If you have entered your “golden years” and are hoping to get back into the job market, there isn’t a better time than right now to jump in!
The US economy is rebounding and new jobs are being created every day. According to The President, at his 2018 State of the Union Address, there were 2.4 million jobs created in the US last year alone. At the same time, many older workers are retiring; opening up even more jobs.
The unemployment rate is rapidly approaching “full employment”, which labor officials put at around 3.5%. This will cause employers to seek out the currently unemployed, or underemployed workers, willing to go to work. They will be seeking employees who are reliable, capable, experienced and trustworthy.
All these factors make this a great time for seniors to get a job.
So, where do you start?
First, you will need to define your employment goals and put them into an employment goals statement. The goals statement is for your eyes only, and will help you frame your job search and identify the aspects of employment that are important to you. It will also help you identify which job listings you want to either pursue or ignore.
An employment goals statement could be something like………. “I want to work no more than 3 days a week, within 5 miles of home, in a job involving interacting with people, earning at least $25 per hour”
As you develop your goals statement, be sure and include other aspects such as travel, learning new skills, relocation to a new town, or other unique factors pertaining to your ideal job.
Next………..Develop a strategy
Lay out a timeline that will guide you along the path to employment. This timeline should include events and activities that will prepare you for employment. At the beginning of the timeline, put today’s date and at the end of the timeline, put the date at which you will be ready to go to work.
Some items to put on your timeline could include…………..
Energizing your network……..inform everyone you know that you are going back to work and what type of work you are seeking
Training…………..take some refresher training and update your basic computer and office technology skills
Putting together a resume………..update an existing one or build a new and fresh resume
Purchase a nice interview outfit…………be sure it’s current and fairly conservative. A nice new outfit will make you feel confident and show employers that you are a serious candidate
Develop and practice your interviewing skills………..find a friend, family member or coach that can assist you and provide constructive feedback
Start applying for jobs………….since over 80% of job-seekers find a job through someone they know, leveraging your network is of vital importance
So………..get organized and get out there, and rejoin the workforce. Your experience and qualifications will make you a choice candidate for employment, and will certainly make your golden years even more golden!
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