What Are You Looking For?
First, try to identify the type of job you are looking for. Do you want a full-time job with a complete benefits package? Or would you prefer part-time, variable hours? You can work as an employee for someone else or be self-employed. The work can be year round, seasonal or temporary. You can work away from home or even find work to be done at your home. Or, you may prefer to volunteer in a meaningful job. Okay, so where do you begin?
Gather Your Tool Kit
You'll need a few things before starting your search.
1. Prepare a written Career Summary of your experience, skills and job preferences (work hours, location, type of work and so on) or a traditional resume. Haven't written a career summary or resume in some time, or ever? Consider the resume writing service available from Retirementjobs.com:
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2. Make a list of your target or preferred employers.
3. List your pay and benefit needs - healthcare coverage may be a priority if you are not yet covered by Medicare.
4. Prepare a list of references - prior employers, current employers or anyone familiar with your work.
5. Obtain a computer and Internet connection or access. Your local library will likely have Internet capable computers.
Okay, so where do you start looking?
Private Employment Agencies
These are private companies or individuals who are paid by employers to locate candidates for openings. They usually deal with full time positions. They will review your work experience and needs and try to match you to available jobs. You should not be required to pay for their assistance - walk away if they charge a "placement fee." You'll find them in the yellow pages under "Employment Agencies" or find them in the Help Wanted section of the newspaper.
Government Employment Agencies
State and local governments operate employment agencies as part of their employment security and unemployment mission. They are similar to private agencies and may actually be a better source of jobs for low to middle income workers and retirees. You may even be able to arrange for needed job training. You'll never pay any fees. Again, look in the government phone listings or call you local town or state government.
Public Service Employment Agencies
Civic, social and human service organizations have gotten heavily involved with employment assistance for retired workers. Contact you local government and community groups for leads to these agencies. Again, you'll pay no fees.
Contract Employment Agencies
These are agencies that specialize in placing people in contract positions. These are jobs where you do not become an employee - you are basically an independent contactor and are self-employed. The jobs are typically for a set period of time at a set rate of pay. Typically, no benefits are provided. Most private employment agencies also arrange contract placements. Again, you should pay no fees.
Temporary Employment Agencies
Temporary employment agencies place workers with employers looking to meet a short-term need. The assignments may be a day, a week, or several months. The work may be full time or part time. Some temporary employment agencies will actually hire you as an employee with pay and a complete benefits package, and then assign you to their client employers. It may provide a chance for you to "test drive" different employers to find a good fit for you. This is also an attractive choice for people looking for variety and flexibility. The agencies will often provide training, particularly in computer and communications tools. Look in the yellow pages under "Temporary Employment Agencies."
The Help Wanted Ads and Posters
Yup - the old fashion way. Look in your newspaper help wanted section. Identify the major employers looking for workers. You see plenty of ads for retail, healthcare and customer services workers. Don't see the job you want? At least you'll have a list of possible employers to contact. Get out your reading glasses and examine the tiny ads - they are from smaller companies who really need help but can't afford the expensive large ads. Ever drive past a company and see a help wanted sign? Walk in and ask for details. A good general rule is never respond to an ad that does not state the employer, location and job title. Beware - there are a lot of scammers and crooks out there, particularly for "work at home" schemes.
Online or Internet Job Boards
You'll need Internet access to do this. Are you afraid of the Internet? You are not alone. Dive in and set a goal to learn how to use a computer and start "searching the web." If you don't have the equipment or skill yet, go to a family member, a friend, your local library, adult education programs or community college and ask for assistance.
There are numerous job boards where you submit, or post, your resume. You can also search for jobs by location, industry, profession or job category. You then submit an application or letter of interest.
Some websites, particularly RetirementJobs.com, specialize in 50+ and retired job seekers.
Beware - there are many scammers and crooks on the Internet. Never release personal information such as social security number, financial account numbers and passwords. You should never be asked to pay a fee for job board use or to submit an application. A great rule of thumb is never release information you don't want in the hands of a criminal. Stick with the major, reputable job boards and Internet employment services. If in doubt, submit nothing.
Industry and Professional Groups
Most industry and professional groups provide job-posting services. Again, you'll usually need Internet access though you may also be able to phone these groups.
Go Direct! Contact Employers Yourself
Before the Internet, you could walk into an employer and fill out an application. You still can. List the employers who interest you. Phone them to get an address where you can submit an application or mail in a resume or career summary. There are excellent employers actively looking for workers over age 50. Your best bets are in retail, healthcare, financial services and customer services. Some notable national employers are looking for you. Check the AARP website for a list of the "AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50".
You (and other 50+ workers ) are a valuable resource - knowledgeable, hard working, dependable and seasoned. Employers are waking up to the reality that workers over age 50 are a large and exceptional source of great employees!
Robert Skladany is Vice President of Research & Certification at RetirementJobs.com. He has focused his career on the issues of workers over age 50 and the particular value they bring to the workplace and to employers in search of stable, productive and positive employees.
