AGE IS AN ASSET
Georgia Department of Labor Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner
Much has been made of the youth-oriented culture of our
time, and a few mass circulation magazines have bemoaned
the “plight” of the older worker.
Corporate downsizing. The reduction of middle manage-
ment. Retrenched industries. The widespread use of
contingency workers, consultants and part-timers. All have
combined to create new realities in the marketplace. These
changes have had a major impact on all workers, but older
job seekers must cope with age-related issues as well.
You can beat the age-related issues, however, if you
have a clear understanding of the trends defining today’s
workplace and how they impact your job search.
Workplace Trends
l Companies continue to downsize, and older, more
experienced workers are often among the hardest
hit.
l The flattening of the corporate hierarchy has reduced
middle management staff – including many older
workers.
l The growing phenomena of a large, widespread contin-
gency workforce at all levels continues to have an impact
on the older job seeker. More and more companies are
hiring non-permanent employees, including long-term
staffers.
l The growth of small and midsize businesses, including
franchises account for 75% of the hiring in the last
several years.
l The lengthening reach of technology into everyone’s life,
which has affected how people work, where they work,
and what kinds of tasks they do.
The Effects on Older Workers
The results of these fundamental and dramatic changes
impact older workers in many ways. Those who have been
downsized are more likely to be hired by small or midsize
companies.
The new work realities call for a major shift in expecta-
tions and attitude, and they require a much more proactive
approach to all aspects of your career. Further, you can
probably count on many healthy, active years ahead and will
likely need to fund a longer life.
Strategies for Job Seekers Over 50
Here are some strategies to help you assess your current
situation.
Your First Moves
l Get a clear picture of your finances, both current and
farther down the road. Your financial situation will
determine the parameters within which you will be
making job decisions, including whether you need to
work full time or part time, and how much money you
need to make.
l Do a thorough assessment of your values, interests, experi-
ences, skills and education/training. This will help you to
decide your next step and to market yourself with greater
confidence. Write an accomplishment-oriented resume.
Focus on the benefits you offer an employer. Omit early
jobs if they do nothing to enhance you on paper.
Your Network
l Develop and continually expand your network. As an
older person, you know more people. Make them part
of your job-search strategy.
l Explore other sources of leads as well, such as newspa-
per ads, recruitment firms, permanent and temporary
staffing agencies, government listings, job fairs, alumni
college offices, and professional associations.
Your Skills
l Continue to upgrade your skills. Retrain, if necessary.
continued
DOL-4437 (06/01)
 Lifelong learning is no longer a choice; it is a necessity.
By all means, if you are not computer literate, become
so.
l Do volunteer work. It will keep you in touch with your
skills and strengths, help you to develop new ones in a
low-risk or no-risk situation, give you a sense of accom-
plishment and may lead to a paying job. Moreover, do-
ing unpaid work sometimes can be used as a strategy to
penetrate an organization or industry.
Your Work Options
l Become part of the contingency workforce, regardless
of your job level or function. Temporary employment
can come through such sources as an agency, a consult-
ing opportunity or as a subcontracted project. It may
not lead to full-time employment, but it keeps you
involved professionally, maintains and/or develops your
skills, leads to new contacts and generates income.
l Consider doing part-time, temporary or seasonal work
for a former employer. Some companies have established
hiring pools for their retirees.
Your Interview and Job Offers
l When interviewing, project the three “E’s” –experience,
energy and enthusiasm. Face forward and stress the
future. Indicate your willingness to learn, your ability to
adapt and your experience working with people of all
ages. Overcome potential age concerns by demonstrat-
ing non-defensively how your skills, background and
Visit our website at www.dol.state.ga.us
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program l Auxiliary Aids & Services Are Available Upon Request To Individuals With Disabilities
knowledge would be of value to the organization’s needs
and goals in the years ahead.
l When negotiating a job offer, if you have medical
benefits from your last employer, you can use them by
offering to keep your old plan, or you can use your
benefits as a bargaining chip to increase your compen-
sation.
Your Attitude
l Maintain a “can-do” attitude to propel yourself forward
and achieve your goals. Studies have proven that
optimism is a powerful predictor of success. A positive
outlook will draw support from many people along the
way, whereas a negative attitude turns other people off.
l Be proud of the knowledge, wisdom and experience of
your years, as well as your work ethics and habits. If
you value your work, education, training and skills, so
too will the world.
You are experiencing an important career/life transition.
Managing major change can be unsettling and frightening.
However, you can help yourself by tapping into successful
transitions you have already made and thinking about those
internal and external resources you utilized. Use yourself as
a positive role model as you set goals and implement plans to
achieve them. Remember – the best way to control your
future is to create it!
Source: A.A.R.P.