Ask a Recruiter: Getting Back into the Workforce

The Workforce1 Career Blog recently received questions from 3 readers about how to get back into the workforce after being unemployed for more than a year.  These 3 readers also mentioned in their questions that they were concerned that their older age is holding them back from landing a new job.

Here’s our answer to their questions:  We know it’s difficult to be out of work for a long time, and you aren’t alone.  Right now more than 40 percent of jobseekers across the United States have been out of work for more than 27 weeks.  That said, there are several steps you can take to get your resume noticed, and improve your chances of landing the job.

First, you should take every opportunity you can to network.  Employers tell us time and time again that if someone personally refers a candidate, they will pay extra attention to that candidate’s application.  We have some tips for networking on the Workforce1 Career Blog.

Second, make sure you are keeping your skills fresh.  Volunteer opportunities and internships offer the chance to keep learning and developing your skill set.  They’re also a great way to meet new people and keep up that networking!  If you’re a professional over the age of 55, be sure to check out ReServe, a great nonprofit that can help you find part-time, impactful work in the nonprofit sector.  For other ideas on how to find these opportunities, check out this earlier post.

Third, you should take a critical look at your resume to make sure it is up to date and following current standards.  If you think you might need a little help, come into one of our Workforce1 Career Centers for our Resume Upgrade workshop.  This workshop will give you a refresher on what employers are currently looking for in resumes, as well as give you the chance to sit one-on-one with a career advisor to have your resume critiqued.

Finally, if you’re older, you should know that federal and state law prohibit discrimination on the basis of age for most employers.  If you think you’ve experienced age discrimination, talk to an attorney or the EEOC, and check out a previous post on this topic for more information.

 If you have a question for a recruiter, ask us. And, if you liked this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email.