Baby Boomers currently comprise about 50% of the population in the US (Baby Boomers are defined as those from 38-56). This population represents a critical portion of the American workforce. A recent study spearheaded by Spherion demonstrated that Baby Boomers wish to contribute to the American economy in a vital way, working well beyond the standard retirement age (65).

The report also highlights the many benefits of the Baby Boomer as workers. They bring a variety of attributes to the workforce, including:

• -Lower turnover rate
• -Loyalty and stability
• -Experience
• -Leadership

Baby Boomers, according to www.spherion.com, wanted the following in their jobs:

• Training and development (learning new skills)
• Lateral Growth (new opportunities)
• Desire for flexible scheduling/reduced hours/telecommuting

Perceptions and Myths About Baby Boomers
Although there are many positive traits of Baby Boomers, there are also a number of negative myths and perceptions that are discussed in Bob Weinstein’s Book, So What If I’m 50: Straight Talk & proven Strategies for Getting Hired in the Toughest Job Market Ever (McGraw-Hill) including the following:

* Older workers are resistant to change and are not flexible.
* Older workers are set in their ways, how to perform in their jobs.
* Older workers are resistant to technology.
* Older workers have higher rates of absenteeism and turnover.
* Older workers are less productive than their younger counterparts.

I also hear my human resources friends also ask:
Can they work with younger workers on a team project? Or, they be obsessed with the past rather than thinking about the here and now.

Smart job seekers will address these issues head-on on their resumes and in their interviews. Why not demonstrate and give lots of examples to counteract the above stereotypes? For example, you might say:

“ I am currently expanding my technical abilities by taking....”

“I enjoy new challenges. I particularly enjoy embracing new technologies and adapting them to the workplace. In my last job,

I learned these new programs... “My last worker team was comprised of all age groups and cultures. It really sparked some interesting and exciting new ways for our marketing team. Let me tell you how...”

There is also a great interactive energy between older, more experienced workers and their younger counterparts. The experienced can mentor where experience counts. Conversely, the younger worker can assist is ways that would complement the old worker such as technology.

Are there special problems or issues for the Over 40 worker?
The second phase of one’s career can be filled with lots of roadblocks and challenges, as well as opportunities. It is also a great time to evaluate where you have been and where you would like to go.

There are many questions that Baby Boomers face such as:

• Do I ease into retirement?
• Do I finally do something I have been waiting for or have always wanted to do?
• Are there other environments I wish to explore?
• Do I finally start my own business?
• Do I look into part-time work?
• Do I look for a job or career that reflects life balance in my life?

Barbara Sher’s book, It’s Only Too late If You Don’t Start Now: How to Create Your Second Life at Any Age (A Dell Trade paperback) explores the tremendous possibilities in allowing ourselves to do what we have always dreamed of. This can be in the form of creating new careers, and new personal goals.

Sher takes us through the process of how to make dreams a reality. To make dreams a reality:
First, you have to think about them: find the core of the dream.
Second, start small, start now. Otherwise according to Sher, dreams will never become reality.
Third, get support from your friends.
Four, jump-start your energy with a moment of truth.

To assure your dream job becomes reality, employ a variety of techniques:

• Troubleshooting obstacles
• Moonlighting (doing your dream job after hours)
• Piggybacking
• Climbing down the ladder to the right job.
• Taking time off.
• Getting a job with regular hours and creating a dream after work

Jean Erickson Walker, author, of Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition (Berkley Books) has 12 tips for the Older Worker. Remember your age is an issue: it up to you to make it an advantage.

1. Think of yourself as a company of one
2. In other words, operate like an outside consultant. You are as good as your skills and experiences.
3. Be prepared for a greater period of transition or job search if you are changing fields
4. Do a reality check on your personal communication style. Great point. How do others see me? How do I communicate? Am I aware of it?
5. Take time to heal from a painful career transition.
6. Learn the job search process before you begin.
7. Don’t compete with 35-year olds; let them compete with you.
8. Become computer literate.
9. Know Yourself and Where You Want to Go.
10. Learn the jargon or as she calls it” group speak” of the job marketplace.
11. Develop and implement a career transition plan.
12. Create a job search support group for you.

Work environment.
Your work environment is critical. Some work environments are especially more favorable to the experienced worker.

Bob Weinstein suggests a variety of types of workplaces that might be logical and likely steps for the Over 40 worker. Here is just a sample:

• Small company.
Many small companies do not have the resources of the larger companies. Finding an experienced worker can be more valued

• Nonprofits.
• Creating your own company.
• Temping into your next position.

Your resume should reflect your skills, achievements, and how you can impact the company.
If you have a work history that goes well beyond 15 years, why not be creative and create a section that has “Other Work Experience?”

In this section, show names of companies/titles without emphasizing dates. Let me give you an example. A couple of years back I was working with a previous programmer from IBM. He was very proud of his work. However, his work with IBM dated over 25 years ago. What should he do? Also, IBM has a tremendous reputation in the industry. It would be mistake to leave off.
Here is what we did: In the resume section, he created:

Other Work Experience: IBM Programmer.

Very simple, but effective. Got his point across.

Tapping into Community Resources
There are many nonprofits and government agencies that cater to the Over 40 worker. You might want to check in your local community. Also, there are One Stop Career Centers in every county that are available to provide help. Pronet/ Prosearch, are just two groups formed by EDD to assist with professionals who are over 40.