Discouraging Statistics for the age 50+ Worker

I have been giving job search trainings for almost two years now.  Of the seven topics that I present, the most requested is Job Search for the Age 40+ Worker.  I have also noticed an increased number of people aged 50 and over attending any of the job search classes.  As seen in many of LinkedIn discussion groups, unemployment continues to be a  growing, emotional issue.  The stories that I have read are heartbreaking and so discouraging and many of these people are over the age of 40.  Their skill sets are remarkable and their willingness to get back to work is fierce.  They are also some of the most compassionate people that I have ever "met".

It is for these reasons that I wasn't surprised when I read the statistics in the recent Human Resources Executive Online newsletter.  The statistics correlate with my unscientific data.  What do you think? What suggestions do you have for the unemployed job seeker who is over the age of 50?

Blackbird Learning Associates

My company Blackbird Learning Associates was featured in the business section of The Courier News.  Take a look.

Jack Welch Job Predictions

Jack Welch, former CEO of GE was on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning.  He said that due to the increased healthcare regulations from the government, many organizations will have a need for three major positions in the Administration arena . They include benefits administrators, attorneys and financial professionals.

New York Times Series on the Older Unemployed Population. Stunning Statistics!

The New York Times has been following the plight of the age 55+ unemployed population in a series of articles. The statistics are disturbing.  A link to one of the articles can be found here. Once you open the link, you can easily find the other related articles.

More on Networking

Did you ever get a note with an attachment from someone who said, "I saw this and thought you might be interested." Maybe it was an article about your business interests or an article about your school or neighborhood.  Remember how it made you feel? Probably it made you feel pretty good.  This is an example of networking. Networking is not self centered, it's also about giving back something in return.

Here's an example.  One afternoon last year President Obama broke into the news and announced a creative stimulus plan for education.  He was sending a message about the importance of our community colleges and the hopes for all people to get a college education.  As I watched it I thought of a couple of people that I contract with at my local community college.  I knew that they might be interested in this news scoop.  I popped off an email to them letting them know what the President just announced and attached the link that was mentioned on the news. It was short and sweet and sent in two minutes. It let my contacts know that I was thinking of them and sending them something that I thought might be of interest. It was giving back.  Maybe they quickly thought of me when they saw the email, "Oh yeah, Nancy.  She is the job search trainer."

How many times have you heard or saw something that you thought may be of interest to one of your network contacts and done nothing?  Don't let that opportunity to give back pass you by.  I'm not saying to swamp someone with information, use your networking pay back wisely.  It may ultimately assist your job search.

The Formal Elevator Speech

Last week we talked about the informal elevator speech; the one that you can use with friends, family and acquaintances at an informal event such as a party, reunion, barbeque, etc.  Today we'll focus on constructing an elevator speech for professional events such as specialty meetings,  professional networking events, a chamber meeting, a focused lunch or dinner or other similar events. The same elements that are in your informal speech are in your formal speech including your name, industry, specialty, why you are the best, a call to action and a repeat of your name.  The speeches that I have included are short (15 - 30 seconds) and are appropriate for the round robin welcoming remarks during the introduction portions of a meeting.

This speech sample is particularly helpful for job search networking opportunities such as professional networking groups.

“My name is Catherine Jones and I am returning to the job market where for 10 years I specialized in writing and editing communications in the global pharmaceutical industry.  My work has been featured in the New York Medical Journal.  Tonight I am interested in networking with many of you in order to assist with my job search. Again, my name is Catherine Jones.”

Should you be attending a professional meeting, you should change the wording of your elevator speech to reflect the audience and topic.  This type of speech can be worded something like this:

“Hello! My name is Catherine Jones and I am delighted to be here this morning.  I represent ten years of writing and editing clinical trial publications for the ABC Company.  For three consecutive years my articles on microbes and cell division were featured in the New York Medical Journal. I am currently in the market for a similar position and would appreciate any contacts for my job search. I am Catherine Jones.”

There a number of Elevator Speech links on line that can help you create a personalized speech. Whether you use choose to use the internet or create your own, an Elevator Speech is a critical tool for networking success.  Once you have decided upon your wording, you should practice it until it you are comfortable with it, it is sincere and it becomes a natural part of your speech.

Networking and the Informal Elevator Speech

I think that personal networking is a learned skill that doesn’t discriminate between the extrovert and the introvert (although it might be a bit easier for those who are more of the “communicator” or right-brained types).  No matter what type you are, the successful networker makes use of certain tools and with practice, makes it look easy. What skills are needed?  A catchy elevator speech, good listening skills and the ability to give back are a few of the more critical skills. With practice (and I mean lots of practice) it gets easier.  Today we will look at the Elevator Speech.  In this blog we will dissect an informal networking discussion. This is the type of statement to make when a family member or friend asks you, “What’s New?” at a reunion, party, or other informal event.

 In future articles we’ll use the same example but in more formal situations.

The elevator speech has a couple of parts and job search experts may disagree on the order or components. A productive elevator speech contains your name, industry, your specialty, why you are the best and a call to action.  Some people add their name to the ending statement as well. Also, your elevator speech should also reflect the event you are attending and your audience. 

An informal Elevator Speech can be worded something like this, “As you may have heard, I am returning to the job market, specifically in writing and editing journals in the pharmaceutical industry. I have 10 years of experience and have even won several awards. Would you know anyone in the industry that I could call?”

It would be nice if you could state your case in one breath but with family or friends in an informal environment, it usually doesn’t work out that way. There will probably be breaks in this speech as your discussion partner asks questions.  It might look like this:

Friend: “Hey Jane, how have you been?”

You: “Hi Emily, I’ve been well.  As you may have heard, I am returning to the job market… “

Friend: “Yes, I heard that you were thinking about that.  It is so difficult these days to find a job though…”

You: “Tell me about it! After working for 10 years in the publishing industry, specifically on the pharmaceutical side, I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to get back in.  I thought that with my experience and editing awards, it wouldn’t be too difficult…”

Friend:  “So many people are struggling these days. I think everyone knows someone who has lost a job.”

You: “I hope it improves soon.  That’s why I am asking my friends and family if they know anyone in the publications or communications industries that I might network with. Do you have any contacts that I might call?

Friend: “Let me think about that for a bit. I can ask around.”

You: “That would be great… (And this is the hard part) how about we meet for coffee next week. I have a couple of business cards on me if you need my contact information. Emily, I really appreciate your help."