FocalPoint Partnerships Unemployment Later In Life New York Issue June 2020 Volume 4, Issue 3 The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the future of the workforce, and millions of Americans have lost their jobs as a result. Unemployment has reached record high numbers, for workers over the age of 55, the unemployment rate rose to 13.6% in April, an 11% increase since January. During an economic downturn, older workers are among the most at risk of layoff. The effects of layoffs have significant consequences for older adults and could force some into an earlier retirement. Being unemployed later in life can make it more challenging to become reemployed. A study by the Urban Institute, a Washington-based think tank, found that following the Great Recession, it took older workers twice as long to find work than younger workers. There are many challenges to finding a job later in life. Older workers often do not have the skills or tools needed for online job searches. Those that lack or do not have strong computer skills feel discouraged in their ability to utilize social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Older workers also face age discrimination, often getting overlooked for jobs that they qualify for. Although laws are set in place to protect older workers from age discrimination, advancements in technology have made it easier for employers to target specific ages in their job postings. Using phrases such as “tech-savvy” or “recent college graduate” in online job postings can deter older adults from applying for these jobs, even if they qualify. MaturityWorks helps older workers gain the confidence they need to be successful in their job search journey. Counselors help assess what skills they have and what skills they need to help them succeed in the job market and find employment. MaturityWorks trainees work in community service assignments where they get on the job training while getting paid. MaturityWorks took immediate steps to protect our vulnerable participants when their host agency closed operations. While participants have been at home, MaturityWorks career counselors have been keeping them engaged and preparing them for the new world of work by providing remote workshops and trainings. Training sessions are held on Zoom every week. Counselors cover a variety of topics such as interviewing 101, networking for mature job seekers, tailoring your resume and cover letter, and successful job searching. Career counselors also hold peer support calls for participant’s well-being and to offer ideas, and support each other on their job search journey. Participants have been working on creating a list of references and have been contacting them, letting them know about their job search activity. Career counselors work with participants to better understand their transferable skills and strengths they can bring to an employer. Participants who have access to technology have been participating in computer training offered by local American Job Centers. For participants with technology barriers, career counselors have been assisting them over the phone with job applications and job searching. Job-ready participants will be provided with laptops to assist them in their job search and make it easier for them to apply for jobs. MaturityWorks Continues to Thrive
Transcript
FocalPoint Partnerships
Unemployment Later In Life
New York IssueJune 2020Volume 4, Issue 3
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the future of the workforce, and millions of Americans have lost their jobs as a result. Unemployment has reached record high numbers, for workers over the age of 55, the unemployment rate rose to 13.6% in April, an 11% increase since January.
During an economic downturn, older workers are among the most at risk of layoff. The effects of layoffs have significant consequences for older adults and could force some into an earlier retirement. Being unemployed later in life can make it
more challenging to become reemployed. A study by the Urban Institute, a Washington-based think tank, found that following the Great Recession, it took older workers twice as long to find work than younger workers.
There are many challenges to finding a job later in life. Older workers often do not have the skills or tools needed for online job searches. Those that lack or do not have strong computer skills feel discouraged in their ability to utilize social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Older workers also face age discrimination, often getting overlooked for jobs that they qualify for. Although laws are set in place to protect older workers from age discrimination, advancements in technology have made it easier for employers to target specific ages in their job postings. Using phrases such as “tech-savvy” or “recent college graduate” in online job postings can deter older adults from applying for these jobs, even if they qualify.
MaturityWorks helps older workers gain the confidence they need to be successful in their job search journey. Counselors help assess what skills they have and what skills they need to help them succeed in the job market and find employment. MaturityWorks trainees work in community service assignments where they get on the job training while getting paid.
MaturityWorks took immediate steps to protect our vulnerable participants when their host agency closed operations. While participants have been at home, MaturityWorks career counselors have been keeping them engaged and preparing them for the new world of work by providing remote workshops and trainings. Training sessions are held on Zoom every week. Counselors cover a variety of topics such as interviewing 101, networking for mature job seekers, tailoring your resume and cover letter, and successful job searching.
Career counselors also hold peer support calls for participant’s well-being and to offer ideas, and support each other on their job search journey. Participants have been working on creating a list of references and have been contacting them, letting them know about their job search activity. Career counselors work with participants to better understand their transferable skills and strengths they can bring to an employer.
Participants who have access to technology have been participating in computer training offered by local American Job Centers. For participants with technology barriers, career counselors have been assisting them over the phone with job applications and job searching. Job-ready participants will be provided with laptops to assist them in their job search and make it easier for them to apply for jobs.
MaturityWorks Continues to Thrive
Success Story Host Agency Spotlight
Jimmy Bullock, a Veteran from Texas, moved to New York in 2017 to help his family. Jimmy struggled to find employment and knew he needed to find help. He went to Workforce 1 in Harlem and was referred to the MaturityWorks program. Jimmy worked with his career counselor to update his
resume, refresh his job search skills, and practice interview techniques. He also completed the MS Office course at the SUNY Attain Computer Lab and received his security license through the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee (HANAC) program.
Jimmy was placed for his community service work at HANAC as an administrative assistant learning and helping with clerical duties, answering phones, and managing a database. Jimmy worked hard and moved up to be a facilities coordinator for the property management office. HANAC hired Jimmy as a permanent employee; he has been working closely with the CEO in Queens.
The New York Public Library’s (NYLP) Business Center is a premier public library with electronic resources, print material, and services for businesses and job seekers. The library is a one-stop-shop for job seekers and offers extensive on-site and virtual employment resources to aid in job searching.
The MaturityWorks program has been partnering with the NYLP since 2018 and has hosted five trainees. These trainees assist library staff in various ways by providing information to customers, entering data into databases, performing clerical and administrative duties, posting on social media, and general support of day to day operations of the library. Trainees are also able to utilize the job search tools and resources available at the library.
MaturityWork Career Counselors facilitate monthly workshops at the library on how to job search, update a resume, and conduct mock interviews. Marzena Ermler, Manager of Career Services at NYLP, has been fundamental to the partnership between the library and MaturityWorks.
Older workers are often overlooked in the job market, and there are many myths about their abilities. The older generation is the largest growing age group and will make up a large percentage of the workforce in the coming years. AARP states that more than 20% of adults over the age of 65 are either working or looking for work, up 10% compared to 1985 and is expected to continue growing.
One myth about older workers is that they are not as willing and have trouble learning new things. Although there are some technical barriers with older adults, they are very motivated and ready to learn new skills. They want to stay engaged and up to date on new trends that will help them be successful in their job. Older adults who have
access to technology have adapted and learned the basics of how to use computers, access the internet, and even use social media to stay connected with family and friends.
Another myth is that older workers don't collaborate well with younger workers. Older workers who take on new full or part-time jobs may report to younger managers. Employers assume that older workers won't take direction from younger workers and will overstep their boundaries. Having a diverse workforce can be very beneficial to both age groups. Older workers bring years of workplace wisdom and experience that younger workers can learn from. Younger workers can help older workers adapt to new technologies and changes in the workforce. Older workers bring a lot of value to an organization and are an integral part of an organization's growth.
