Finding a job can be challenging even for the sharpest job seeker in today’s economy with an unemployment rate of 9.7% in Kentucky. The challenge can be even harder for 50+ workers many of whom are having trouble finding the help and guidance they need.
See Also: Job Hunting
Unemployment rates for 50+ workers continue to be a concern even with some signs of improvement in the job market and hiring. In the coming weeks, AARP Kentucky is joining three other states to launch a pilot project targeting 50+ job seekers. Volunteer “Job Coaches” will focus their outreach to help job seekers learn to fine tune using online tools to prepare for interviews and find a job.
"The recession had a huge impact on 50-plus workers, and many are still unemployed,” said Patrice Blanchard, AARP Associate State Director for Community Outreach. Kentucky will organize one of four job coaching sites created by the AARP Foundation WorkSearch program. Others states piloting the project include Arizona, Michigan and Washington, D.C.
Volunteer job coaches work with job seekers by sharing resources, information about job fairs and hiring opportunities. They also help job seekers navigate through AARP's WorkSearch online assessment tool, which helps them better understand their marketable experience and interests.
AARP Kentucky is also recruiting volunteers to serve as job coaches. The ideal volunteer has high-speed internet access, excellent communications skills, computer skills and experience working in human resources.
Job coaches will be trained by the state office on how to coach and will be asked to commit to a half-day a week, the job-hunting process, résumé writing, computer skills, and the emotional and social effects of being out of work. Email us at worksearchvolunteer@aarp.org to learn more about giving back and helping as a volunteer job coach.
If you’re a job seeker ready to sharpen your job search, contact us via email at wskentucky@aarp.org or call toll-free 1-877-659-0969.
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