plus 3, Look younger for your job search? - CNN

Look younger for your job search? - CNN
Salvation Army Wages War On Unemployment - Two ... - Earthtimes (press release)
Unemployed Get 'Career Cuts' On The House From Salon ... - PRLog (free press release)
Local employers look for teen talent at job fair - Lynchburg News and Advance

Posted: 21 Apr 2010 06:03 AM PDT

(CareerBuilder.com) -- Age discrimination. Ask any baby boomer who's been job hunting for several months and he'll likely tell you a personal horror story.

Although the practice is illegal, many over-40 job hunters report that an employer was excited about them as a candidate -- until they met in person, leaving the candidates with the sneaking suspicion that their age had everything to do with not getting hired.

Can age discrimination be hampering your job search?

According to the survey results of hiring managers conducted for and published in my new book, "Over 40 & You're Hired", many employers reported that they believe that someone under 40:

• Will work for a lower salary

• May seem more eager

• Shows more initiative

• Has a "fire-in-their-belly" attitude

• Has better computer skills

• Seems more adaptable

• Is less old-fashioned or stuck in their ways

My advice: Don't look old!

I'm not just referring just to your image. Your résumé, cover letter, networking approaches and personal presentation and how you perform in the interview all must show you have a lot to contribute.

I had one 69-year-old client, Mary, who came to see me for coaching on interviews and salary negotiations. Her hair was completely white, and her face showed the lines and wrinkles of age. Yet she was fascinating and vivacious and demonstrated exuberance for life. Her résumé was full of recent accomplishments.

She went out to four interviews and got four job offers. Those four employers weren't rejecting this 69-year-old woman, they were fighting over her.

Mary had mastered the secrets to self-marketing and using her strengths and talents to prove to the employer she was an ideal candidate.

That is exactly what you must do to get ahead in today's tough economy. Here are some key strategies and resources to implement:

1. Advertise recent results

Employers report that the typical résumé gets a 15-second glance. Focus on the last 10 years. State the action you performed and the accomplishments you achieved. Stress money earned, costs eliminated or time saved. Productivity enhancements get attention, so make sure you note any you've made. Be a skillful editor; keep your résumé to no more than two pages.

2.Brighten up

Too many mature workers show up looking weather-worn, tired, defeated, desperate, just plain old and worn out. You must have an enthusiastic attitude that radiates energy to reassure an employer you are ready and able to do the job.

Look vibrant and contemporary. A warm smile, a firm handshake and great eye contact are an absolute must. Dress in a fashionable suit in a flattering color and style. Fit is critical -- don't wear anything dated, too tight or too loose.

To take some years off your appearance, try a new hairstyle, dye your hair, switch to contemporary eyeglasses and get your teeth whitened. Men should be clean-shaven; women should go light on the makeup.

3. Network backward

Your professional reputation is really other people's perception of you, your work strengths, image, passion and personality traits. Track down and network with old bosses, former employees and colleagues. They can outline what you are good at, build your confidence (often necessary after a firing or layoff) and be a terrific link in helping you meet potential hiring managers.

4. Be sharp for the interview

Your next boss can be younger -- maybe a lot younger -- than you. Know the challenges and trends in your field. Research not only the company but what its competitors are doing. Take steps to modernize your vocabulary so that you can come across as current and flexible. Offer examples of recent accomplishments. Emphasize that you are a quick study and constant learner.

Write out answers to potential questions.Rehearse your answers and keep them brief. Employers lose interest fast, so never talk more than 60 seconds when responding to a question.

5. If you don't have it, get it

Skills and certifications need to be up-to-date. Check job ads and see if you are lacking any skill today's employers ask for when hiring people for your type of job. Computer skills are essential! If you are over 50, expect to get some questions and even a test on your computer ability.

Many employers stated they do not accept what you tell them at face value -- they test you. So go to class, read books, use the tutorials and practice using these skills -- nothing will make you look older than not knowing how to attach a file to an e-mail.

Robin Ryan is a best-selling author of "Over 40 & You're Hired," "Winning Résumés" and "60 Seconds & You're Hired." A career counselor, she provides individual job search services, résumé writing and interview coaching to clients nationwide.

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Salvation Army Wages War On Unemployment - Two ... - Earthtimes (press release)

Posted: 21 Apr 2010 06:24 AM PDT

CARNEGIE, Pa., April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the Pennsylvania unemployment rate approaching double digits, The Salvation Army is stepping up to the plate to be a part of the solution. Two of the organization's Pittsburgh-area Worship and Service Centers have slated community career fairs. Everything from health care organizations and technical schools to banks and government agencies will be represented at upcoming events in Pittsburgh's Westside and Homewood.

