This document provides information and advice for experienced workers on topics such as the changing retirement landscape, ageism in the workplace, networking strategies, and utilizing social media and technology. It notes that many baby boomers are choosing to work past traditional retirement age for reasons such as income, staying active, and finding meaningful work. The document encourages tailoring resumes and interviews to downplay overqualification and emphasize relevant skills and experience.

1. Experienced Worker Seminar Written and Presented by: Heather Coleman. Training Facilitator David Straka, Case Manager Edited by: Ron Marshall, Assistant Training Facilitator Ferndale Career Center www.twitter.com/ferndalecareer www.facebook.com/ferndalecareercenter www.linkedin.com/in/ferndalecareercenter LinkedIn Group: Ferndale Career Center www.ferndaleschools.org/fcc Last update: 3.2.2011 Copyright: August 15, 2007

2. Did you know ... Today, there are 79 Million “Baby Boomers” - which is 26% of the population As of January 1st, 2011 every single day more than 10,000 Baby Boomers will reach the age of 65. “The American Dream” There are currently more grandparents than grandkids! And what a wave it is! That’s 8,000 a day for the next 19 years! “ (As of) 2010, retirements could leave a gap of 10,000,000 in the workforce.” ‘ Baby boom’ retirements, flat population growth and stagnant workforce investment could, by 2010, leave 5.3 million skilled U.S. jobs without a skilled U.S. worker to fill them.” Data: “The American Dream” “National Council on Aging” “Population Reference Bureau” “The Workforce Alliance”

3. What Are Some Myths Surrounding Experienced Workers?

4. Hiring Experienced Workers Improves the Bottom Line Reality: The costs of more vacation time and pensions are often outweighed by low turnover among older workers, which translates into added recruiting, hiring and training expenses. Reality: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, workers between the ages of 45 – 54 stayed on the job nearly three times as long as those 25 – 34. Reality: Attendance records are actually better for older workers than for younger ones.

5. “ Nearly one million workers age 55 and older have won new jobs over the last 12 months, making it one of the only age groups that is actually experiencing employment gains.” -John Challenger, www.officepolitics.com The Interview - Know Your Product and Believe In It! #1 Be Accommodating. Throughout the interview process, do your best to accommodate the schedule of the interviewer. This could mean weekend or evening interview time slots. Due to technology and constant access to the Internet, Gen X and Gen Y managers expect to be “on call” for work 24/7. They are therefore much more flexible with workday hours. Being inflexible with the interview time slots sends the message that you are rigid and not willing to embrace current management styles.

6. #3 Embrace Technology. Accept what is – technology has forever altered the working world and will continue to revolve at a rapid pace. If you do not have at least a rudimentary understanding of computers and the Internet, take a class immediately. We offer multiple levels of computer classes at the Ferndale Career Center! Computers are used in every field, and it’s your responsibility to become up-to-date. Employers will not invest time teaching new employees how to use computers, particularly in this market. Get involved with social media and establish yourself within your field of expertise. Be present, add value, share wisdom and elevate your professional, digital reputation . Be where the employers are searching for candidates! Baby Boomers are known for being one of the most innovative generations in history. You can master new technology – make it a priority during your career transition! #2 Show your Energy. Enthusiasm, energy and passion for your work are key in an interview. Your appearance should reflect your professionalism – look current and age-appropriate. Plugged In - Boomers Online from AARP

7. #4 Emphasize Relevant Experience. Discuss your skill sets and how they relate to the position for which you are applying. Transferable skills are extremely important to an employer – be confident in your abilities and showcase yourself! Some examples of transferable skills: Core competencies (soft skills), organization, management, leadership, training, interpersonal skills, research, planning and quality control. #5 Demonstrate Your Flexibility And Creativity. You want to counteract stereotypes that suggest older workers do not have imagination, flexibility and creativity. Discuss ways you solved problems and developed ideas in your most recent jobs to make your former employer more money, meet customer needs or to be more competitive. "Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." - Mario Andretti #6 Emphasize Past Examples Of Loyalty. Although employee/employer loyalty has been severely tested over the years due to ongoing layoffs, employers still need to feel that employees are 100 percent committed to the company.

8. Incorporate this information into your interview… Q: “Why should we hire you?” A: “I am energetic and knowledgeable, and my career is my focus at this point in my life.” A: “I am passionate about this field, and have the time to commit myself fully to this company. Check out my professional sites on LinkedIn, Twitter and FB and my blog to see some of my most current work.” A: “I enjoy teamwork and mentoring less experienced employees while simultaneously gaining insight based on their innovative ideas.” Q: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” A: “In five years, I see myself here at ABC Company. I look forward to being a part of this organization’s growth and development long-term.”

