I am 55 and getting ready to retire from a government job after 10 years and hope to continue working; but I need some information on how to best market myself as I set out on new phase of my adult life. I am a licensed clinical social worker with supervisory, training, budgetary compliance, counseling and many other experiences as a social worker and clinician. I am looking forward to a combination of opportunities that might include counseling, consulting, teaching, supervision and some direct service. I am stuck on how to go about this or where to go. Thank you.

— steven s nisenfeld

Marketing yourself with the goal of finding a full time or a consulting position requires similar skills and tools.   Before you begin marketing yourself, though, be sure you've developed the following self-marketing tools:   1) a well-written resume, 2) references, 3) a commercial or elevator story, 4) business cards, 5) one-page marketing plan and 6) a biography (optional).  

 

Once you've completed these tools, I recommend marketing yourself in multiple ways.  I'm a strong believer in the power of networking and scheduling information or networking meetings.  Networking is a terrific way to gain new insights, referrals, recruiters and new companies or organizations that may be interested in knowing more about you.  Attend association meetings and network with others in your field of expertise, too. 

 

Certainly check out appropriate opportunities on job boards, company websites, association websites, too.   Check your local papers, professional magazines, etc. for job openings that interest you.  You should also connect with recruiters who specialize in your field of expertise for they may be able to introduce you to hiring managers at organizations that have needs for someone with your experience,  skills and education.   

 

You may also want to attend career or job fairs that specialize in your industry;  it's a good vehicle for getting comfortable with networking, gathering business cards and flyers.  And, remember to send a cover letter along with your resume or biography to target companies or organizations .  I suggest you send it to someone in leadership as opposed to the Human Resources department.  If your letter lands in the hands of a manager or director, there's a stronger chance that you will receive a return call or an email inviting you to interview or an information  meeting. 

 

I hope this overview gives you some quick ideas on marketing yourself.  Best of luck as you progress through the next phase of your career life. 

I anticipate "retiring" from my current employer in the 12 to 24 months. I am currently 59 and I have spent my entire career in computer application development and sales. I would very much like to change my career path to something new, but I do not know what it should be. Is there "next generation" career counseling available? Does any colleges offer services in the area of career counseling? Thank you Bob

— Bob

Hi Bob,

 

How exciting that in a year or two you plan to begin a new career.   With your interesting and unique background in computer application development and sales, you may already have some ideas or insights as to the next stage in your career.  

 

There are several options you can explore to help determine your next career.  Over the next year or so,  you could sign up for "Career Directions" or "Re-inventing Your Career" courses that are offered at community colleges,  school district evening programs, etc.  You could also go to your favorite book store or amazon.com and select an appropriate book or workbook on Career Planning.  These books will take you through exercises that  help determine your skills, abilities, values, interests, dream career/job, etc.   It's important to take the time to drill down through all the exercises and the writing process can be very revealing. 

 

Another idea is to combine the career planning exercises with career assessments.  You can check with the  college or university that you attended  and ask if they offer career assessments through their placement or Career Services department.  These assessments will give additional insights and counsel as to your next career.  

 

And, I feel strongly that a good Career Coach can be very instrumental and effective in guiding you through this process.   Career Coaches can help speed up the process and give you great questions to ponder and ideas to pursue.  They are very resourceful and can tell you where to find what you need.  Ask your contacts for the names of career coaches in your area.  If you live in the greater Phila area, you'll find many very qualified career coaches.  Also, you can locate a coach through the Association of Career Professionals at acpinternational.org

 

In summary, this is a wonderful time to explore, discover and do research and hopefully I gave you a few ideas on moving forward.   Good luck and let us know how you make out. 

At 55, I've been teaching young children for most of my adult working life. Now I'm finding it physically demanding and less stimulating. I need to continue working for a decent salary as I'm recently divorced but staying in the classroom is unappealing. How can I get into administration or another field entirely? What type of companies might find my experience of interest? The other skill which I could emphasize would be my writing ability--used in the past to publish school newsletters and entertain people informally with my creative style. Thanks for any direction you can give me.

— teacheratheart

Dear TeacheratHeart,

 

I certainly understand your desire to transfer your skills and interests from the classroom into another career direction.  Fortunately, you seem to have some clear ideas of what you would like to do next. 

