The document outlines a series of workshops aimed at assisting individuals aged 50 and older in their job search, addressing common misconceptions such as age discrimination and the perceived unproductivity of older workers. It emphasizes the importance of networking, updating job search strategies, and presenting oneself positively, while providing evidence that challenges age-related stereotypes. The workshops include discussions on resume building, interviewing techniques, and personal branding to enhance employability in today's job market.

1. The 50+ Job Search: Debunking the Myths Presenter: Dr. Rita Carey RCM Associates Career Management www.rcmassociates.com Career Tips: www.careersuccesscenteronline.com

2. The 50+ Job Search: Debunking the Myths Series: Is Your Resume a Gate Opener? Thursday, 8/13 1 – 3 p.m. RW Goodman St. Where have the Jobs Gone? The Online Job Search Thursday, 8/20 1 – 3 p.m. RW Waring Road Networking at 50+ or nearly 50: Yes You Can! Tuesday, 8/25 10:30 – 12:30 RW Goodman St. Interviewing at 50+: the Age Factor Friday, 8/28 9-11 a.m. RW Waring Road

3. Topics of Discussion Biases – yours, theirs and ours Debunking the Myths Eliminating Gate Closers Applications Resumes Interviews Getting the Offer in Today’s Market

4. Biases: Yours, Theirs and Ours Generally, younger workers are: Generally, older workers are… It’s all about beliefs

5. Beliefs: older workers Older workers: not adept at technology not as productive as younger employees They have more accidents and are more often sick

6. Beliefs: older workers (continued) Skills/education not up-to-date Over-priced Can’t work with younger workers Low energy Next job a bridge to retirement Won’t stay on the job long

7. Debunking the myths: Just the facts… Health insurance claims are not solely influenced by age No difference in productivity(USDHHS) Intelligence remains constant until 70 years of age (American Management Association) Low Energy – Varies among all age groups – not a factor of age alone

8. Survey IT workers 45+ rated as better problem-solvers and communicators and equivalent to younger workers in tech knowledge and teamwork skills . Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers - USA

9. 2009 Tony Awards Angela Lansbury 84: Won a Tony ( 2009) Jane Fonda 72: appearing on Broadway Liza Minnelli 63 : 2009 show dancing and singing

10. Hitting their peak… Dolly Parton 63 Wrote the music for Tony nominated Broadway show 9-5 (2009) Harrison Ford 67 Denzel Washington 55 Tom Hanks 53 Bette Midler 64 Performing in Las Vegas (100 shows remaining on her contract)

11. Hitting their peak… Dorothy Dale Kloss 85 Palm Spring Follies dancer; started her dancing career at 71 Margaret Haggerty Marathon Woman 81 Age 64 stopped smoking; started running Has run marathons on seven continents Set a record her first marathon Betty White 87 Appearing on 2 TV shows

12. Just the facts… Carol Shields, Pulitzer Prize at 60 Michelangelo, Medici Chapel, 59 Louise Bourgeois, sculptor, recognized at 70 plus Ward Garland, 103, refrigeration engineer, works every day

13. Just the facts… Nat Kaufman , 88, stockbroker for Wedbush Morgan Securities, LA Waldo Burney , 96, continues to run his own business, McBurney Honey, KA

14. May or may not be true … Skills and education not current Can’t get along with younger workers Next job a bridge to retirement Won’t stay on the job Over-priced

15. Myth-busting Changing Perceptions From “dated” to “contemporary” From “biding time” to “commitment” From “unproductive” to “productive” From “cost” to “value” From “peer mismatch” to “colleague ” How would you change perceptions?

16. From “dated” to “contemporary” Dress Appearance Demeanor Energy (physical and mental) Language Current in field and culture

17. From “biding time” to “commitment Emphasize recent accomplishments Name current activities that show you are “ still in the game.” Talk about adding value; forward looking

18. From “unproductive” to “productive” Be engaged in current activity – on resume Show energy/enthusiasm in networking and interviews Subtly insert solid attendance record Cite accomplishments that show initiative, accountability and resourcefulness.

19. From “cost” to “value ” Emphasize your ability to perform the job description tasks immediately (cover letter, networking, interviews) If training is required, emphasize learning ability Speak about related training (recent) If experience is directly related, emphasize this

20. From “peer mismatch” to “colleague” The younger interviewer The younger manager The younger co-worker Fitting in…are your assumptions showing?

