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How would a semi-retired 70+ Viet Nam Vet get a part time job?

Veteran

Steve W. Hoxie Bethel Island, CA

Since they cannot ask your age, they ask what year did you graduate from High School. Many jobs I have applied for use age discrimination to only hire younger people. I have a Bachelor's Degree and 30+ years of business experience.

4 April 2017 8 replies Career Advancement

Answers

Advisor

Fred Dandes West Orange, NJ

Hi Steve,

Having a business background is a + . Sign-up with LinkedIn . It's a great resource for job seekers . You have access to people with common interests and communities of interest and they have access to you, automatically. By just registering your profile, a ton of employers + service companies can contact you with job opportunities. Great way to network .

Good Luck . Fred Dandes

Advisor

NANCY MOREHOUSE Lake Forest, IL

look at flex jobs on the internet -- these are short to mid term jobs that you can telecommute or work on site
I know --they cant ask your age -- but they still do limit the pools so to speak

Advisor

Christine Cox Chatham, MA

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your service. I want to come at this from a slightly different angle. Do you have a solid resume that makes it clear that you want part-time work? Do you have a summary section at the top that accurately describes your accomplishments, skills, your level of experience, and gives the reader a good idea of what you can do for them on a part-time basis? You might have to tweak this to gear it towards a part-time role; sometimes it's difficult for the hiring manager to visualize how to fit an extensive resume into a lesser job. They might believe that, with all your experience, you won't actually be content in a part-time role; that's the part you must sell to them. We'd all be glad to help with the resume if it needs an overhaul.

Nothing trumps experience. The other qualities older employees tend to have over younger employees are knowledge, wisdom, reliability, and loyalty. There were frequently more candidates than jobs during their lifespan, and they had to excel just to stay employed. Older employees can tap into a deep well of experience and maturity when dealing with issues - young employees cannot. Wise employers know all this. I know it's difficult and wearying to be passed over for jobs, but it's critically important that you walk into every interview like it's your first - energized, upbeat, and ready to hit the ground running. I have had older candidates come before me with great resumes, but they presented themselves as so dejected and world-weary that I wasn't sure they would be up to the task. It wasn't the age, it was the attitude.

In summary, ensure that the employer clearly understands what you are looking for and what you can offer. Make sure your resume, letters, and conversation reflect this. Keep your attitude strong and positive, and do not bring your age into the conversation. Best of luck with your job search, and please let us know how it goes!

Advisor

Michelle McLendon King Of Prussia, PA

Hi, Steve! Have you looked at job sharing opportunities, or putting yourself out there as a SME - Subject Matter Expert - as a consultant? My organization allows people who are preparing for retirement to transition to part time, to continue providing their expertise to the organization, and allowing them to retire at their own pace.

If you haven't registered for Career Builder or Monster, do so now. Indeed is also a good option -- just be sure to specify that you're looking for part-time or consultancy opportunities. It may also work for you to register with some local temp agencies -- I know I use temp agencies when I have a worker go out on disability and I just need some short term experience.

Good luck!

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

Go work for the VA....they have new employees at age 75. Your GI points will be a help for hire.

Advisor

Jim Schreier Milwaukee, WI

I completely agree with the idea that you look for "retiree-friendly" possibilities. Retailers and some restaurants are candidates. As you shop, dine, and get services, watch for examples.

Also, I think you need to review your service and other work experiences for evidence of real accomplishments. You need to focus on accomplishments -- not skills. You'll find a couple of articles on this site that I've written to address this.

Advisor

Mike Cottell Glen Head, NY

Hi Steve, with your business and life experience, you have a lot to offer an employer in a part time position, perhaps the first place you want to start is to create a list of your " Likes" " and Transferable Skills" . The latter would be a list of any skills that you have that could be transferred to another job. Google the term and you'll get countless ideas. Now, if you take the two lists and put them together, you can create a point of view of " what Steve has to offer you, The Prospective Employer". I think it's important that you adopt a very confident mindset that you have skills to offer and that you are available for hire , not that you are seeking a job. Yes, you are looking for a job, but it's the humble confidence that you will portray of why a business NEEDS YOU that will set you apart. Now, try:
1) Targeting large and small businesses in your area and send them a letter, preferably with a resume, with an indication that you would like to work for them as you admire them ( why?) and that you have a skill set to offer them ( what?). Try and address it to a person by name.
2) Look at all the local job postings in papers, on line postings , job boards etc.
3) Is there an employment agency in your area to target?
4) Definitely contact the veterans office at your local town or village , county etc. They all have them. Ask if they have any leads.
5) Also, try your local Chamber Of Commerce for leads.
Stay confident Steve! Thank you for your service and GOOD LUCK!
Best Regards, Mike

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Walmart is retiree friendly.

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