Workers of all ages appear to be planning to retire later, on average, than did similar workers in 1998.

• 64% of all workers in the survey said they want to stay active and involved.

• 57% of all workers want to keep health insurance or other benefits.

• 49% of all workers say they are enjoying working.

• 16% of all workers say they are trying a different career. This information is from the 2008 Retirement Confidence Survey which is sponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute in Washington, D.C.
  http://www.ebri.org/surveys/rcs/2008/

 

Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics about employment projections:

“Industry output and employment projections to 2016” by Eric B. Figueroa and Rose A. Woods in the Monthly Labor Review Online, November 2007, Vol. 130, Number 11.

“Professional and business services and the health care and social assistance sectors account for more than half of the projected new jobs from 2006 to 2016; construction also is expected to add jobs, while employment in agriculture and manufacturing is expected to decline over the period.”

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AARP has helpful suggestions if you are changing jobs. http://www.aarp.org/money/careers/jobloss/a2004-04-28-transition.html

Suggestions to help in preparing for a second career or new job:

• Be flexible. Consider part-time work.
• Learn new skills, especially technological skills.
• Use all the resources that are available to you (state and local agencies, ads in newspapers, Internet, and word-of-mouth).
• Ask someone to read your resume. Does it represent you well?
• Ask someone to read your cover letter. Is it clear that you are a good fit?
• Ask someone to do a practice interview with you.
• Listen to the comments about your resume, cover letter, and practice interview.
• Make corrections, as needed, to your resume or cover letter.
• Ask another person to conduct a second practice interview with you. Are you becoming more comfortable answering questions and explaining your skills?

If you are an older worker, here are some suggestions for your resume, cover letter, and interview by Katharine Hansen. See her web site below.

If you are an older worker, consider these items as you prepare your resume:

• Describe about 15 years worth of jobs on your resume.
• Emphasize results and achievements.
• Omit graduation dates that are more than 10-15 years old.
• Include computer and technological skills.
• If you have been out of the labor force, include skills from homemaking or volunteer activities.

If you are an older worker, consider these items as you write a cover letter:

• Mention your flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Say “extensive experience” instead of “25 years of experience.”
• Ask someone to review your letter and use their comments to improve.

If you are an older worker, think about these suggestions as you prepare for a job interview:

• Don’t be surprised if the interviewer is younger than you are.
• Have a positive attitude.
• Explain that you have worked with people of all ages.
• Mention, if appropriate, your work on teams.
• If asked about your age, reply “How do you think my age will affect my ability to do the job?” http://www.quintcareers.com/older_worker_strategies.html

Here are some reminders about preparing for an interview.

• Be well-groomed.
• Dress appropriately.
• Be on time.
• Be knowledgeable about the company
• Be enthusiastic
• Maintain good eye contact
• Respond clearly to questions.

Resources:

Here are some web sites that focus on job seekers age 50 and older.

• Most sites require you to log in and establish an account.
• However, some sites allow you to search for jobs without having an account.

http://www.seniors4hire.org/	Free membership for job seekers 50 and older.
http://www.retirementjobs.com/	Over age 50 and looking for a job. Search for full, part time, and flexible jobs.
http://www.seniorjobbank.org/	Over age 50. This site is for employers and job seekers.

There are many other web sites that are related to job search. Be sure to read the requirements carefully for each site. Allow time to use the sites.