Abridged: Business Wire, taken from Career News, Aug 8, 2008, V8, #31

NORFOLK, VA — In response to an aging workforce and a tightening labor market, AARP Foundation and The Employment Guide, a division of Dominion Enterprises, have combined efforts to bring together older workers with companies who seek their talents. The “Employ the Older Workers Job Fair Series”, taking place in 55 cities across the country from late August through October, will give employers the opportunity to meet and interview thousands of job seekers, all age 40 and older.

As Baby Boomers begin to gray, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2010, 17% of the U.S. workforce will be 55 and older, compared to 13% in 2000. And, nearly seven out of 10 workers age 45-74 tell AARP that they plan to work in some capacity in retirement.

Mature workers need to be well-prepared for their job search by studying the market and researching companies of interest. Prepare a resume that combines the strengths of functional and chronological formats. List accomplishments first, and recent employment history second. Use key words to define skills and accomplishments. Include numbers, dollars and evidence of quality. Omit dates of degrees and earliest jobs. List recent training and positions. Fill employment gaps with consulting, educational or volunteer experience.

Category: Career · Corporate Employment