The recent economic downturn has hit jobseekers over 40 hard. Struggling employers see an immediate improvement in their bottom line when they lay you off - their most experienced, highest-paid worker. Your years of experience give you the advantage over younger, less seasoned candidates, but age can work against you too.
So what to do? It's a matter of promoting your strengths and watching out for the "age pitfalls" that can work against you. You worry that potential employers will see you as over-priced, inflexible or lacking in energy. To develop the most effective job search plan, you need to address these concerns.

• Update your skills or learn something new.
• Project energy and cultivate a positive attitude.
• Be current in your personal and professional image.
• Make sure your resume highlights your most recent accomplishments.
• Investigate new career options or consider being your own boss.

Being a job seeker at any age is challenging. But it is also an opportunity to revitalize your career and regain enthusiasm for your work.

Ed Kovacik will be presenting an Introduction to EXCEL class on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Academy at 9 AM. The class is open to all Work Certified Academy members and grads. Come and brush up on your EXCEL skills.

Who knew that resumes follow trends, just like the latest fashions? And like last year's clothing, there are often subtle updates that make the difference between a great resume and a dated one.
The first page has to grab the employer's eye in 8 to 10 seconds. Some experts suggest putting a clear but general job title at the top of the resume - such as administrative assistant, instructional aide or retail manager. Under that, write two or three bullets or sentences highlighting your primary strengths or accomplishments. Generic objective statements seem out of date and could be included in a cover letter.
Another trend is not to include "References Available Upon Request" at the end of your resume. It is assumed. Bring a separate sheet listing your references to the interview.
Of course there are no absolute rules for resumes, and trends go in and out of fashion. A well organized, uncluttered resume which clearly outlines your exerience and accomplishments is always classic.

Mary Jo Latorre of MJ's Resumes will present a seminar on Resume Trends and Creative Cover Letters on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 10 AM.
Mary Jo has been a professional resume writer since 1990 and has helped hundreds of job seekers create more successful resumes.
All WCA grads and guests are welcome to attend.

Work Certified Academy will conduct a 2 week job readiness training class at the Mon Valley CareerLink in Donora beginning November 9, 2009. All Washington County residents are eligible to register for the class free of charge.

Please call the Academy at 724-225-2551 to register or for more information.

Join us on Thursday, October 8 at 9 am for Ed Kovacik's Introduction to Excel class. Even if you have used Excel before, Ed gives an excellent overview of this program, and shares some timesaving shortcuts you may not know. He also does magic tricks!

Job Club is back! Please join us on Wednesday, October 7 at 10 AM for "Stress Management" with Kerissa Kuis. Job searching can be very difficult. Stress can interrupt our sleep and can affect our health in negative ways. Learn some strategies for coping with stress and making better wellness decisions.

Labels: Job Club