Making yourself marketable
By Cassandre Carmon
In September, we celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week, which honors workers age 55 and over, and the wisdom and experience they bring to the workplace. Mature workers have a great sense of responsibility, a solid work ethic and come equipped with years of valuable experience. They know the value of a hard day’s work and for that alone, they are worth their weight in gold.
Many older workers continue working to supplement their income or to just keep active. Today we are seeing more and more individuals working long past retirement age. These individuals realize it’s never too late to seek a new challenge, learn new skills and gain meaningful employment.
There are many things mature workers can do to keep themselves marketable. Older workers should ensure that their job skills are kept current, especially computer skills such as spreadsheet programs, word processing and the Internet. It is also important to ensure that your resume reflects current industry terminology. If this is not the case, it can date you. Another important aspect of the job search is meeting people and making connections. Volunteering is a good way to become acquainted with various employers. Volunteering will not only aid in making people connections, it can also add valuable skills to enhance a resume.
Successful employers know the value that a “lifetime” of experience brings to the job. Elder Services encourages employers to consider older workers when job opportunities become available.
BerkshireWorks Career Centers, located in both Pittsfield and North Adams, offer a variety of workshops to assist with the job search process. These workshops help you write, format, and email resumes and cover letters, complete online job applications, and create and navigate the Internet for job search purposes. For more information or to enroll in a workshop, call 499-2220 for the Pittsfield office and 663-1111 for North Adams.
Elder Services serves as a regional sponsor for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is a federally-funded and state administered program that assists seniors in job training, job matching, and job placement. The program provides those age 55 or older with limited financial resources and a desire to succeed, the opportunity to overcome the biggest barrier to employment – lack of experience and training. Those interested in the Senior Community Services Employment Program should contact Nicole Flynn at Elder Services, 1-800-544-0524 or 499-0524, extension 158.
Cassandre Carmon is Elder Services’ Human Resources Generalist.
