Job Search
Aging is a natural process we will all experience at some point. Whether it’s characterized by lack of physical or mental agility, or whether it’s just by virtue of our ongoing years, we all feel old and useless from time to time, and it really needn’t be the case. The older generations have a great deal still left to offer society in every sphere, particularly employment. In fact, many major corporations are realizing the benefits of hiring an older workforce, and are keeping many employees on well past the standard retirement age.
Statistics have shown that older workers are far less likely to quit their job, and almost a quarter as likely to call in for a sick day. This means that by employing older people, companies benefit from dedication and hard work which is engrained on our generation, and isn’t statistically as prevalent amongst the labor force of today. In addition to that, companies can really benefit from the years of employment and team-working experience of older employees, which means older workers are an attractive option.
If you are a Senior Citizen looking to get back into employment, it is important that you present your skills in an attractive way. This means printing a word-processed resume, complete with detailed information about your employment related skills and how you can adapt to the modern workplace. If you’ve been out of work for a period, it might be good idea to take a refresher course in the basics of office computing, to give you a head start if that’s required in your job. Make sure to present your experience clearly, and stress the value that could subsequently have, were you to receive a job offer. Remember to sell yourself – you’re not only competing against other people for the job, but also prejudices, so make sure you really leave them with no choice.
Getting back into work as a senior can be a daunting prospect, but overall it is worthwhile for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is a fantastic way to ensure you retain a degree of mental stimulation, which will keep you more mentally agile for longer. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep you busy and active in the community, which can be something many retired people miss as the years roll by. On top of that, you will also be able to add more money to the coffers to see you through, which of course can never be a bad thing.
About The Author
Jonathon Hardcastle / author
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Finance, Employment, and Science
Resumes are tricky. We put a lot of expectations on them. They’re supposed to find you a job. But if you’ve been getting disappointing results, your resumes could be shooting you in the foot!
Are you using a bio-action format? If you’re not, your resumes could be causing you problems. So what are bio-action resumes?
…the focal point of a resume writing format must be to respond to the needs and expectations of the employer.
Well, let’s look at it this way. A traditional job search format is passive at the very time when employers are looking for someone who can demonstrate they are proactive. It’s one of the many job search changes that have occurred in the 21st Century that must be reflected in your resumes.
For example, employers today want to find a candidate who
- Understands the organization.
- Can show how to make a difference.
- Can demonstrate quantifiable contributions.
- Isn’t afraid to ask for a job.
- Knows how to cut a deal.
From this you can see that the focal point of a resume writing format must be to respond to the needs and expectations of the employer. The job seeker’s personal information and their work history are of secondary importance.
This is what we mean by a bio-action resume format.
So, to meet the expectations of an employer, here’s how your bio-action resume format should look:
- Resumes are initially scanned (not closely read) in less than 50 seconds. Something about you either attracts attention in that timeframe or your resume is trashed.
- Your resume must have an attention-grabbing headline . . . a quick summation of what you have to offer.
- Do NOT write some self-serving objective statement. An employer could care less what you want to get out of this for your self. He/she is interested exclusively in what you can do to make the bottom line look better.
- DO write a short summary statement saying very directly what assets, capabilities and strengths you bring to the table that can make a difference to the organization you’re interested in.
- Keep your resume brief and impactual. One page is best. But never more than two pages. No long-winded recitation of your past accomplishments. Employers want to know how your achievements can make a difference to their needs. So tell them . . . and use quantifiable results to do it.
If you rely on the old-fashioned methods of finding a job, you’ll be disappointed. While it’s true that you won’t be hired on the basis of a resume, on those occasions where it’s important to have a resume, you want to make sure you use a bio-action resume writing format!
About The Author
Paul Bowley / author
Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and innovative e-business strategies . . . since 1985.
There is no doubt about it – this is a tough market that exists today for job seekers. This is especially true if you are looking for a job in large companies as most of them are scaling back quite a bit when it comes to the job market.
You can find a job in a difficult market if you take the following tips:
1. Rethink your skills and capabilities
The recession has many employers cutting jobs, but hiring those that can help them cut costs and restructure offices. If you have skills in budgeting, accounting or human resources, they might come in handy right now. Hone in on these skills and then restructure your resume so that you are able to land a job. There are jobs available, they just are not as plentiful as they were in the past. If you have the skills that major companies need for restructuring, however, you will find plenty of opportunity for employment.
2. Improve your resume
Make sure that your resume sparkles and highlights all of your accomplishments. Many people who got laid off from their jobs are using the same resume as they did in the past with little updates. This is a very competitive job market, so in order to succeed, you have to shine a little. Even if you have to pay a professional, it is well worth it to get the resume that will get you the job.
3. Network, network, network
Leave no stone unturned when you are trying to find a job in a difficult market. You should be using any and all resources allotted to you at this time. These include friends, family members, past employers and even internet resources. Take a look online at the job seeking networking sites and you may be able to find out more tips on where to find employment. Also, if you have not used a recruiter in the past, you will want to use one now. A vast majority of those who have been placed into jobs are placed because of persistent recruiters.
4. Do not give up
Contrary to what you may hear, there is work out there – you just have to be persistent in finding it. Yes, it can be disheartening to go from job interview to job interview without any offers, but that does not mean that you have to throw in the towel. Continuing to look and not giving up is the key to finding a job in a difficult market.
5. Look your best
Be sure to dress appropriately for job interviews and look your best. It is a competitive job market out there, but sooner or later you are bound to find a job if you continue to look hard enough. Put your best foot forward and you will continue to land on your feet, even in a difficult job market.
About The Author
Ron Subs is a marketing consultant for http://www.bigjobnet.com
