Happy new year. I know, my blogging is way too erratic. My first resolution for 2008 is -- to continue working with my colleagues here at Jobs4.0 to identify prominent employers that actually want to hire job seekers over 40. That won't help my blogging, but it will allow Jobs4.0 to become a more and more valuable resource for older job seekers.
We're happy to announce that GE Healthcare has made a commitment to reaching out to our community of job seekers over 40. They are adding jobs to our site nearly every day, all over the US. Thank you GE!!
Know anyone who might be interested in any GE job (or any other job)on Jobs4.0? Please pass it along to them. We need your support to continue to grow.
We've also added jobs from other great employers - Yale New Haven Hospital, Covidien, Ashton, New York Life, Southeast Federal Credit Union and so many more.. Please check with us regularly, we have lots of great jobs coming on to the site now. So check them out, revise your resume so it is tailored to the job you seek, and get that job you want in 2008.
And I'll try to do a better job at blogging!
steven
Jobs4.0 (www.jobs4point0.com)
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Hi Steven....As an executive recruiter who has worked with hundreds of clients, you know firsthand about the difficulty faced by those of us over 40 that are in the job market. And as a result, you established Jobs4.0, which I am personally quite thankful for. The number of job postings each week, as well as the number of new employers looking for seasoned and experienced professionals, continues to increase offering many good choices. In fact, the list is pretty impressive. Although this has been most helpful, I have noticed that these opportunities are regionally based along the northeast and west coast, where areas in between and south do not seem to have as much coverage. Understanding there are dynamics in play where the compendium of opportunities lie in the most populated areas of our country, how then do we, who reside in the South, Midwest or Western States outside of the primary job opportunity regions, find employment.
Of course there are two choices: relocate or transition into a new field. I currently reside in the Tampa Bay area and have found that experience and expertise does not help you to locate a meaningful opportunity when the demand mix seems to favor the younger professional. Now, there are some exceptions, for instance IT, but even in this field, one who has all the certifications is not always guaranteed employment. So how does one find that new job? There are two choices here as well: network and/or subscribe to those pay-as-you-go executive recruiter and resume blaster services. Just Google on these and you will literally find hundreds of fee based services available. This to my way of thinking is a slap-in-the-face to someone that has been out of work for a long period of time that either cannot or does not have the means to pay for these services. And then where do you draw the line. It would not take long for someone to go through a considerable amount of expense just subscribing to these services with likely little to no results. Well, it comes down to what you have heard and read about; networking. But here lies the conundrum. Not everyone has an established network of contacts. And if you do, it takes great skill to know how to work these contacts without imposing yourself on them.
For those, like me, whose contacts may have been elsewhere after a move, are not local, or who may not be available, the task is more difficult. In either way, you have to develop a plan to network, and then work your plan that should include developing an inquiry letter introducing yourself to the contact, seeking their advice and guidance on whom you should speak to. Never ask for a job, but make sure you always include your resume with your request. This prompts two responses. The contact will either refer you to another one or more people to speak with, and/or will consider you for a possible opportunity with his company or firm. Then there is the follow-up on a weekly basis.
While you are working this plan, keep in mind you need to have your 90 second elevator speech prepared for when someone asks you to tell them about yourself. This is not your life’s history or what you like to do. Rather this is the synopsis of your core competencies, achievements and accomplishments that fit with what you are seeking. It’s similar to a market or advertising piece that summarizes what you offer. I noticed recently how the presidential candidates seem to have this practice down very well. When asked about their qualifications for the job, most can recite with eloquence, style and professionalism their achievements and experience which meets the job requirements in about 90 to 120 seconds…two minutes max. It is a lot of work to find work. It takes a great deal of discipline, concentration, and faith. Faith that you will perceiver and be successful. Faith that comes from a daily dialogue with Our Lord for his help and guidance. But you must keep on, keeping on. While I continue to pursue my job objective, I follow this approach. There are days I question what is going on, why I can’t find a job. Then they are other days I feel on top of the world. How I manage this ebb and flow is recalling that there are about 2 million of us looking for about 100,000 jobs a month. Breaking this down by region, industry and job, the number of available jobs you match with gets very small. I am also involved in mentoring business startups, working on a new business venture and constantly seeking my ‘market niche’ that will get me that opportunity I am most suited for. As you progress towards your goals, keep busy and work your plan. [Gerald S. “Sandy Graham, MBA, MS Economics s.graham4@earthlink.net]
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