By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
As Executive Director of the West Springfield Senior Center, Laurie Cassidy works closely with individuals at many stages of life. About three years ago, she noticed individuals in their 50s and early 60s coming in to use computers and to volunteer while they were “between jobs.” Recognizing people who had “much to offer employers: desire to work, commitment, reliability, strong transferable skills” who were struggling with the modern job search, Cassidy worked to locate potential employers and organize a Job Fair for individuals age 50 and older at the Center
More than 500 jobseekers and 30 employers attended that first event.
As she prepares the Center for its third 50-Plus Job Fair on April 21, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Cassidy gave PRIME these observations and tips for midlife jobseekers:
Q: It’s never easy to look for a job, regardless of age. What do you believe makes a job-hunt different for individuals age 50 and older?
“There are many adults [this age] who are job hunting for the first time; some have been downsized from a position, some have had hours/benefits cut and some jobs have been outsourced to other states, countries or businesses. Many in this age group have worked for just one or a handful of employers so they’re not as familiar with job-hunting strategies as younger applicants. And, there are many in this age group who fear they will not be able to find work because there is steep competition with new graduates.
“These issues – singularly and collectively – can heighten angst and fear in relation to job hunting.”
Q: Based on what you have seen at the Center’s previous 50-plus job fairs, how should a job seeker age 50 and older prepare for a modern job hunt?
“The most important task a 50-plus job hunter can undertake is to take a personal inventory of one’s assets and skills. Job hunters need to spend time working on preparing themselves for a prospective employer by taking an analysis of their skill sets, updating their resume and time to practice interviewing and role playing.
“It helps to write down all of your talents, certifications, licensing, etc. All job hunters can then take their personal inventory and turn their assets into marketable skill sets in line with today’s job market. Resumes should be clean, succinct and contain action words that convey competence and experience. Pay for business cards – even if you’re not working! A business card can be a selling point that sets you apart from other applicants.”
Q: April 21 will be the third time the Center has hosted a Job Fair specifically for individuals 50 years of age and older. What should job seekers do if they plan to attend the event?
“In preparation to our Job Fair, job hunters can strategize to maximize their potential.
1. Study which businesses will be at the job fair (info available at the Center).
2. Look at those businesses’ available online job postings (but remember there may be jobs that haven’t been posted yet!).
3. Bring enough resumes with you, making sure they are clean, not stained or wrinkled.
4. Think about ordering business cards. Business cards can be very handy thing that sets you apart from other applicants.
5. Wear appropriate business attire and comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet meeting people.
6. Be prepared to answer employer’s questions, and be prepared to ask questions that are important to you (does the company offer benefits, sick time, vacation time, etc.).”