9. List only the past 10 years of work experience on your showcase/functional resume. Design a unique resume for each position - use the job posting to determine key words you will use in your resume. Emphasize your skill set as it pertains to the job rather than previous job responsibilities. Address the overqualified issue at the interview : “Yes, I have a great deal of experience - and I have the background to support the management team in accomplishing its goals.” “ Soften” previous job titles – for example, a ‘Manager’ is also a ‘Team Leader’ Emphasize results, accomplishments and achievements. Use the PAR method – P roblem, A ction, R esult Quantify your bullet points with percentages and numbers Focus on the transferable skills that qualify you for the position So you’re…OVERQUALIFIED? How do experienced workers showcase their experience without appearing overqualified for the position? Hint: If an employer expresses concern that you are overqualified, ask him or her: “ What, to you, defines being overqualified?”

10. The Retirement Process Has Changed Dramatically What are your reasons for planning to work beyond the traditional retirement age? Traditionally, a worker moved from full-time to complete retirement in one final step. Today, 'phased retirement' occurs far more regularly. Experienced workers go from full-time to part-time to consulting within their field. Current data shows that 37% of men and 35% of women aged 55 to 64 receiving income from pensions in 2007 were employed as of March, 2008. - Patrick Purcell, CRS A Quest for Meaning, Fulfillment For those age 55-59, who are still fully engaged in the workforce, economic incentives clearly dominate. About 72% of this group cited “need income to live on” as a primary reason for working. Among 60-65 year-olds, “need income to live on” (60%) was still the most frequently mentioned reason for working, but it was followed by a desire to “stay active and engaged” (45%) and “do meaningful work” (43%). For the 66-70 year-olds, this shift in priorities is even more dramatic, with 72% choosing “want to stay active and engaged” as a primary reason to work. Their second choice is “want the opportunity to do meaningful work” (47%) and third is “enjoying the social interaction with colleagues (42%).

11. Successful Career Seekers Utilize Social Media Social Media for Boomers Check out our social media strategy workshops at the Ferndale Career Center. We’ll see you there!

12. The Importance of Networking Make professional career search business cards at vistaprint.com or www.printsmadeeasy.com . Networking is the single most important thing you can do to find the job you want. Current statistics reveal that 80 to 90 percent of jobs are filled this way. Think about this: You may be the solution to someone’s problem! Attitude is everything. Talk in a positive manner to everyone you come in contact with about your professional goals. Utilize social and professional media to your advantage! Create accounts and actively participate on the following sites: linkedin.com facebook.com twitter.com To learn how to utilize these sites to find a job, come to our “Social Media and Career Success” workshops at the Ferndale Career Center.

13. Experienced Workers on Twitter – Network with them today! @mikehenrysr 22,035 Followers 860 Listed Founder, LeadChange Group @phyllismufson 21,520 Followers 819 Listed Career/Business Consultant/Certified Coach @feistycoach 4,024 Followers 514 Listed Executive Leadership Coach @LeadershipFreak 34,654 Followers Listed 1,431 Leadership Blogger @sharoneden 1,837 Followers 194 Listed Psychotherapist/Speaker/Coach @LeadToday 140,511 Followers Listed 4,723 CSE, Executive Sales

14. What do you need to know about today’s work culture? The New World of Work Socialnomics What are the benefits of technology in an intergenerational workforce? How will you bring your positive experiences with multiple generations into your interview? For more information on the intergenerational workforce, attend our monthly “The Intergenerational Workforce” seminar at the Ferndale Career Center.

15. Entrepreneurship and the Experienced Worker - A Recipe for Success YouTube - Life after Retirement Let’s discuss – is entrepreneurship an option for you?

16. Small Business Websites sba.gov entrepreneur.com score.org freelancersunion.org womenentrepreneur.com businessweek.com/smallbiz ittybiz.com youngentrepreneur.com

17. Age Discrimination…or is it? Understand you may be taking a pay cut. High salary requirements in today’s job market may stop you before you even get the interview. Arrogance vs. confidence. Do you come across as motivated and confident or arrogant and pushy? Are you making it clear that the organization can expect long-term employment from you? Are you worth the investment? Are you flexible? Are you able to take on a lesser position and accept that you are not “the boss”? Are you willing to upgrade your skills? Do you recognize the last seven words of a dying business: “We never did it that way before”? What is your attitude toward younger workers and technological advances? Older, experienced workers are sometimes facing discrimination in the workplace …but not always . Ask yourself and reflect: am I creating the issues myself?

18. More Resources Mature Worker Resume Career Change Tips for Older Workers (Very good one!) Pepsi Interview (Pepsi Interview Video – Networking & Interview) Pursuit of Happyness (Networking and Interview Video)

19. Job Search Sites for the Experienced Worker workforce50.com retirementjobs.com careersat50.monster.com fortyplus.org quintcareers.com experienceworks.org maturityworks.org seniorjobnet.com imdiversity.com aarp.org xtremerecruiting.com grayhairmanagement.com seniorserviceamerica.org seniorjobbank.org diversity.com retireecareers.com theretiredworker.com boomercareer.com hotjobs.com /diversity