don't buy used equipment. If it has been reconditioned by a professional you can find some good bargains. 4. Utilize the services of local and statewide employment agencies. In Maine the CareerCenters can refer people to numerous helpful programs from training to starting your own business. They also have state-of-the-art equipment available for your use. 5. The computer and Internet are incredible tools. Once you learn how to use these technologies to gather, sort and catorgorize information your ability to solve problems increase dramatically.
If you are just beginning you may experience some frustration at first. Like any other learning situation, if you can recognize the value of the new information, then you can challenge yourself and you can learn. As complex and confusing as it seems at first it will eventually make sense and becomes much, much easier. It's fun to search the web for anything and especially a job or other activities of interest.
NOTE: There are many different programs that are used by businesses today. Microsoft Office is a group of programs used for writing, designing, record keeping and other useful business tools. Many staffing agencies (Manpower and others) offer on line training free of charge to their clients.
SOME TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS
Sticking to these well worn guidelines gives you the best chance of getting the job. Most important, do some research on the company before the interview. The Internet can provide you with an idea of the kind of company you'll be interviewing with. Here are some basic tips for the interview itself.
STARTING WITH:
Show up on time.
Dress appropriately. Clothes should be clean and unwrinkled and shoes clean and neat. Personal appearance must be clean and presentable - avoid odors from perfumes and tobacco. Find out more about the dress code at the company and dress accordingly.
Thank the interviewer at the conclusion of the interview and with a note or email follow-up. Emphasize the important points covered during the interview.
THEN, AT THE INTERVIEW:
1. Talk only about your past experiences that relate to the job you're applying for. 2. Explain how you think you'll fit into the company's workplace. 3. Never say anything negative about any former employers or co-workers. 4. Avoid telling an employer how to run their business or what you think they're doing wrong. 5. Ask your own questions about the company, their job expectations, products and services the company offers and so on. Leave salary and benefits to be discussed after you are offered the job. 6. Show enthusiasm and interest in the company. Research more about the company through the local Chamber of Commerce or search the Internet for their web site for other information. 7. Be polite and respectful regardless of the outcome. People do change their minds and new opportunities do arise.
For people with long work and volunteering histories it's especially important to try to limit your answers. It's tempting to tell stories about your various experiences. But your most powerful examples of your experiences should have a clear connection to the job you're applying for. Let the interviewer set the pace and direction of the interview.