50 + Job Seeker

On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 11:07 AM, someone wrote:I am going through a slump and money is very tight. I am over 50 and looking for the first job that I have had since I started having a family. What do I do? How do I look for a job? What if I don't have a degree, how do I promote myself and get hired? I am pretty scared, but in times like these, my fear is more for not having a house to live in, food on my table, ability to pay bills and even drive a car. This is something that I must do, but I need some advice. PLEASE HELP!

Sincerely,
50+ job seeker

MRS. G's RESPONSE:
Never fear... Mrs. G is here! Let's hope I can help you. I have recently gone through a very similar situation in my own home, where my husband's career of being self employed has basically bottomed out due to the companies he has been serving, have failed. He had to seek other employment for himself and so have I. Actually I created this blog as an attempt to help myself and my husband. Since I have been doing what you are asking, and yes it is a bit scary to step outside of the comfort zone that you have been in for such a long time, it can be done.

First, look to yourself and your strengths. Even though you have been a stay at home Mom for many years, you have developed in many ways. Certainly raising children, being a cook, cleaner, chauffeur, tutor, bill payer, and all of the other things you have done while raising your family have taught you something. Look to what you know. Did you learn how to use the computer and a calculator or 10 key? Did you learn how to organize your time to fit in soccer games, Prom, Church service, and all the other things? Did you learn how to budget your money and teach your children how to save? Did you learn how to use the computer when you found out that if you didn't technology and your children will pass you buy? Did you ever teach a class, crafts, music, cub scouts or otherwise? How well do you type, and better still.... how fast can you do it? Are you literate? Did you read to your children, take them to the library and know you way around the file system there? How about writing? Have you ever helped your child write a prize winning essay or have you ever attempted to write in your journal and found out as you reread it, that you are a pretty insightful and talented writer? What about cooking? Did you ever consider yourself as a short order cook? Have you ever designed or decorated or even organized a school party, family reunion, daughters wedding or better yet, a class reunion?

See.... if you think about it, just because you were a stay at home Mom, doesn't mean that you have no marketable skills. From only the few questions I asked, you could have the ability to work in a variety of vocations such as House cleaning, cooking or waitressing, book keeping or simple accounting or office work, Computer related job or City or Arts council offered class teaching. How about using your musical talent in teaching, or music writing, or even dust off your violin or flute and join the symphony? How about being a librarian, or writing your first children's book or novel. Could you be a photographer, or an event planner, or into organizational jobs? Many, many possibilities await you.

Update your resume and don't be afraid to mention those non paid talents and abilities and don't be afraid to brag about your accomplishments as who else will if you don't.

Make your resume stand out from all the others in some way. There are tons of sites on the Internet that can help you build a strong resume.

Take a look at yourself and make sure you look tidy, neat and like someone who would fit into the job that you are applying for and dress the part. You might need to go get an updated haircut, and relearn how to wear makeup to be the best you.

When you get an interview, only you can sell yourself. Be positive, and cheerful and smile. You have to sell your qualities to get the job that they might be giving to an 18 year old. Be gracious and studied on the company you are interviewing with.

I could go on and on, but let's just say that you can get any job anyone else can get, but you will have to work a little harder, but that is ok and as they say..."If it's worth having it's worth working for."

Congratulations on the new forward moving steps you are taking in your life. I have every confidence in the world in you and feel certain that you can do whatever you put your mind to doing. Let me know how things work out with your new job! Remember the power in positive thinking!!!

Sincerely and Best Wishes,
Mrs. G