Finding Work at 50+

As Oregon’s unemployment rate continues to rank among the highest in the nation, more and more residents 50+ are reporting that finding a job is a real struggle. If you’ve been looking for a job recently, you know it’s tough out there.

AARP research and surveys have shown that the current economic downturn has been particularly difficult for 50+ job seekers who are unemployed longer and at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

So what you can do to beat the odds and land that next job?

“Taking advantage of the resources that AARP has to offer is one important way,” says Joyce DeMonnin, AARP Oregon Director of Public Outreach and older worker issue expert. “We’re stepping up our efforts to assist those 50+ struggling during this time.”

DeMonnin points to special workshops, webinars and online assessment tools and opportunities to engage – all offered for free – that older Oregonians should look into.

“Whether you are looking for help creating a powerful resume and boosting your interview skills, finding employers who need your skills and surviving the job hunt, or you are thinking of making a bold new change of careers, hopefully these tools can help,” DeMonnin said. “You’ve just got to be willing to review, and possibly change, your approach to land a job in the 21st century.”

Workshops

AARP is teaming up with local community organizations to bring free “Finding Work at 50+” workshops designed to help older job seekers find success. Participants will also get information regarding access to health care during transitions and other benefits that might be available.

The next workshop is slated for Tigard on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Tigard Public Library. To RSVP and save a spot, register online or call 877-926-8300 toll-free today.

Webinars

AARP’s 2010 “Webinar Series for Job Seekers” is designed to offer practical tools and resources tailored to the unique demands of today’s job market. Experts from a variety of organizations have been tapped to provide information on such diverse issues as finding federal jobs, navigating your way through job loss, the art of networking in 2010, and enjoying retirement on less money. Many of these webinars are recorded and available for listening and viewing on AARP’s website.

The next one is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to Noon and is all about creating your personal brand for today’s job market. This webinar shows you how to identify your unique strengths and skills and increase your visibility in a competitive market against your peers.

Sign up for this session and learn more about the series’ upcoming events.

Other Tools & Resources

AARP has also developed a wide variety of additional online job search information and resources. If you can’t attend the forums, webinars or fairs, and are actively looking for a job and are 50+, visit aarp.org/money/work for career advice, "recareering" stories, and much more.

One Oregon older worker, Christine Caton, says this: “Sometimes the economic climate and lack of openings and ‘fit’ can be truly discouraging. But I’m also comforted by what seems like a ‘pay it forward’ attitude and the opportunities I’ve had over my search to connect with amazing people, learn about other organizations and volunteer – it’s given me new perspectives and ideas as well as new friends and a sense of kinship.”
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