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Retirement or ReHIREment?
Are you thinking about getting your first job or going back to work after retirement? You’re not alone. According to a recent AARP study, nearly 80 percent of baby boomers will work longer or well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.
“Job hunting can be challenging at any age, especially if you haven’t been in the workplace for an extended period of time,” said a member at the Right at Home office. “If you have a plan, however, you are much more likely to succeed.”
Below is a list of tips for mature adults who are looking to enter or re-enter the workforce:
EVALUATE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
• Is there anything you wanted to do when you were younger but never did?
• Are you interested in returning to a former field?
• What motivates you? What don’t you like to do?
• Invite family or friends to get together to talk about your work dreams. What type of position do they see you doing or enjoying?
• Still unsure of what you want to do? Consider setting up a meeting with a career consultant or coach.
FIND OUT WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE
• Research companies that embrace mature workers. A good place to start is with AARP. They have developed the AARP National Employer Team to help you connect with companies that value your experience and abilities. Employers include Right at Home, Borders, CVS/Pharmacy, The Home Depot, Cingular Wireless and more.
• Find a job networking group in your area or find the local chapter or trade association for a business you might be interested in.
• Check out industries that are in high-demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the top growth occupations include home health aides, personal care assistants, postsecondary teachers, retail associates and customer service representatives.
• Consider going into work for yourself. Think about opening your own small business or becoming a franchise owner.
ASSESS YOUR SKILLS
• Evaluate what skills you are good at. Are you good at juggling multiple tasks? Do you enjoy writing reports or collecting data? Do you like helping others?
• Are you behind on the latest technology? Or, do you need a degree for the career path you are looking to pursue? Consider continuing education classes or training programs.
• Decide if your skill set matches the needs of a prospective employer.
• When applying for a job, refer to actual experiences that demonstrate your skill level.
PREPARE A RESUME
• Do you have a resume? It is important to have a professional resume on hand when applying for a job.
• Keep it relevant and know what type of employee and skills the prospective employer is looking for.
• Highlight your accomplishments and achievements.
• Keep your resume brief – no more then two pages long.
• If you need help preparing your resume, there are numerous articles, books, and websites that can lend assistance.
Remember, entering or re-entering the workforce might not happen overnight. But, with a bit of perseverance and planning, your goal of finding a job will be within reach.
There are also many helpful websites and organizations available for seniors who are looking to enter or re-enter the workplace. These include,
AARP, www.aarp.org/employerteam
RetirementJobs.com, www.retirementjobs.com
Monster.com, www.careersat50.monster.com
CareerOneStop, www.careeronestop.org
Right at Home, www.rightathome.net
About Right at Home
Right at Home offers in home supportive health care and personal care assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care provider staff, is bonded and insured, and carefully pre-screens all caregivers prior to their entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by local independent owners. Select offices provide skilled nursing home care as well. Right at Home’s national office is based in Omaha, NE with franchise offices throughout the United States. For more information on Right at Home, visit the company’s website at www.rightathome.net.
About AARP National Employer Team
AARP’s National Employer Team is comprised of 24 companies who have made a commitment to aggressively recruit, hire and retain mature workers. Right at Home is proud to be the only home health care company in the country to be recognized as an AARP National Employer Team member. This designation validates Right at Home’s commitment to provide a working environment that values the talents and experience of 50-plus employees and accommodates their needs. Right at Home estimates that nearly 25 percent of Right at Home employees are over the age of 50.
Job seekers can visit AARP’s Web site, www.aarp.org/employerteam, to learn about each National Employer Team company, including types of skilled and non-skilled jobs available on the employers’ websites, benefits, and how to apply. The website provides a link to applications, instructions and additional information on each company.
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