The more ways you try to find a job, the more success you will have. Learn more about where to search, both online and in your community.
Employment Programs for Older Workers
Online WorkSearch Assessment System
Career and Job Fairs
Company Websites
Public Libraries
School Alumni Associations
Networking - The Hidden Job Market
Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)
Government Agencies
Staffing Agencies
Federal Career Centers
Non-Profit Organizations
Consider Temporary Work
Volunteer and Find a Job
Some employment programs and agencies focus specifically on older workers. We’ve highlighted them for you here. Tips for dealing with employment programs include:
- Maintain regular contact with your agency because jobs come in daily. This will also show your readiness to work.
- Be clear about the jobs that you will and will not accept. This will save time. Turning down a job because you were not clear about what you are willing to do will waste time for the agency and may place you in a bad light.
- Consider contacting more than one agency to increase your chances of being placed with a job.
- Always be prepared. You may be offered a job or job interview with short notice. You should already have a plan for things like transportation or child care. Remember, assignments can be short term or intended for long term but may end abruptly.
- Accept suggestions for improvement. The agency may want you to change your resume or take a training class to improve your chances of getting the job. Take it even if you think you don’t need the additional training.
SCSEP is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor with support from AARP and the AARP Foundation. The program provides comprehensive training and support that helps individuals to obtain new job knowledge, enhance existing skills, gain a competitive edge in today's job market, and find and maintain employment. To be eligible for SCSEP, applicants must be unemployed, 55 or over, meet income guidelines and be interested in bettering their current employment circumstances.
For further Information regarding SCSEP programs in your area: contact your local Career OneStop Center through the Toll-Free Help Line at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627).
America’s Service Locator is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and offers older workers a wide collection of job resources. In particular, it provides you with a listing of local Career OneStop Centers sponsored by the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
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Job hunting is never an easy process. It can be especially daunting if you have not been in the job market for a long time. Two critical actions to take as you begin your job search are to 1) assess your own interests and skills and 2) see what jobs might be available in your community.
AARP Foundation has developed a comprehensive online assessment system specific to your needs that you can use on your own from home. The WorkSearch Assessment System helps you assess your work interests and personal characteristics as well as your workplace and transferable skills. The system and online database will also help you see what jobs are currently available in your community and link you to the application process.
The assessment process begins with the First Step. This WorkSearch system will help you focus on the most promising job openings. Do your research and you can match your job search to fields that demand your skills and the areas that match your interests.
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A career or job fair is an event where a large number of recruiters and potential employers gather for the purpose of providing information about their companies and positions they may have available. It can be a great place to learn about a wide range of jobs in a single visit.
Although the atmosphere may feel casual, treat attending a job fair like you would treat an interview. While employers are happy to provide information, they are also judging applicants who approach them and in a sense performing miniature job interviews. Be sure to dress appropriately and make a positive lasting impression on every company you visit. Be confident, assertive and impressive and you are likely to be invited back for a longer conversation regarding the job. Here’s where you can find career and job fairs:
Company websites often contain valuable information about job openings and their hiring process. These companies maintain job opening sections on their websites with all the pertinent information you need to apply for a position. You can apply for positions of all levels and for part-time or full-time positions. If you know the name of the company, conduct an online search for their website by typing in the company’s name into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo.
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Libraries all over the country are developing great employment information departments. Libraries are really one of the few places where you can conduct exhaustive research of employers in one location. Not only do libraries provide interaction, they offer self directed basic computer tutorials, a countless array of books on employment topics, and newspapers, both local and national. And most public libraries are conveniently located near public transportation stops. There is no charge for the services but you do have to be a member to check out a book or use the computers. Becoming a member is easy. Ask at the desk when you arrive.
Don’t forget your alma mater when looking for a job. It is safe to say that almost all colleges and universities have career service centers that are on campus and now online, and they’re not just for current students or recent graduates. They are there to serve any student who attended the school.
These alumni career sites may offer periodic email alerts on career topics, calendars of formal or informal networking events, information on job openings, resume help, and an array of other career information. Check your college or university website for more information.
Consider joining your alumni association. It’s a pre-existing network of people who already share something in common – their alma mater. Find out if your former college has an alumni group that meets in your area or join your alumni group on LinkedIn and start your networking now. If you need help getting started with LinkedIn check out our video series here.