21. From Peer Mismatch to Colleague Five Tips What are they reading, doing, talking about? Read the business section Know what’s happening in your field (FastCompany, Wired, Web 2.0) Watch American Idol or???? Update your training Volunteer

22. Eliminating Gate Closers Car for sale: 1989 Chevrolet Sedan Very high mileage Oil change 1998 Steers hard

23. Eliminating Gate Closers Classic auto for sale: Spacious Chevrolet Sedan Classic vintage Ideal for car show display Blue with cream trim Body in excellent condition

24. Eliminating Gate Closers Over 27 years experience with the same company. Excellent human resource skills. Strong work ethic; healthy. People person; get along with most staff. Qualifications Summary:

25. Getting past the gatekeeper Comprehensive benefits administration experience, reporting to Director of Human Resources. Excellent written and verbal communication. Flexible team player. Proven ability in coordinating complex compensation packages. Demonstrated adaptability in support of change initiatives. Qualifications Summary: (after)

26. How Employers Recruit and Hire Study million + employees: 303,000 job openings 30 % filled with Internal Transfers and Promotions 28.7% External Hires filled with referrals (employee, alumni, vendor, etc.) the #1 external source. Employee referrals - 80-90% of these hires Hires attributed to Job Boards (including the Company site ) represent 25.7% of external hires. CareerXroads 7th Annual Source of Hire Study – published 2008

27. The Lifespan of a Job Opening Stage 1 - No Opening Exists Stage 2 - A Few People Know Stage 3 - In-house & Selected Others Stage 4 - Everyone Knows

28. Networking, Referrals and your job search - Almost 60% of Americans say they feel shy and uncomfortable in a variety of business and social situations . ( The Shyness Clinic, Stanford University) How do you handle networking?

29. Referrals and your job search Preparation, Know where you are in the process Create your contact list, Make Contact, Reciprocate, Follow-up

30. The Interview Prepare Resume ready Accomplishment stories Company research Thorough job understanding Practice - audition

31. The Interview (age related questions) You seem over-qualified Gosh, I see a perfect skills match. Can you help me see what you mean by over-qualified?

32. The Interview (age related questions) How old are you? I’m younger than the President… Do you think I might be too young? When did you graduate from… It’s been awhile now, but I’ve kept current with xyz training and actually the best learning was on-the-job. (Give a relevant example.)

33. The Interview (age related questions) What are your salary expectations; what were you making at your last job? Know your bottom line Don’t base requirement on previous salary only Factor in benefits

34. The Interview (age related questions) Tell me about your 5-year goals. How do you feel about working in a fast-paced, unstructured environment? How do you handle pressure?

35. The Interview Watch body language Contemporary image Don’t let your biases show

36. What you bring to the table… Broad network of acquired contacts Broad, transferable skills Ability to work with different management styles Multiple skills sets acquired thorough in-depth experience

37. What you bring to the table… The key: Discuss achievements to demonstrate those qualities unique to you, the more experienced worker. Tell stories that demonstrate abilities. This is the single most influential action you can take. They will remember you and they will visualize what you can do for them . Accomplishments exercise

38. Factors that affect opportunity The market – supply & demand Job search methods Job search tools

39. Time for a Check-Up? Have you selected a market (work environment) with potential? Will your resume get past the gatekeeper? Do you have a contact base for referrals? Are you prepared to defuse the loaded questions? Can you demonstrate your knowledge, skills and abilities with stories?

40. Time for a Check-Up? ( continued) Are you clear about what you want to do? Do you have a targeted resume? Do you research employers before interviewing? Are you spending 45 hours a week in job search activities? 35/10 ratio

41. Time for a Check-up ? Are you updating your resume on job boards? Do you have a profile on Linked-In or Facebook? Is there training you need to update or add to your package of capabilities? Do you read business magazines or professional journals?

42. In summary: Age discrimination exists based on misperceptions: you can change perceptions The Market Job Search Activities Tools The Method Manage an online job search, create an age neutral resume, network, and debunk myths in the interview

43. Coming Up The 50+ Career Series Is your Resume a Gate Opener? Create an age neutral resume 8/6 Goodman Where have all the jobs gone? Tricks and tips for the online job search 8/13 Goodman Interviewing at 50+: Age specific questions 8/20 Waring Networking at 50+: Yes you can! 8/28 Waring For more information and to register, go to www.RochesterWorks.org and find the 50+ Series