Unemployment is holding steady or starting to nudge downward depending where you live. My company happens to have a few openings this quarter due to growth and turnover. When recently discussing internal recruitment efforts I learned that we typically advertise on one venue…Craigslist.
This may not be news to some (or even most) of you, but to me I think of ads for personal escorts not a job opportunity when I hear craigslist. I think of myself as being a technologically savvy baby boomer so what does this mean to the rest of my generation?
Finding Openings
Remember when the classifieds were a lot bigger section of the newspaper? They no longer are because that’s not the way to reach the most people. Companies are posting open positions on Craigslist, Monster and their own websites.
Baby boomers need to use Facebook and Twitter as venues for finding openings. Not only by networking with other users, but following propsective employers. Last week Southwest Airlines posted on Facebook that they are looking for a Director of Technology. That sounds like a pretty good job with the most successful domestic airline.
Of course, online networking does help. Connect with your online friends and followers and let them know you’re looking. Connect with people you know professionally past and present using LinkedIn.
Interview and After
Yes, I concede that age is a disadvantage when job-hunting. But there’s a flip side. With that age is a whole lot of experience.
Once baby boomers get the interview they most likely have soft skills that can make the difference when it comes down to the hire. You know what they say about first impressions? It doesn’t matter if the company’s typical dress is casual (as mine is) the hiring manager still wants to know that you have good judgement regarding business wear.
Twenty years ago thank you notes post-interview were standard. It’s rare when a written note (received via email or snail mail) is received today. If I had to choose between two equally qualified candidates and one had written to thank me for my time and tell me why it’s a good match, they have the edge.
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Ignoring age bias, I have no doubt older job hunters can get jobs; they just have to know where to find them.
photo credit: Stillframe
Content © Bucksomeboomer 2009-2010. All Rights Reserved.
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Great article. I agree,boomers need to be right there with all of the latest in social networking communications to stay competitive. A large electronics chain recently posted a job and part of the experience level included applicants having at least 200 Facebook friends. Like your site…Great name – I can relate 🙂
Thank you for the nice comment on my blog…I’m just starting it and appreciate the feedback!
.-= fanning flashes´s last blog ..Let’s Talk Some Trash =-.
Hey Bucksome, saw your blog through Money Help for Christians and like what you’re doing. I’m learning to blog about time and money and am looking forward to more of your posts.
I got my most recent job through Monster.com. My best recommendations for anyone doing a job search is to always be as professional as possible and prepare well. Whenever I help do interviews or hear from others about them I’m always amazed by how many people don’t know anything about the company they are interviewing at or don’t dress well. Showing interest in a company is huge since the company only wants people who are going to love working there.
Ryan, thanks for following me over from MHC.
Good point about researching the company. Spending 30-60 minutes preparation time can really make a different. Its good to know Monster.com is relevant still for job hunters.
Regardless of how you get that potential employer to notice you, an overwhelming majority of them will search for you online. So two big takeaways: (1) don’t have anything terrible on you on social sites and (2) having a positive web presence helps establish credibility.
Gabe, agree on both points. College seniors should be working on item 1 now as they prepare to be on the job market.
I’m glad you mentioned that many employers are posting job ads on Craigslist. The company I work for recently hired an employee who responded to an ad there. The hiring manager, who’s in his 40s, wondered why the human resources manager suggested Craigslist as a way to market the new position. He had no clue the site could be used for posting job ads.
.-= Shawanda @ You Have More Than You Think´s last blog ..Guest Post at Modern Hippie Mag: The Beginner’s Guide to Freezing Food =-.
My understanding is that there aren’t so many resumes to weed through as typically only people in the area apply via craigslist.
Why not encourage them to create their own positions? With their experience, lots of people would hire them as consultants.
.-= Dealing With Economic Issues´s last blog ..Baby Boomer Men Facing Unemployment Lines in Record Numbers =-.
Good idea. Some people just like the security of being an employee and don’t want to take the “risk” of being their own boss.
Instead of going the traditional route, many baby boomers now look to the Internet so they can work from home. They are tired of commuting and being under someone else’s thumb. It’s time for them to be their own boss and why not? There’s plenty in Net land for them to do. Find a whole you can plug and off you go providing value , building a list and making that extra cash.
.-= Marie Leonard´s last blog ..Baby Boomers Concerns Keep Them Working =-.
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