plus 3, Tips for retired people looking for a job - MLive.com

Tips for retired people looking for a job - MLive.com
Mobile apps can give careers, job searches a boost - Washington Post
Long-haul unemployment - a reality for nearly half of job seekers - San Jose Mercury News
FRANCHISING BOASTS JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN 2010 DESPITE THE LAGGING ECONOMY - Examiner

Tips for retired people looking for a job - MLive.com

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 06:28 AM PDT

Published: Saturday, September 04, 2010, 9:25 AM Updated: Saturday, September 04, 2010, 9:57 AM

More and more older Americans find themselves in financial situations in which they are forced to enter a new career stage: "working retirement."

But finding a job in today's economy can be tough for older workers, even though the unemployment rate for people over 55 is 7 percent, better than the national unemployment rate of 9.6 percent.

Smart Money has some advice for those over 55 looking to re-enter the work force.

First, tweak your resume take the focus off your age because age discrimination is real. A 2006 survey by the Center on Aging and Work at Boston College found that about one fourth of employers said they were reluctant to hire older workers. There are some things you can do.

On your resume, emphasize experience and skills, says Sherri Thomas, founder of Career Coaching 360, without overemphasizing age. List tangible achievements at prior employers, she says, and highlight current technical skills if you have them. Flexibility counts here, too: if you're applying for a job online, it helps to tailor your resume to include some of the keywords used in the job description, says Allison Nawoj, a career advisor for CareerBuilder.com. Those small changes can help a resume get through the company's automated filing system.

Next reconnect with former co-workers and bosses on the professional networking site LinkedIn and ask for job leads. Also try job boards specifically made for retirees such as RetiredBrains.com or RetirementJobs.com.

Also, according to Smart Money, keep your options open. Temping is a good alternative for many retirees who still want to work.

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Mobile apps can give careers, job searches a boost - Washington Post

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 04:04 AM PDT

Your career is about to get a boost from some mobile apps. And your on-the-go life could be a little better, less cluttered and more informed as a result of embracing use-anywhere tech tools.

"We're moving towards a highly mobile society and, of course, workplace. Anything that allows one to work, blog, socialize and communicate on the go deserves some attention," said Jackson Chung, assistant editor of Makeuseof.com, which offers how-to's and cool Web sites and apps in everything from maps to productivity. Chung recently discovered two apps -- Calvetica and Sorted -- that help maintain his schedule and to-do lists "very efficiently, without mucking about."

The array of available apps can be daunting. And when you look into the social networking category on the iTunes App Store, you're more likely to see dating tools than professional networking apps. Sort through them by asking yourself what you'd like to achieve.

Some people may want to install one or two apps that deliver job postings straight to their phones -- and allow them to send their résumé to the best openings. There are plenty of choices, including iJob, Indeed.com, CareerBuilder and Craigster, which connects with Craigslist. Or perhaps you may want your smartphone to help build your connections and your brand.

Job seekers want to appear current about technology. If you pull out an iPhone to show a miniature portfolio of your graphic designs or to give your professional references, you may seem like a kindred spirit to a tech-savvy hiring manager. Or if you show how you manage your time carefully with a productivity app, it may impress your future boss.

"It shows that you're current . . . that you have an interest in continuous learning, and that goes a long way" in impressing employers, said Ali Chambers, vice president of ClearRock, an outplacement and executive coaching firm in the Boston area.

Apps also can "control your name, your image, your brand on the fly," said TChad Moore, digital media manager at Palladian Partners in Silver Spring, which creates Web sites, marketing materials and other products, mainly for government clients.

One of his favorite mobile apps is LinkedIn, the business and professional networking site that has become a platform for showcasing your expertise, brand and connections.

For example, he uses it at meetings of the Young Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association's Bethesda chapter, of which he is vice chairman. The leadership group may be discussing future meetings or panels and want to find presenters. So he pulls up his LinkedIn app and immediately can identify all his connections -- and the people they know. "Do I know anyone who knows that person? . . . I find it very helpful," he said.

