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Akron nonprofit agency helps job seekers 55 or older with Internet use, resume writing, interviewing
By Marilyn Miller Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Monday, Oct 22, 2007
These days, many job searches are carried out online, so computer skills are a must.
Mature Services, a nonprofit Akron agency, has a program designed just for job hunters who have not had to look for work for a while and are 55 or older.
It's called Job Club, which holds a three-week session on employment tips and techniques.
''You used to just fill out an application, and if the company was interested, they called you or you called them. But now companies don't appreciate you calling; they want you to wait until they get in touch with you,'' said Cordelia Gulledge, 65, of Akron, who has been unemployed for eight years.
She retired after 30 years at General Motors and five years at a bank.
''I took an early retirement when the company downsized, but I didn't plan my retirement well, so I have to go back to work for a little while longer,'' she said.
Karen Harter, 59, of Coventry Township, said she needed help updating her resume because she was out of the habit of writing one.
She worked for B.F. Goodrich in the tire division for 271/2 years until jobs went south.
''I said I would move to Greenville, S.C., but was told there was no job for me there,'' she said.
She said she also once worked for Coca-Cola, but those jobs also moved.
''Always put down your strengths and target your skills to fit the job description,'' said Don Zirkle, who runs Job Club. ''Never put negatives in writing. Even if there is something negative you have to bring up, do it in the interview and put a positive spin to it.''
In his critique of resumes and cover letters, he also suggests using education and experience headings rather than a chronological listing of jobs, which employers might find an easy way to rule a person out by age.
If there are gaps in your employment history, think of positive ways you spent your time while unemployed, Zirkle said.
''Cover letters give you bragging rights to talk about yourself, but never use more than four I's,'' Zirkle said. ''Make sure you state your objective, why you are interested in the position, and how you are qualified for the position.''
Finding out what companies are looking for is a job-hunting skill.
Ron Valocik, 64, of Tallmadge, has been in sales throughout his career. He was laid off in August when his company reduced its sales staff.
''I still want to work another four or five years; I'm not ready to retire yet,'' he said.
Valocik said he wants to find out what sales skills companies are looking for today.
The Job Club teaches how to write a resume and cover letter, how to use the Internet to fill out job applications and research a company, as well as what to wear to an interview, how body language plays a part in the interview, and what employers most frequently ask.
''I like to think of the things we teach as building blocks,'' Zirkle said. ''We help build the stairs you need to get to success.''
He said the placement rate for people who complete the Job Club program is about 80 percent. ''Employers at small to midsize companies will be the ones who hire you. The big ones are downsizing.''
Barbara Sanders, 59, was hired by Mature Services after attending its job fair last month. She went to its booth and asked for suggestions on resume writing. She was invited to an orientation to learn about Job Club. Seeing a posting of a job at Mature Services while at the orientation, she inquired about it and was hired.
It all happened in a perfect time frame. She retired in June from Akron schools, where she taught first, second and third grade as well as reading and staff development.
''I didn't want to stay home and do nothing. I wanted to find a part-time job using my skills to continue helping others. I am blessed to have benefits and only need a part-time job,'' Sanders said.
She said she had foot surgery in August, and even arranging that around her new job worked out. ''I didn't want to apply for a job, then announce, 'By the way I have to be off a month for surgery on my foot.'''
Now she assists in the job-training program.
''It is such a worthwhile program. We can't apply for a job the way we did 30 to 40 years ago. It takes different things to get an employer's attention,'' Sanders said. ''You have to put your capabilities right up front; otherwise they will dismiss you as another old person.''
Others in the class had jobs but weren't satisfied with them.
''I worked a retail job, and every day I had different hours, so you could never plan anything, and I wasn't able to pursue a new career, so I quit and decided to take the plunge,'' said Sherry Bixler, 57, of Tallmadge.
She said she has a high school degree and a couple of certifications. One is in phlebotomy: She is certified to draw blood. She also is a notary.
''I hope to get a job I enjoy. I want a challenging career. I'm not ready to hang it up just yet,'' Bixler said.
Zirkle tries to find out what employers are looking for in industries to bring fresh information to the Job Club class. He meets quarterly with a 30-member advisory board of company managers.
He reminds mature students that if an employer agrees to interview them, they have a good chance of getting the job, but should not take rejection personally.
''The interview process is unpredictable. (They) interview you based on their personality. They hire you not because you're the most qualified, but because you are qualified enough, and he or she liked you best.''
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or 800-777-7232 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
These days, many job searches are carried out online, so computer skills are a must.
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