Authored By Human Resources Director Victoria Ward
A couple of years ago the city participated in a mature worker’s forum and job fair. I was honored to make a presentation to those eager attendees and conducted two standing room only workshops for those seeking to improve their resume and interviewing skills. Many shared that their attempts to find employment in a depressed economy was compounded by the fact they believed their age was preventing them from being considered for the few jobs locally available. During the forum a representative from the Governor’s office also made a presentation about a new initiative to certify employers throughout Arizona as mature worker friendly. When she provided a definition of mature worker, anyone over the age of 50, I did a quiet calculation in my head and estimated about half of our workforce fell into that category. The estimate was very close, and two years later that percentage remains.
A few months later, I attended a job fair at the high school and heard a similar concern from young people. They also believed age was preventing them from being considered for jobs because, in spite of their skills, they lacked experience. Like many of you I walked 10 miles to school, uphill both ways. However, there were opportunities available for young people to acquire experience and receive classroom credit through programs such as distributive education and later, summer internships. Volunteering at hospitals, animal shelters and parks also provided exposure to groups and occupations many of my peers followed as career paths.
In some ways, both generational groups have valid concerns. The average age of the U.S. civilian workforce, according to the Department of Labor, is 45 and, the workforce continues to age. Baby boomers aren’t retiring as early as they had originally planned, and the economy has influenced some retirees to return to the workforce. However, what most affects the employability of anyone, at any age, is the level of transferable, sustainable skills. The opposing generations have great skills. Combining those skills improves employability.
Some of the mature workers I spoke with at the forum seemed apprehensive regarding technology, while the younger job seekers asked me if they could submit an application through our website. By the way, the answer is absolutely. Social networking sites are not only being used as a means to communicate with friends, but also as an avenue for job networking. At the city, every worker needs some basic technological skills even if they work in non-administrative positions. Almost daily someone will come into our office inquiring about open positions. The city updates every position we have on our website as soon as we know it will be open. We encourage job seekers to use our website, check it frequently and complete the application process on-line. Normally, applicants get instant confirmation their application has been received, followed by frequent updates regarding their application status. While most of the mature job seekers do complete our on-line application process and are comfortable in an automated environment, some say they would rather complete the application on paper. For applicants who might not have easy access to a computer, we have an area in our department where they can utilize a computer to submit the on-line application.
On the other hand, just because an applicant can text at 100 thumbs per minute does not necessarily mean he or she has interview etiquette. Although many younger applicants have great social skills, time management and follow-through are a challenge for some. The mature worker typically arrives on time for the interview dressed in business casual attire. If they find a more compatible position before their start date, they call and thank the interviewer for the opportunity offered to them. If they are offered the position, they provide documentation promptly that establishes their legal right to work. Many send a thank you note, even if they don’t get the position after they are interviewed. These are skills workers learn through experience, or through parents and teachers. Mature workers also discover that one way to learn about public service is through volunteering when opportunities are available. At the same time younger people also have learned how this exposure can help them achieve full-time employment status. I have seen many police explorers convert that volunteer opportunity into a law enforcement career.
Since the mature workers event two years ago the city has attained certification as an Arizona Mature Worker Friendly Employer. We also are adding volunteer opportunities to our web site as they become available. We value all of the generations represented at the city, and I find that I constantly learn something from each one.
