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Special to NWjobs
SARAH CLEVELAND / SPECIAL TO NWJOBS
At age 51, Jill Ste. Claire Berndsen began working at the Ben Bridge jewelry store at Seattle’s Northgate Mall after a sales career in the construction industry. She says her new career fulfills her “romantic side.”
Jill Ste. Claire Berndsen’s eyes sparkle while helping couples select wedding bands at the Ben Bridge jewelry store at Seattle’s Northgate Mall. It’s a long way from what she calls her “terrifying days” of finding a new job.
“It was very scary to be 51, as I was, and changing careers -- especially with so many people out there and so few jobs,” says the former construction-industry sales specialist, who was hired by Ben Bridge in January 2009.
It’s a fear shared by many of her 50- to 55-year-old “pre-senior” peers, as well as the more than 10,000 King County residents age 56 or older who are currently collecting unemployment insurance. But armed with job-search strategies and resources designed specifically for folks over 50, many are beating the unemployment odds, according to Seattle-area AARP spokesman Jason Erskine.
The most effective way for seniors and pre-seniors to find work is simple, according to AARP WorkSearch program director Nora Norminton. “It’s networking,” she says. “You can shoot résumés into the online abyss all you want, but at the end of the day, the No. 1 way people find their jobs is through networking.”
Resources for older job seekers
AARP/Real Relief: Job listings and job-training links, plus links to topics covering resume writing to self-employment. 206-526-7918
AARP/WorkSearch: Open to low-income workers 55 or older, for community services and part-time work-based training with nonprofit and public facilities to bridge to other employment. 206-624-6698
Mature Workers Alliance of Puget Sound: Team of public and private groups sponsoring free workshops and job fairs for workers 50 or older. 206-448-0474
Seattle SCORE: Local chapter of non-profit entrepreneur-education program and partner of U.S. Small Business Association, offering free one-on-one consulting and group workshops for small-business development. 206-553-7320
WorkSource Washington: State’s multiservice jobs resource, with links to free workshops and resume assistance.
She recommends that mature job seekers attend workshops, volunteer in the public or private sector, and talk with people who work in the job they are pursuing if they’re new to networking.
It’s also smart for successful seniors and pre-seniors to freshen up their resumes and cover letters, says Erskine. He says it’s critical for over-50 job seekers to convey “activity, energy and achievement” and avoid the word “experience” in their resumes and interviews. Cover letters should highlight technical credentials, recent training and certifications to show willingness to improve.
Even so, older job seekers remain the hardest hit in today’s economy.
Nationally, among workers 55 or older who were laid off in the past year, just 28 percent have found new work, according a recent report by online job site CareerBuilder.com. The competition gets even tougher for mature workers, Erskine says, when you add in the previously retired “50-64 set being pushed back into the workforce because their nest eggs didn’t cover the rising costs of health care.”
According to the CareerBuilder report, many are relocating, starting their own businesses, accepting internships and entry-level jobs, and even changing careers late in life.
That’s where Ste. Claire Berndsen found success. After working with an Eastside career counselor, she realized “the bottom line was that I had to be true to my heart,” she says. “I had never given retail much thought, but I found that it fulfills my romantic side. It’s important to tap into what it is about your experience that motivates you and go after jobs where you can shine.”
To make herself more competitive, Ste. Claire Berndsen focused on emphasizing her accomplishments in a “non-threatening way.”
“You need to show you can get along with everyone and not be a know-it-all,” she says. “Someone in their 20s may be your boss. They may not have the life experience, but they have the company experience, so it’s a very delicate balance of mutual respect.”
Read more: 50+ professionals , Job hunt , Job market trends , featured
By Karn on October 11, 2009 6:56 AM
Older workers bring different assets to the organization vs. younger workers. They tend to be more stable and can see the big picture better due to many more life experiences. Behavior is more predictable and less reactive. Many companies recognize and value this. For information on salaries being paid by companies, SalaryFor.com http://www.salaryfor.com/ offers a free and extensive database of what job seekers can expect in terms of pay. You can post your own salary or view others for free.
By David Stillwagon on October 11, 2009 7:20 PM
Networking is a great job tool for any age, especially older workers.
good post!
By Mary Ellen on October 12, 2009 11:38 AM
The problem with many older workers is they don't have a very "polished" image so make sure you take a look at yourself in the mirror esp. your dress.
I'm shocked at how many job interviews I've attended and the older workers are not very presentable.
Also volunteering will fill in those time gaps from being unemployed and be much more impressive than a blank space on your resume...another thing older workers don't consider.
No potential employer wants to know that a person has spent the last 6 months plus sitting around doing household chores anc/or watching TV so volunteering might be the decisive factor in that person getting the job.
By jim on October 13, 2009 5:40 AM
Good article.
Many employers are making hiring decisions based on style rather than substance. Yes, mature candidates should put their best foot forward, but no matter how much they dress for success, they’ll never look like they're 25.
“Beauty is wasted on the young.” ~ Mark Twain
By Marsha on October 15, 2009 12:20 PM
Older workers are seeking meaningful work - (either for pay or as volunteers) that utilizes their lifelong skills in ways that give back to the community. Everyone seems to be talking about this in my circle anyway. We are the first of all coming generations that will live longer and more healthful lives in our older years. We need to keep exploring the paths and social implications of this process and make it easier for the coming generations! Take a look at www.nextchapterps.org and also www.encore.org for ideas and inspiration.
By Greg on October 17, 2009 5:52 PM
I have a master's degree in aerospace engineering. I just turned 56. I have not worked in 1.5 years. The Aerospace Industry is dieing. Boeing is leaving town. I'm too old to be a high school teacher. I think I'm done.
By Edward on October 23, 2009 2:43 PM
After a successful 20+ year career in the software industry, I've been struggling the last couple of years to make enough income to survive. Since I have been unable to find a position as a regular employee I have been doing some contract work the last couple of years.
I've been networking with previous co-workers and friends, but this has only yielded information on a couple of open positions and one job interview. I don't think my past performance is an issue since previously (before the economic downturn) I had been contacted by previous managers and coworkers regarding open positions.
Are there any older (50+) tech workers out there that have had success in finding employment? Do you have any suggestions on strategies that helped you succeed in finding a position?
Thanks for your comments.
By Don D'Armond on January 2, 2010 4:35 PM
The truth is that it is more difficult for someone over 55+ yrs to find a traditional job. It can be done, but it really takes work like updating your resume for keywords during an internet search by the prospective employer. Networking in the traditional manner and in the social networks on the internet should be used also.
One must consider a new profession or business acquisition. You could even start your own website to bring in some extra cash, even while you are searching for a traditional job.
Think about your passion, where you like to spend time and enjoy being involved. That is where you should concentrate. Stay positive.
Don
http://www.enjoy-retirement-jobs.com