Job Search Tips for Unique Populations: Unemployed, Over 40, Over Qualified, Veterans, Disabled & Flawed Past http://www.dreams-goals.com/Wkshp-UniquePopulations.html Presented by: Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., CCSP, GCDF-I Independent Education/Career Consultant Your Dreams & Goals Presented to: Clients of: Orange County One-Stop Center 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Overview Today’s job seekers need to make life decisions in a world of constant change.  People who are unemployed, over 40, over qualified, military veterans, disabled, or have a flawed past, face potential barriers to employment, which others do not. Participants in this workshop will receive information helpful to all job seekers, as well as some helpful hints to address their unique obstacles. 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Learning Outcomes Participants will: Recognize some of the new rules for job searching Identify where to find resources to support their job search process Identify some primary tips for all job seekers Receive tips to address the challenges of being an unemployed job seeker Receive tips to address the challenges of being an older job seeker Receive tips to address the challenges of being an over qualified job seeker Receive tips to address the challenges of being a veteran job seeker Receive tips to address the challenges of being a job seeker with disabilities Receive tips to address the challenges of being job seeker with other barriers  5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Job Search Information – For ALL: No Magic Answers or Easy Solutions! The World Is Changing – Fast – Notice and Respond Be Aware of Labor Market Trends Check Your Generational Biases Listen to People from Other Generations About Their World View The “Rules” Have Changed Know Yourself and What You Have to Offer Know How to Market Yourself Develop Your “Personal Brand” Monitor Your “Online Presence” (social network, email, etc.) Tailor Your Resume and Interview Questions to the Job Utilize Resources Available (Workshops, case managers, etc.) 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Job Search Information – For ALL: Special Consideration: Is it appropriate to: Take a break from looking for a job? Give up on my old profession and get a new one? Yes -- under certain circumstances: Take a break: Your mental or physical health requires it You need to retrain to become marketable Go in a new direction: Your skills are not in demand You can no longer do what you used to do (i.e. disabilities, criminal, etc.) You are not a good fit for what you are qualified to do (poor work history) You are burned out and can no longer do it If yes, what should you do about it? Seek appropriate professional help (mental health, career, educational, or vocational counseling) Remember to consider the consequences of extended unemployment 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources on Site to help Job Search Workshops Case Managers Representatives from EDD, VA, Department of Rehabilitation Programs for Special Populations Computer Center Job Listings On-site Employer Recruitments Job Fairs and Hiring Events Opportunities to Network with Other Job Seekers Referrals to Community Resources 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources on College Campuses to Help If you are going to school, check out its resources available: CAREER CENTER One-On-One Career Counseling Career Assessments (Personality, Interests, Values, Skills, etc.) Workshops (Resumes, Interviewing, Studying, etc.) Handouts (Labor Market Trends, Goal Setting, Choosing Majors, Job Search, Resume and Interviewing Tips, etc.) Career Research Resources (Online programs, books, etc.) Computer Lab COUNSELING DEPARTMENT: One-On-One Counseling Counseling Classes (for academic/career success) Disabled Student Programs & Services Vocational Counseling, Accommodations, Resources, Support TRANSFER CENTER: Help/Information for Transfer Planning SEE “UNEMPLOYED RESOURCES” FOR MORE 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Reflect What ideas did you already know? What ideas are new to you? What tips can you apply? What resources would be helpful? 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Unemployed What kind of unemployed person are you? Diligently doing everything you know how to do Given up in the face of adversity and repeated rejection Somewhere in between the two extremes 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Unemployed (Continued) Understand and accept that unemployment is hard on the psyche Take care of your mental/emotional health Ask your case manager for counseling referral if needed Find productive ways to fill your time: Doing anything productive looks better than doing nothing Other people and institutions will be more willing to work with and support you Work any kind of “Survival Job” you can get Keeps you “in touch” with the working world Makes your UI benefits last longer & continues eligibility It is easier to get a job when you already have a job Remember ‘survival jobs are “for a reason – for a season”! School/Training – Update your skills! Keep your professional knowledge current Volunteering Good for your mental health and networking Attending to Personal / Family Needs 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Unemployed (Continued) May want to use a “Functional” resume to downplay: Gaps of employment Currently working “Survival Jobs” Highlight relevant experiences gained outside of employment Get Help and Support Effective job search strategies Mental health counseling (depression, hopelessness, ‘victim’ mentality’, and other ‘psycho/social barriers’, etc.) Career counseling if you need help finding a new direction 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Unemployed Speakers Resources: www.dreams-goals.com/EducationTools.html Workshops: Unemployed and Looking for Answers Meeting Financial Responsibilities Planning for an Unpredictable Future Social Media and Career Success Managing Life’s Transitions Handouts: Unemployed Resources Paradigm Shift Tell Me About Yourself Life-Long Learning Options Links to Outside Resources Visit: College Career Center: Career Counseling Career Assessment and Interpretation Research New Careers Books on job transitions, job search, resumes, layoffs, etc. 