"We welcome everyone to take part in these two key events," said Major Sandra Jackson,

The Salvation Army's Allegheny County Coordinator. "In addition to the career fairs, both of our facilities routinely offer job skills and other support training. Our Homewood and Westside Worship and Service Centers provide valuable resources for area families and we encourage everyone to take advantage of our services."

The first Salvation Army Career Fair is slated for Wednesday, April 28th from 10:00 am through 3:00 pm at The Salvation Army Westside Worship and Service Center at 1821 Broadhead Fording Road. For information, call Angelique Bradford at 412-921-9780

The second Salvation Army Career Fair is slated for Friday, May 14th from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm at The Salvation Army Homewood/Brushton Worship and Service Center at 8020 Frankstown Avenue. For information, call Shawn Mcatee at 412-242-1434.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army ? Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

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Unemployed Get 'Career Cuts' On The House From Salon ... - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 21 Apr 2010 04:08 AM PDT

hair cut is famous for.

Lamparelli decided to open up his appointment calendar as well as his heart to those looking for jobs and going on interviews. Says Lamparelli: "I know what the power of a great cut can do for clients. When I saw how many people in our area are unemployed and struggling, I felt the need to help them the best way I know how as a stylist – offer them a fantastic hair cut. Looking great for their next job interview enhances their chance to land that job!"

Although Lamparelli commands a pretty penny as a nationally-respected hair designer within his field, this is one salon owner who is a natural at giving back to his community. Growing up in Italy and moving to the U. S. as a young boy, Alfredo Lamparelli remains grateful to those who reached out to help him when he needed those 'confidence boosts' along the way. Now, after establishing Salon Bogar 20 years ago, nothing makes him happier than offering his 'Career Cuts' community service for those ready for an 'interview image boost' a la Alfredo!

All it takes to qualify for a 'Career Cut' at Salon Bogar is an appointment and some proof – maybe a pink slip or an unemployment check – and then it's time for the maestro to work his job-hunting magic! Salon Bogar is located at 25 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: 603-434-2424. Website: www.salonbogar.com.

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Local employers look for teen talent at job fair - Lynchburg News and Advance

Posted: 21 Apr 2010 04:30 AM PDT

Despite the recession, some Lynchburg-area businesses are still eager to hire teenagers and young high school graduates.

On Tuesday, 18 area businesses set up tables for a job fair at Heritage High School, joined by 10 college or career schools and representatives of all four branches of the armed forces.

Seniors from both E.C. Glass and Heritage, as well as a few Heritage juniors, got a chance to browse the booths and practice their networking skills. Some wound up filling out applications.

Susan Cash, career counselor for the Lynchburg City Schools, said that she thought the improving economy helped the job fair grow. Ten new presenters came for this second year of the fair, Cash said.

Not all business representatives wanted to hire students for jobs right away. Some offered internships or apprenticeships. Others wanted to drum up interest for later rounds of hiring or just make students aware of possible careers.

For those businesses ready to hire students, quality, rather than quantity, seemed to be the watchword.

Clayton Jones, the recruiting and retention manager for J. Crew, said that he was pleased with the results of the fair and that he felt especially excited about a handful of the teenagers with whom he chatted.

"We are looking for people who are creative, outgoing and love fashion," Jones said. "I had several of the students, who, when I said that, their eyes lit up."

Jones said that J. Crew is growing right now, and there are jobs available despite the overall economic downfall.

"I encourage everyone who is out there to really search," Jones said.

Thomas Roach, with Armstrong Electric, said that his business took a hit from the recession, but work has picked back up and the company can now hire again.

"I like to hire people right out of high school," Roach said, also mentioning he had opportunities for current students. "It gives them a chance to figure out if it's what they want to do."

Students said they found the job fair helpful.

Talia Conner, a Heritage senior who plans to attend Central Virginia Community College, said the fair was worthwhile, even though none of the businesses dealt with childcare, her area of interest. Instead of looking for a job at the fair, she chatted about her interest in childcare with a representative from CVCC and set up an appointment to talk to one of the college's counselors.

Heritage junior Linzie Johnson was excited after finding out about a part-time job opportunity in culinary services at Liberty University and filling out an application for the J. Crew call center. Johnson said he hopes to own either a restaurant or a clothing store some day, so he wants to get some experience in one of the two industries now.

"It was exactly what I wanted, because I found a job I wanted and I applied for it," Johnson said, smiling. "I also got some discounts."

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