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Networking really works. Today’s social networking happens online as well as in person. Your online contacts are very important, but it is also essential to go to public events, professional organization meetings, job clubs and wherever you can meet others. Never overlook an opportunity to make a contact.
Let others know that you are looking for a job. Finding a job through word of mouth happens often. Tell friends, church members, club members, former employers or coworkers – virtually anyone you or your family comes in contact with should know you’re interested in employment. And don’t forget to check your bank and the grocery store community bulletin boards for job opportunities. Shy about meeting new people or talking about yourself to strangers? Look at our page on Get Started – Create a Network.
The VETS mission is to provide veterans and transitioning service members with the resources and services to succeed in the 21st century workforce by maximizing their employment opportunities, protecting their employment rights and meeting labor-market demands with qualified veterans today.
Federal, state, city or county government employment information offices offer a wide variety of professional, technical, clerical and other occupations in government. Government agencies may have job hotlines that you can call 24 hours a day to get recorded information about job openings, hiring dates, application processes and locations. Check out the government websites for job postings.
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Private staffing agencies, sometimes referred to as recruiting or placement agencies, are typically retained by employers to find the best person for a job(s). The employer pays a fee to the agency who hires recruiters, sometimes referred to as headhunters, to comb their network to find the best match. If you have work experience and strong skills, you should contact a staffing agency and get a recruiter to help you in your job search.
These staffing agencies offer temporary and permanent, part-time or full-time jobs. They also offer jobs that have flexible working hours. Some specialize in certain types of jobs from blue collar to white collar. The best part is the agency will work with you to help negotiate details of the position. But remember, everyone has an incentive. The recruiter works for the staffing agency, so be sure to represent your needs.
When you are dealing with staffing agencies, be aware that you do not have to pay an agency for trying to find you work, although some reputable agencies may charge based on the type of work you’re seeking. Word to the wise, however: there are plenty of staffing agencies who are paid by the employer, not the potential employee. If you decide to use an agency who charges a fee, be sure to find out the exact cost and what the agency can and cannot do for you. Then determine if it is worth the investment. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to see if there are complaints filed against the agency you are interested in contacting.
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The Department of Labor’s Career OneStops are great career resources. In addition to supplying job listings, they usually offer information on employment trends and career development materials including videotapes and pamphlets on a variety of career topics. Federal career centers are a great resource for uncovering local employers’ information and Internet links to other job-seeking resources.
Federal career centers may also conduct workshops and provide training on a variety of topics: resume and cover letter writing, basic computer, interview skills, job search techniques, networking, and job retention techniques. Usually there are computer classes on basic and intermediate computer skills. These classes may be led by an instructor or can be self led. There are usually also open computers available for Internet research.
Most non-profit organizations came about as charitable organizations to achieve a humanitarian mission rather than make a profit. Some are called foundations or endowments. Many receive funding from government or private grants or individual contributions. They are a great place to look for employment opportunities. Search for non-profit organization directories using the Internet. Remember, these organizations are very passionate about their causes and you should be too if you want to work with them. Below are a few good sites to search for non-profit organization listings:
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Think of it as a paid interview. You wouldn’t pass that up, would you? Temporary jobs can lead to full-time positions at the same company. Because you already know the ins and outs of the company, they are more likely to hire you on as a full-time employee if and when the need arises.
Additionally, temporary positions are great for people who haven’t worked for many years or who may have gaps in their employment record. Temporary work could also give you the chance to get the skills and confidence you need to get back into the rhythm of getting up each day, traveling to work, reporting to a supervisor and working as a team player.
Consider volunteering where you’ll learn something new. Maybe you want to explore a new field of interest, or observe a person who has the job you might like.
You can include your volunteer work on your resume. Regardless of whether or not the volunteer work pertains to the job you might apply for, include it! It’s helpful for employers to see you value your time and spend it wisely.
It’s important to remember, while the right volunteer work can help your job search, there are no guarantees it will lead to employment.
Volunteer work can feel like a job sometimes so set your boundaries before starting. It is good to set a time limit on when and how long you will be available. Choose the volunteer position that is right for you. Don’t lose sight of your job search.
Explore volunteering opportunities: