Feb 9, 2009 6:28 pm US/Eastern
Tips For Seniors Looking For Work
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former retiree Benny Ramos, 64, recently went back to work after he realized he couldn't make ends meet with his monthly Social Security check.
CBS
The face of America's unemployed is getting older. The number of unemployed workers is up 50 percent. And the number of those workers age 55 and older has jumped 70 percent. CBS station WBBM-TV in Chicago's Dorothy Tucker has tips on putting your age and experience to work.
A year ago, Benny Ramos might have been having lunch at a suburban Chicago senior service center - instead of serving it.
But today, the 64-year-old former retiree works part time in the center's kitchen. He used to work at a concession stand at Midway Airport. But after only a few months in retirement, he says he realized he couldn't make ends meet on his $1,100 monthly Social Security check - so he's now he's looking for a full time job. But that hasn't been easy.
"Even people at 50 can't find jobs," Ramos said. "Now I'm 64, that even makes it worse for me. But I want to work. I'm healthy, I want to work, but they won't give me a chance."
Ramos got his current job through a social service agency called Age Options. It serves older works who live in the suburbs. It places job seekers in temporary positions while helping them search for permanent work.
Kerry Fenigan counsels job seekers like Ramos. She says the job market is tougher for older workers because employees have some misconceptions about men and women over 50.
"They may think the jobs they have to offer won't interest older workers, but what we've found is that they're interested and loyal employees," Fenigan said.
To determine if a company welcomes older workers, there are clues in the job description you should look for.
You want to find words like 'maturity', 'good judgment', and 'work experience.'
You can also find websites that list companies that welcome older workers. Some of those companies include Home Depot, Target, AT&T and Comcast. Those are the kind of companies Ramos is hoping to find.
Another myth about older workers is that they call in sick a lot. Experts say that is not true. In fact, they call in sick less than younger workers.
If you'd like to see the complete list of companies that like to hire older workers,
click here.
For more links to sites that focus on employment for older workers, check out the links below:
Age Options
Retirement Jobs
AARP
Workforce 50
Senior Job Bank
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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