Tools Sharpen Your job-Hunting Effort

By Kenneth J. Cooper
Frank Gillard, 63, of South Boston, was doing accounting at a law firm when he was diagnosed with cancer. He went on disability and beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But he hasn’t been able to find a suitable job in 11 years.

“I picked up some odd jobs in between, pizza delivery and that kind of stuff, but not a real career position,” Gillard said. “There is some stigma attached to older people getting back into the workforce.”

Rosanne Kerry, of Somerville, worked as a travel agent for a company for more than 25 years. Then another company bought the agency and reorganized. Suddenly, she needed to find another job. She has searched without success for more than a year.

“It was such a surprise to me,” said Kerry, also 63. “I never had to go through this process before, and it’s changed quite a bit.”

Gillard and Kerry represent two kinds of older workers for whom AARP Massachusetts helped design “Job Seekers 50+: Skills & Tools for Success.” The free public event will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.

“The program is especially meant for people who are either out of the workforce and want to get back into it or ... want to just brush up on the skills required to get that next job,” explained Kara Cohen, community outreach director for AARP Massachusetts.

The half-day program includes workshops on searching for jobs online, résumé writing and interviewing. Panelists from four local industries—financial services, health care, government, and retail and hospitality—will outline what they look for in job candidates.

As time allows, participants can also have a free professional headshot photo taken that can be used on LinkedIn and other professional sites.

Industry panels slated
“I think it’s a real opportunity to learn about four important industries in the commonwealth and better prepare for job opportunities,” said Joan Cirillo, president and CEO of Operation A.B.L.E., a community partner in the event.

The Boston-based organization, whose name stands for Ability Based on Long Experience, provides training and employment services to workers 45 and older.

“After the industry panels are finished, we’re going to have networking opportunities so the candidates can actually go up and introduce themselves to employers,” she said.

Another partner is the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Its president and CEO, Darnell Williams, said, “Basically, we’re taking people and letting them cross the bridge to be connected with one another.”

Cohen said the event is a first for AARP Massachusetts. The Urban League chapter secured the venue, and experts from that organization Urban League and Operation A.B.L.E. will make presentations.

Gillard, who has trained in the Mature Worker Program of the Urban League, said he will definitely attend. “I can always improve my skills,” he said.

The program starts at 9:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, includes lunch, and ends at 2 p.m. The Reggie Lewis Center, part of Roxbury Community College, is at 1234 Columbus Ave. The Roxbury Crossing subway stop is across the street. The college’s parking lot, a parking garage and a commuter rail stop at Ruggles Station are within a 10-minute walk.

Register at 877-926-8300 toll-free or aarp.cvent.com/oct20jobseeker. Information about searching for jobs is available at aarp.org/work.

Kenneth J. Cooper is a freelance writer and editor living in Dorchester, Mass.