Recently we surveyed attendees at local job seekers group
➔ As an older job seeker, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone. The first amazing thing that we learned was that roughly 75 percent of the 50 or so people in the room were over 50 years of age. There are any number of reasons why that would be the case, but one thing is certain: If you’re over 50 and looking for work, you’re not alone.
Interestingly, over those over 50, the typical attendees had held between six and nine jobs in their work lives. We thought that that seemed high, but that’s what they said.
The more things change…
Looking back on some of the pieces we’ve run over the past months, we felt validated somewhat by learning that most of the respondents had found their previous jobs through networking. That’s one of the things that we have emphasized time and time again. And we’re not alone in that sentiment.
Another validated point that we learned was that most of the respondents said that, in reviewing their networking efforts, their “first generation contacts” were not as “fruitful” as their contacts’ connections. The real job-search gold was found in the “second and third generation” contacts.
Sometimes it’s comforting to know that, no matter how dire our own situations may seem, whatever we’re experiencing, we’re not alone. In fact, the most recent data from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that today there are more than 1.5 million unemployed over the age of 50.
The other good news is that one recruiter was very emphatic in stating their “order sheet” for new placements continued to be strong going into December. He continued that in a typical December, things tend to slow down somewhat. But this year, that is just not the case.
Signs of hope and encouragement – they’re always welcome.
Comments