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Over 40 Years Old Understand and Contradict the Negative Stereotypes of Older Workers Ask: Do I appear “Out of touch?” Avoid “reminiscing” over the ‘good old days’ Notice the “New Rules” Question your expectations Take note of your obsolete assumptions Check your “adaptability” factor (Do you tend to resist change?) Find a genuine source of connection with younger generations Make your life experience work for you Emphasize the benefits of maturity (wisdom, manners, work ethic, etc.) Out of Touch: Be sure computer skills are up to date. Make sure you are on the latest social networking sites AOL / Yahoo / Gmail Video: The Internship 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Over 40 Years Old (Continued) Physical Appearance: Be Sure It Is Current Glasses, hair style & color, clothing, etc. Resume: Keep it Current, Relevant, and Reflect Current Trends Keep two documents: 1) Your entire history (CV) 2) Marketing tool (resume) Use current job search skills and resume formats Don’t list more than 10 years Double check for recent experiences only Confirm your reference information is current Avoid listing obsolete skills, technologies, processes, philosophies, etc. Have a younger adult review your resume and answers for “age giveaways” Avoid listing dates for education Out of Touch: Be sure computer skills are up to date. Make sure you are on the latest social networking sites AOL / Yahoo / Gmail Video: The Internship 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Over 40 Speaker’s Resources Workshops: Handouts: Unemployed and Looking for Answers Managing Life’s Transitions Planning for an Unpredictable Future Handouts: Generational Values Life-long Learning Options When Skills are No Longer in Demand “Resources” Links On Website has Additional Resources Visit College Career Center: Adult Re-entry Services Career Counseling Books On Career Transitions, Career Crises, Encore Careers, Etc. 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Over Qualified Know why you would want that job and what are your priorities Keep an “Employment History – Working Document” (CV) Tailor your resume to job description: Emphasize their needs, not your “laundry list of qualifications” Identify why employers feel you are over qualified Let employers know that you understand their concerns Use a little humor when addressing the situation Ask the interviewer to define any concerns he or she might have so you can address them and Tell them why you want the job even if you are overqualified Emphasize the benefits of over qualification (wisdom, maturity, complex problem solving, minimal supervision and training, etc.) 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Over Qualified Handouts: Workshop handout: “Managing Conflicting Priorities” Success Visit: Career Center: Career Counseling Researching New Careers 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Veterans Attend to Any ‘Life Transition Issues’ You Face Learn to Ask for Help Use Your Resources Emphasize Transferable Skills Leverage Your Strengths as a Veteran (Career Builder, 2014) Team work Discipline Respect and Integrity Ability to Work Under Pressure Use ‘Translator’ Web Databases To Identify Potential Civilian Occupations Transferrable Skills 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Veterans Skills/Jobs Translator Databases: Occupations: http://www.careerinfonet.org/moc/ Skills: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/ Local Career One-Stop Center: Veterans Re-employment Services Local Veteran’s Resources: Local Campus – Veteran’s Resource Center VA / CalVET VFW College On-Campus Resources: Veterans’ Resource Center Disability Services Career Planning Center Transfer Center Student Health Center (Mental Health Counseling) 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Veterans (Continued) Speaker’s Resources: Workshops: Managing Life’s Transitions Handouts: Discerning Seasons Paradigm Shifts 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Disabled Research career ahead of time for physical demands of the job Utilize college campus career and disability services offices: Help you identify appropriate career and job search goals Help you identify resources available for individuals with disabilities Identify your transferable skills Focus on what you can do Consider emerging career fields: Tend to offer flexibility Know the employment laws that affect you Get full job description with the required skills and abilities spelled out Know what accommodations you need; have them verified by a doctor Be prepared to answer questions regarding your accommodations if you get the job Keep statements positive (I can do… by using an adjustable table). Don't get too technical 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for the Disabled Employment Development Department's One Stop Centers www.servicelocator.org College Campuses: Disabled Students Services Office Career Center Department of Rehabilitation, www.dor.ca.gov Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled (714) 621-3300 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for the Disabled(Continued) Speaker’s Resources: Workshops: Identifying Your Transferable Skills Managing Life’s Transitions Handouts: Discerning Seasons True Self Paradigm Shift 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Flawed Past No secret answer; but how you market yourself is crucial Create a positive image and environment Identify your skills Identify your targets Get your documents in order Use the most effective job search methods Improve your interviewing skills Prepare and practice your answers to difficult questions Follow up on all job leads Check your online presence If you are an ex-offender, know which types of jobs and employers are appropriate and which are not 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Resources for Flawed Past Speaker’s Resources Handouts Mock Interview Resources: Local Employment One Stop Centers Check for special programs that apply to you Booklet: Quick Job Search for Ex-Offenders Book: “No One is Unemployable” 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Conclusion Remember: Seek Help When Needed: The World Is Changing The Rules Have Changed Know How To Market Yourself Seek Help When Needed: Local Employment One-Stop Centers They have programs to support “unique populations” Local Colleges (for students) Career Center/Adult Re-Entry Disabled Student Services & Programs Veterans Resource Center Financial Aid Counseling 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Special Thanks: Debra Michelle DSPS Counselor, Cypress College 5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High

Works Cited Career Builder. (2014, November 11). More employers are looking to hire U.S. military veterans. Retrieved from Career Builder: http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/more-employers-are-looking-to-hire-us-military-veterans   5/10/2019 ©2018 Kathleen E. High