 

Have you considered having a heart to heart conversation with your principal to discuss the possibilities of staying in the school system but in another capacity?  Perhaps the school district has a need for a creative writer or a communications specialist or an administrator in their Administration building.  In that way, you'll still receive the same benefits --- and continue at the same salary level.   

 

Also, I strongly recommend you sit down with a financial planner or a trusted accountant who can review your current financial needs in relationship to your future financial and life goals.  Can you afford to make less  money?  If so, what is the lowest figure you can go to?   Since you've gone through a divorce recently, is this the right time for you to make a career change?  I'm stressing the need to think this through carefully and develop a plan before you leave teaching.  If teaching is proving so physically demanding,  are there ways to ease this problem so your role is less exhausting?  Read More...

Answered by Kathy Smith

Hi Miss Elaine,

I'm thrilled that you've just earned a BS degree in Business/HR Management and that you intend to use it as you transition from a secretary/executive assistant role into a part-time HR function.

Since you have 5 to 8 years before you actually make the transition, this is a great time to network and reconnect with those you've worked with in the past, as well as, network with other contacts you met while attending college.  Read More...

Answered by Kathy Smith

How do I apply for a job online?

— William Mc Mullin

Dear William,

 

Applying for a job online can take several forms.  You might be responding to an advertisement listed in an online job bank, a posting to an online resume database or applying directly to a position through an employer's web site.

 

The first step in applying for a job online is to have a well prepared resume.  Your resume should be an individualized presentation of your employment, education and relevant experiences.  The resume must be accomplishment oriented, concise and accurate.  Read More...

Answered by Kathy Smith

Can be possible a part time job? For evening 4 hours from 4:pm to 9?

— ANTONIO COLON

Hi Antonio,

 

I feel strongly that there are many options available to you when looking for a part-time position.  Depending on your skills, strengths, interests and considering where you live and close proximity to potential hiring organizations --- you should be able to find an appropriate part-time job.  You may need to be flexible on the hours --- they could vary from 5:00 to 9:00 or even later.   

 

You can begin to look for part-time opportunities by searching company or organization websites, local papers, church and association newsletters/bulletins, postings on bulletin boards, through friends, neighbors and acquaintances, etc.  If you're particularly interested in a company or organization, you could always send them resume with a letter stating your intention of working part-time. 

 

Retail businesses frequently look for part-time employees which you can walk into almost any time and complete an application.  Perhaps you know someone with a part-time job --- you can ask that person to give you some guidance and direction, too.  If there are job or career fairs being held in your area, I suggest you attend them, too.  You just never know when the right connection will lead to the part-time position. 

 

I hope some of these ideas will help you in your search for a part-time job.  Thank you for asking us the question.  Take care.

 

Kind regards,

 

Kathy Smith

Coming of Age - Working in Retirement

 

Answered by Kathy Smith

I find it hard to find work. I am 53 yrs old and it seems employers want younger employees assuming they know more re computer skills. I am completely computer literate. I have over 35 yrs of "computer-data entry" exp. I recently updated my skills by taking a course. How do I access job info re your website?

— Miss Maxine

Dear Miss Maxine,

 

Thanks for writing and describing a challenge that other visitors to our Coming of Age site may be experiencing.  While some employers may think younger employees have better computer skills, your job search efforts need to be focused on finding those employers who do not hold that faulty assumption.  Networking and using your personal contacts to identify unadvertised openings will help to reduce the competition from younger applicants.  Tell people about your job search; past managers and co-workers, relatives, friends, neighbors, your hairdresser and others might be able to connect you with your next job.

 

You wrote that you have 35 years of computer-data entry experience.  Be certain that your salary expectations are realistic for the jobs for which you are applying - salary.com is an excellent resource for salary information.  Sometimes employers assume that they cannot afford you if they see that you have substantial experience.  Include a researched salary range in your cover letter when responding to ads that ask for salary requirements.<  Read More...

Answered by Beth Wilson

I'm 60 and as healthy and energetic as I was 20 years ago. I was a chemical engineer my entire working life. I'd like to do something TOTALLY new-- maybe be a chef or a part-time teacher (I'm really not sure). I need to make some money but I have $$ set aside too. Any thoughts on what my first steps should be?

— Dreamer from Dover

Dear Dreamer from Dover ,

 

Congratulations! One of the first steps in thinking about a career redirection at any age is having a positive attitude and your question indicates you have that going for you.  Read More...

Answered by Beth Wilson