Events Calendar
In This Section
Women's leadership program makes debut
U.S. Walmarts to stay open Thanksgiving
FedEx says IRS won't be imposing penalties
Regulators eyeing Ally Bank tactics
Day with Warren Buffett enriching to UA students
Wisdom from billionaire Warren Buffett
Number of females in unions increasing
Investors take break after major five-day advance
Most Read Stories
Suitcase causes bomb scare at Akron bus terminal
Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
New eateries expand menu of options
Motorcyclist killed, wife injured in Stark County crash
Man says he was punched, robbed by 3 people in parking lot
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Family found dead in Ohio home
Blogs:
Pets:
It Takes All Kinds
The Heldenfiles:
Tuesday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
An interesting thought from a reader
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Mount Union — Liveblog
Tribe Matters:
Indians announce spring dates
Cleveland Browns:
Mangini doesn't name a quarterback
Kent State Sports:
Flashes interested in another Cincinnati player
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Cavs: Yeah, on That Issue of Privacy
Buckeye Blogging:
Buckeyes Roll 100-60 / Season Outlook
Varsity Letters:
Report: Walsh baseball player commits
All Da King's Men:
More On The Fort Hood Jihadist
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Simply Incapable of Telling The Truth
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (63) Commonwealth Fund Report on Primary Care
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Clock Tender- Extending the Life of Collector Car Clocks
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Rumors: Akron Starbucks Closing
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
Aeromsith looking for new singer as Steven Tyler contemplates solo career
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
Video: 'Modern Warfare 2' hits the streets
With 1,300 people, it's record year for event aimed at older workers
By Marilyn Miller Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Thursday, Sep 20, 2007
Several hundred people were lined up, wrapped around the front entrance of Tangier restaurant Wednesday morning waiting to attend the 18th Senior Employment Job Fair. In all, more than 1,300 attended a record year.
The candidates ranged from former CEOs to those who didn't have a high school diploma. They all had the same goal landing a job.
Joanne Anders, 72, of Akron, said retirement isn't working well for her. ''I want to work. I have been retired three years. My children have all moved out. I bought a house, remodeled it and now there is nothing else to do with it anymore. I need to keep busy,'' she said.
Robert Brock, 57, of Akron said he realized he wasn't prepared to get back into the work force with the same skills he had before. He signed up for the ''Job Club,'' an in-house training program at the Senior Employment Center to hone his interview and marketing techniques, revise his resume and brush up on his computer skills.
At the Tangier, there were about 50 employers on hand to take applications and talk with potential workers. Employers said being able to put a face to a resume is a huge advantage considering the numerous online applications they receive.
Thomas Limousine Service is looking for drivers, Speedway needs everyone from cashiers to district managers, Enterprise needs drivers and managers, Akron General Medical Center is looking to fill clinical positions as well as housekeeping jobs and Kent State University needs receptionists and clerical specialists.
Superior Staffing Inc. wants workers for its office, and customer service representatives are needed at Allstate Insurance and National City Bank.
Financial institutions such as Ameriprise need advisers, but a financial background isn't a prerequisite. ''We can teach that part, but you need a client base to work with. Older people have that,'' said Jason Clemens. ''We want people who can build relationships with clients.''
Clemens said this was his first time at the job fair, since the company usually attends only college fairs.
''Our focus is on retirement, the 50- to 60-year-old baby boomers, whose dreams don't retire,'' he said. ''Baby boomers may relate easier to (people) their own age who share the same interests or have a greater amount of life experience.''
The room was crowded with people going booth to booth asking employers about available jobs. Some people were worried about a cut in Social Security benefits if they worked full time, while others just wanted something to make ends meet.
Paul Magnus, vice president for Workforce Development, said by the year 2012 seniors will make up 40 percent of the job market. ''Employers are looking for older workers because of their work ethic and dependability. Older workers also help stabilize the work environment and help mentor the younger staff,'' he said.
Magnus said employers at Wednesday's job fair recognize the contributions of mature workers.
''It's so important for people to feel connected,'' said Harvey Stern, head of the Institute for Life Span Development and Gerontology. ''People are choosing to work longer. They are worried about the future and are working for the money, for health benefits, to feel useful and be involved . . . the same reasons why most people work.''
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or 800-777-7232 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
Several hundred people were lined up, wrapped around the front entrance of Tangier restaurant Wednesday morning waiting to attend the 18th Senior Employment Job Fair. In all, more than 1,300 attended a record year.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
