Free AARP Job Readiness Resources Boost Mature DC Job Seekers’ Work Search

More than 100 mature job seekers got a leg up on the competition Nov. 9 at an AARP District of Columbia event. They spent three hours learning the latest job hunting techniques and tools; how to sell their personal brand; how to leverage their personal brand in their resume and interview; and the value of an “elevator speech.”
 
Following the workshop, they had the opportunity to either consult with a job coach, or attend a table discussion on resume writing, job search strategy, interviewing and job transitioning. Finally, attendees chose from a wealth of AARP’s print and digital resources for the 50+ worker.

The nationwide unemployment rate for persons aged 55 and older remained at 7.2 percent in September, continuing the recent high unemployment rates not seen at any other time in the past six decades. Since the start of the recession, both the number of unemployed and the unemployment rate have increased by a greater percent for the aged 55 and older segment of the workforce than for younger segments. The unemployment rate for older workers, for example, was more than double (125 percent higher) in September than it was in December 2007.

Despite their high—and for much of the recession, rising—unemployment rates, millions of older Americans have succeeded in remaining employed or have found jobs. As of September, slightly more than 28 million persons aged 55 and older were employed. This was 131,000 more than in August but nearly 2 million, or 7.6 percent, more than at the start of the recession.

AARP has three videos to assist mature job seekers:

• Preparing for Your Best Job Interview
  
• Networking to Get a Job
  
• Updating Your Resume for the Job You Want
  

Each video is three to six minutes long and offers a summary of helpful tips at the end.