Assisting the Older Job Seeker

Overview of Older Workers

• Beginning with people from age 50-55

• Baby Boom Generation – 76 million people born between 1946-1964

• Will develop as a result of:– Changes in retirement patterns and trends– Changes in life expectancy

Exhibit II.3: Median Age of the U.S. Population, 1900-2050

20

25

30

35

40

45M

edia

n A

ge (y

rs.)

Source: Aging Baby Boomers in a New Workforce Development System, updated 1999.

Workforce Trends

• Response to aging population as a whole:

• In 2004, the labor force age 55 and over was 15.6% and by 2014 this percentage is expected to reach 21.2%.

• In September 2009, the unemployment rate for the state of Illinois was 10.5%.

• The unemployment rate for people age 65 and older reached 7% at the national level.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009).

Today’s Unemployed Older Adult

• May have taken early retirements in past recessions but now needs to continue working

• Exhausting unemployment insurance benefits

• May have work and job skills but lack job SEARCH skills

Unemployed Older Workers

• Unemployment rate higher for men than for women

• Older workers in construction and manufacturing are the hardest hit

• Unemployment rates have increased for all education levels, race and ethnic groups.

Preparing for a job search

• Start with a self assessment

• Realistic expectations about what jobs you are qualified to do

• Planning for networking

• Your job search is the toughest job you will have.

Realistic Expectations

• “I’ll work from home.”

• “I’ll work as a greeter for Wal-Mart.”

• “I’ll be a consultant.”

• “I’ll start my own business.”

• Research these options on web sites such as www.ilworkinfo.com.

Assessments for Older Workers

• Review skills

• Transferable skills

• Create a strategy and a time frame for job search

• Get paperwork in order

Marketing a Mature Worker

• Resumes

• Cover Letters

• Personality Testing

• Elevator speeches

• Online job search techniques

Age Discrimination

• Mature workers are protected but can be very difficult to prove.

• For more information or to file a claim please visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission web site at www.eeoc.gov

Networking

• Most jobs will not be posted

• Finding references and contacts

• Social and Professional online Networking– Facebook– Linked In

Cover Letters and Resumes

• Cover Letters should be personalized to each response

• Resume Formats– Chronological– Functional– Combination

Elevator Speech

• Sales Pitch for a job seeker

• Summary of skills and the type of job you are seeking

• Positive Information about you

• Practice makes perfect

Online Job Search

• Web Site Resources – Older Worker friendly web sites

• Networking– SCORE-Counselors to Small Business– RSVP-Retired Social Worker Volunteer

Program

• Illinois workNet

Interviewing

• Informational Interviews

• Behavioral Interviews

• Practicing Interview Techniques– Practice with others– Recording yourself– Sample questions

Interview Follow-Up

• Starts at the interview

• Thank you notes

• Maintaining a positive attitude even if you are not offered the position

• Networking opportunity

Handling Rejection

• Staying positive

• Networking

• Job Clubs

• Have a plan for what will motivate you to continue

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

• Stimulus Plan• Expansion of Unemployment Benefits• Green Job Initiative• Supporting Existing Department of Labor

Programs– Workforce Investment Act– SCSEP Senior Community Service Employment

Program

Workforce Investment Act WIA

• Programs for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth

• Education based training to support job seekers

• Individual Training Accounts

Illinois workNet Centers

• Updating resumes, cover letter, and reference lists

• Response to Training Needs– Updating computer skills

– Career Changes

• Identifying current and future needs for employers and older workers

• Educating Employers

Catering to the Older Worker

• National Able Network

• Able Staffing Resources

• Able Career Institute

• AARP

– Best Employers for People over 50 Program

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

• Temporary internship type opportunities for those who meet the eligibility requirements

• Serves older job seekers age 50 and over who are not currently employed

• Experience based training

Employment Specialist

• Liaison between Host Site and Participants

• Individual employment planning with participants

• Partners with the Illinois workNet Centers to serve all job seekers in suburban Cook County

Web Sites for Older Job Seekers

• Illinois workNet– www.illinoisworknet.com

• Illinois Skills Match– www.illinoisskillsmatch.com

• AARP– www.aarp.org/money/work

• Retired Brains– www.retiredbrains.com

Web Sites Continued

• Workforce 50– www.workforce50.com

• Retirement Jobs– www.retirementjobs.com

• Prime CB (Career Builders for mature workers)– www.primecb.com

Questions?

• If you would like more information about resources for older workers, please contact Kerry Finegan, Employment Specialist.