It could be equally helpful to a job seeker who finds out a second person has been added to the interview that starts in 15 minutes. Moore launches WebEx on his phone to dive into online webinars or Adobe Connect for multi-site meetings.

But, as you add mobile apps, be careful you don't crowd out traditional job-search tools such as answering ads and arranging face-to-face networking meetings, said Chambers, the outplacement executive.

She said she believes mobile apps have value, especially for people working full time and trying to actively find another assignment. Yet she also knows how much time tech tools can take. "The tweets and updates can really suck you in. For job seekers in transition, be careful how much time [you are] using technology as opposed to talking to people" and researching employers.

Long-haul unemployment - a reality for nearly half of job seekers - San Jose Mercury News

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 12:01 AM PDT

Words such as "opportunity," "goals," and "change" beam from the inspirational posters hanging on the walls of San Bernardino County Employment Resource Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

But with economy stuck between a recession and recovery, there is little opportunity for change or fulfilling one's goals of finding a job, experts say.

Nearly 2.3 million Californians remain unemployed, and 980,000 of them have been looking for work for more than half a year - up nearly sevenfold from 143,600 counted in July of 2007, according to a report issued today by the California Budget Project.

Each month about 3,000 unemployed stop by the resource center to peruse job openings, attend career workshops or apply for unemployment

Luanne Rodriguez, an employment counselor, helps Carlos Rosas of Ontario fill out school paperwork on Friday at the San Bernardino County Department of Workforce Development in Rancho Cucamonga. (Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Photographer)

benefits. More than 70 percent of them have been without a job longer than a year, said Tony Gomez, center's manager.

"It's very difficult," Gomez said. "I'm not selling hope. But in this room there are so many sad stories every day, it doesn't stop. They're desperate. We are here to offer support and give guidance and encouragement."

And it's not that long-term unemployed don't want to work - there were five job seekers for every job opening in June 2010, according to CBP, a nonprofit seeking fiscal reforms to benefit low- and moderate-income Californians.

"This means that for four out of five unemployed individuals, there are literally no jobs," the report stated.

Less than 10 percent of those unemployed

for more than eight months found work in late 2009, compared to 31 percent of those who had been unemployed for four weeks or less, according to the report.

"People want to go back into the field they came out of," Gomez said. "But some of those are now obsolete. The technology is changing. Jobs in our area are in medical field, in manufacturing, logistics, and anything green."

Desiree Martinez of Ontario is all to familiar with such scenario. After getting laid off from a law office 14 months ago, Marinez has been looking for another clerical job, but without much success.

"It gets really discouraging, but you got to have faith," she said.

More than 86 percent of workers nationwide who were laid off, lost their job because their positions were permanently eliminated, the July statistics showed.

Permanent layoffs also "reflect a structural decline in construction and financial activities due to the housing bust," forcing workers in declining sectors of economy to get re-trained and prolonging their job hunt, the CBP report stated.

Carlos Rosas of Ontario, said he was tired of waiting by the phone for an employer to call, and is taking classes at Chaffey College in "energy efficient retrofit training," a part of the green technology Gomez said looks promising in San Bernardino County.

But besides crossing the re-training hurdle, the recent housing bust has "locked in" some long-term unemployed and forced them to limit their job search to local areas only.

"The share of Americans who changed residences between 2007 and 2008 was the lowest level on record," the CBP report stated. "Researchers have attributed this to the fact that some homeowners who want to move have been unable to find financing to purchase new homes or buyers for their existing homes, while others owe more on their mortgages than their houses are worth and are unwilling to relocate if it means selling their homes at a loss."

For John Ruiz of Rancho Cucamonga, job search is even more limited - without a working vehicle, Ruiz is forced to look for openings along the public transportation routes or in places he can walk to.

"I've been out of work over a year now," he said. "Out of 20 applications I've submitted, I got just two interviews. When I quit my job at Home Depot, I never thought that jobs will be that scarce, but they are."

The report paints "a dark picture," which is not likely to get better anytime soon, CBP officials said.

