1. Experienced Worker Seminar Written and Presented by: Heather Coleman. Training Facilitator David Straka, Case Manager Edited by: Ron Marshall, Assistant Training Facilitator Ferndale Career Center www.twitter.com/ferndalecareer www.facebook.com/ferndalecareercenter www.linkedin.com/in/ferndalecareercenter LinkedIn Group: Ferndale Career Center www.ferndaleschools.org/fcc Last update: 3.2.2011 Copyright: August 15, 2007

2. Did you know ... Today, there are 79 Million “Baby Boomers” - which is 26% of the population As of January 1st, 2011 every single day more than 10,000 Baby Boomers will reach the age of 65. “The American Dream” There are currently more grandparents than grandkids! And what a wave it is! That’s 8,000 a day for the next 19 years! “ (As of) 2010, retirements could leave a gap of 10,000,000 in the workforce.” ‘ Baby boom’ retirements, flat population growth and stagnant workforce investment could, by 2010, leave 5.3 million skilled U.S. jobs without a skilled U.S. worker to fill them.” Data: “The American Dream” “National Council on Aging” “Population Reference Bureau” “The Workforce Alliance”

3. What Are Some Myths Surrounding Experienced Workers?

6. #3 Embrace Technology. Accept what is – technology has forever altered the working world and will continue to revolve at a rapid pace. If you do not have at least a rudimentary understanding of computers and the Internet, take a class immediately. We offer multiple levels of computer classes at the Ferndale Career Center! Computers are used in every field, and it’s your responsibility to become up-to-date. Employers will not invest time teaching new employees how to use computers, particularly in this market. Get involved with social media and establish yourself within your field of expertise. Be present, add value, share wisdom and elevate your professional, digital reputation . Be where the employers are searching for candidates! Baby Boomers are known for being one of the most innovative generations in history. You can master new technology – make it a priority during your career transition! #2 Show your Energy. Enthusiasm, energy and passion for your work are key in an interview. Your appearance should reflect your professionalism – look current and age-appropriate. Plugged In - Boomers Online from AARP

7. #4 Emphasize Relevant Experience. Discuss your skill sets and how they relate to the position for which you are applying. Transferable skills are extremely important to an employer – be confident in your abilities and showcase yourself! Some examples of transferable skills: Core competencies (soft skills), organization, management, leadership, training, interpersonal skills, research, planning and quality control. #5 Demonstrate Your Flexibility And Creativity. You want to counteract stereotypes that suggest older workers do not have imagination, flexibility and creativity. Discuss ways you solved problems and developed ideas in your most recent jobs to make your former employer more money, meet customer needs or to be more competitive. "Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." - Mario Andretti #6 Emphasize Past Examples Of Loyalty. Although employee/employer loyalty has been severely tested over the years due to ongoing layoffs, employers still need to feel that employees are 100 percent committed to the company.

10. The Retirement Process Has Changed Dramatically What are your reasons for planning to work beyond the traditional retirement age? Traditionally, a worker moved from full-time to complete retirement in one final step. Today, 'phased retirement' occurs far more regularly. Experienced workers go from full-time to part-time to consulting within their field. Current data shows that 37% of men and 35% of women aged 55 to 64 receiving income from pensions in 2007 were employed as of March, 2008. - Patrick Purcell, CRS A Quest for Meaning, Fulfillment For those age 55-59, who are still fully engaged in the workforce, economic incentives clearly dominate. About 72% of this group cited “need income to live on” as a primary reason for working. Among 60-65 year-olds, “need income to live on” (60%) was still the most frequently mentioned reason for working, but it was followed by a desire to “stay active and engaged” (45%) and “do meaningful work” (43%). For the 66-70 year-olds, this shift in priorities is even more dramatic, with 72% choosing “want to stay active and engaged” as a primary reason to work. Their second choice is “want the opportunity to do meaningful work” (47%) and third is “enjoying the social interaction with colleagues (42%).

12. The Importance of Networking Make professional career search business cards at vistaprint.com or www.printsmadeeasy.com . Networking is the single most important thing you can do to find the job you want. Current statistics reveal that 80 to 90 percent of jobs are filled this way. Think about this: You may be the solution to someone’s problem! Attitude is everything. Talk in a positive manner to everyone you come in contact with about your professional goals. Utilize social and professional media to your advantage! Create accounts and actively participate on the following sites: linkedin.com facebook.com twitter.com To learn how to utilize these sites to find a job, come to our “Social Media and Career Success” workshops at the Ferndale Career Center.

13. Experienced Workers on Twitter – Network with them today! @mikehenrysr 22,035 Followers 860 Listed Founder, LeadChange Group @phyllismufson 21,520 Followers 819 Listed Career/Business Consultant/Certified Coach @feistycoach 4,024 Followers 514 Listed Executive Leadership Coach @LeadershipFreak 34,654 Followers Listed 1,431 Leadership Blogger @sharoneden 1,837 Followers 194 Listed Psychotherapist/Speaker/Coach @LeadToday 140,511 Followers Listed 4,723 CSE, Executive Sales