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Job Seekers Over 55 Have It Tougher

Job Seekers Over 55 Have It Tougher - Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Thursday, Sep 24, 2009 @ 05:40pm EDT
MOUNTAINTOP, LUZERNE COUNTY --The number of unemployed Pennsylvanians continues to rise. Among the hardest hit by this recession -- those 55 and over. Surveys show older workers have a tougher time landing jobs. Consumer reporter Jeff Chirico is here with how they can find help.

It's not easy for anyone to find a job in this economy. But experts say it's taking older folks longer to get back in the workforce. But there are services to retrain those workers.

"We were devastated with loss of job." But Dianne and Tom of Mountaintop were hopeful, when the plant he worked at reopened under new ownership. Tom says “that was great. I figured 42 years in place, I'd be one of the first called back, applied online and never heard from them." And not just that company. "We filled out hundreds of resumes and applications and heard nothing." Even from some companies that are still advertising job openings.

At 61 --Tom thinks he's the victim of age discrimination. "Diane and tom aren't alone. The AARP cites a survey that shows it takes older workers longer to find work than their younger counterparts."

Jerry Chickeletti Bureau of Aging says "employers think older workers drive up health costs, miss work and are not dependable." But Jerry Chickeletti of Senior Community Employment Services says those are myths. His organization operates a job placement and retraining program for older workers.

"I have immediate openings, Jeff. If these individuals are out there, and 55 and older --want to get back into workforce, give us a call." But there are ways to age proof your job hunt. Leave out birth & grad dates List past 10-20 years experience Emphasize current skills List volunteer/community work that demonstrates leadership Invest in new outfit .

As for Tom --he keeps searching... “Shipping and receiving I was good at. That's what I'd like to get back to." If you want to hire Tom --drop me an email --at jchirico@pahomepage. com.
 


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