Another extension of unemployment benefits may be a way to keep families away from foreclosure as well as getting the money moving from peoples' pocket books and into local communities, said Jean Ross, an executive director of the CBP.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has kept the country from spiraling into a deeper recession," Ross said. "But now that these dollars are running out, state and local budget cuts pose the greatest risk to a continued recovery. (Extending unemployment benefits) is the best thing for the buck. In good economy you have room to make mistakes. (In bad economy) you have to be smart about every single thing you do."

But Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, said the most recent extension, approved in July, was necessary only because Democrats have made it hard for the economy to rebound on its own.

"If Democrats had not frivolously spent taxpayer dollars and created uncertainty for small businesses owners through their government-run health care law and pending cap-and-trade legislation, the unemployment insurance extension would not be needed," Miller said. "It is time for the Democrats to review the merit of their failed policies and change their course."

mediha.dimartino@inlandnewspapers.com

909-483-9329

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FRANCHISING BOASTS JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN 2010 DESPITE THE LAGGING ECONOMY - Examiner

Posted: 04 Sep 2010 12:37 AM PDT

By Joel Goldstein, group marketing director at MFV Expositions

Although times are tough for Americans across the country, many don't realize that there are still viable business opportunities available. Think outside-the-box and consider all of your options. Franchised companies are responsible for 18 million jobs throughout the country. And the dip in the economy is actually working in the franchising world's favor. From favorable lease terms to in-house financing, the discounts and deals available today are beyond compare.
Since California lost a higher number of jobs than the rest of the nation in the recession, the state is still lagging behind in recovery. Yet with franchises like Meineke Car Care Centers, Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting, Express Employment Professionals and Chick-fil-A targeting the West for expansion, this translates to countless career opportunities on a national level—even California. In previous economic downturns, franchising has rebounded faster than many other sectors. After the recession of 2001, franchise companies added 1.2 million jobs over a five-year period, and grew at an average of 9 percent a year, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA). And 2010 looks to be just as promising.
A new franchise opens every eight minutes per business day and each one generates 8-14 new jobs. For those who don't have deep pockets, initial investment and royalty fees vary. Attending a franchise exposition allows you to view and compare a variety of franchise possibilities. Sponsored by the IFA and taking place November 5-7 at Los Angeles Convention Center, the West Coast Franchise Expo (WCFE) will feature hundreds of exhibitors. There will also be more than 30 information-packed seminars and symposia available—and most of the sessions are free. Stop by the KidzArt/Art Innovators (booth #720), an international children's art education franchise company, at the WCFE to register to win a free franchise. Of the five winners, KidzArt will announce three at the expo on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
Not only are more franchise companies providing in-house financing for startup investment due to tightening lending practices, but SBA guaranteed loans are a good way to fund a franchise unit. The SBA also has a resource called the Franchise Registry , which is a preapproved listing of franchises—allowing for a more streamlined loan process for potential franchisees. Starting a business in a slow economy means less competition and more leeway to learn the ins and outs of the job. A slow and steady beginning is a great way to grow a strong rapport in your local community. And as the economy continues to pick up, you'll be ready for the surge in business that comes your way.

It's important to consider businesses that won't consume all of your net worth. You want to evaluate your savings to make sure you have enough to get you through the first sixth months of start-up. Many people in today's environment are using 401(k) or retirement funds to get their businesses off the ground, because there are fewer penalties and tax distribution costs. Franchising has an extremely high success rate but each business is different. If you're patient, work hard and follow the proven system, success will ultimately follow. To register free for WCFE, compliments of the Examiner – click here, or visit www.WCFExpo.com and use Promo Code: GPEXA.

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About Joel Goldstein
Joel Goldstein is the group marketing director at MFV Expositions, the producer of leading franchise events worldwide. The 2010 West Coast Franchise Expo will take place November 5-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information on the WCFE, International Franchise Expo, IFA or other MFV Expositions shows, visit www.wcfexpo.com or www.mfvexpo.com.