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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.
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