Networking and the Older Worker

The government has a definition for people who have given up on the job search. They call it the "discouraged" worker. Basically, these folks have given up, don't appear to be looking and have dropped off the unemployment radar. Many of the discouraged are the older job seekers, those in their fifties and sixties. These people cite a number of reasons for giving up; lack of training or education, intimidation, competition with younger people, younger interviewer’s who don't or won't give them the time of day, too tired, etc. I won't deny that there is discrimination out there - age or otherwise. What I do have a problem with is that many of the discouraged employee's send blast resumes out and then sit back waiting for the phone to ring.

It appears that a lot people sit and wait. They are not involved with any other stimulating activities during the day or evening that can help them in their search. Networking is a term that they have heard of but don’t understand the value of. When told of the low percentage rate of jobs found on the internet, they nod. When told that the statistics show that between 60% to 90 % of jobs are found through networking they get it.

Still, many people, especially women just don’t do it.
I think it is a Baby Boomer-related thing. This generation wasn’t brought up to talk about themselves and it is every uncomfortable for them to relate that they are out of a job to anyone but maybe close friends or family. But they should. The same way that they blast out their resumes, they should blast out their unemployment status.

WHO: Friends, family, past business associates, neighbors, hair dresser, barber, doctor, pizza guy, banker. The list goes on.

HOW: Tell them that you are looking for work. It can go something like this. “I was recently displaced from my job and I am looking for work as an administrator. If you hear of anything or know of someone who is looking for an administrator, please let me know.” If you are speaking with a professional organization, your approach should be more structured and with more detail.

WHERE: Birthday, anniversary, holiday, retirement, wedding parties and other types of parties. Professional groups, support groups, church or other religious group meetings, Garden Club, Women’s Club, Rotary Club, Chamber meetings, choir practice, art class, Pilates class, etc.

It is hard to get motivated after being discouraged. It helps to get out of the house and talk with other people and do something and there are many volunteer groups that will welcome new members. The United Way has lists of groups that need help. Local hospitals need volunteers and there are usually lists of groups recruiting for volunteers in the newspaper. The unemployed should find an interest, volunteer and just get out there. Not only will they develop some extra skills, they will also socialize, expand their network and maybe land a new job. It can't hurt.