by Charlotte Kuhn, Senior
Employment Program Manager, Salt Lake County Aging
Services
Do you ever feel that you
are behind in the ever-changing world of work? Do you feel you just got one new
thing figured out and there is a mountain of new challenges still ahead of you?
Are you afraid that your skills are going the way of the hi-fi or your VHS
recorder?
You are not alone. There are countless people who are lagging
in keeping their job skills current, or you may be one of the many who desire to
re-enter the workforce but may not have marketable skills. Does it mean that all
of your years of experience are for naught? No, of course not. But you must make
the conscious decision to keep up and make some
changes.
The skills needed in today’s
workforce are not out of your reach. You must make a deliberate decision to stay
or get current, and welcome the challenge. With a positive attitude, some
research, and some planning, you can enhance your skill set and be competitive
in today’s world of work. You must look at all options and welcome all
opportunities.
First, do an
inventory. There are any number of tools out there
to help you do this. You can find skills assessment inventories online, in books
at the library, at Workforce Services offices, and other employment programs.
Identify your strengths and the areas where you need some
work.
Second, are you current in your reading
about your chosen profession? There are countless periodicals and other
publications that cover A to Z in careers. Your local library has a wealth of
information to get you started. Go online. You are not the only one in the world
who is a widget worker.
Next, identify what skills need
upgrading. Technology is constantly changing, and to
be competitive you need to be able to navigate on a computer and not look
perplexed when Windows or Microsoft Office is discussed. If you have a computer
at home, schedule some time daily to work on your skills. Not just surfing the
Internet, but take some time to see what else is on your computer. If you do not
have a computer, libraries, senior centers, and recreation centers usually have
computer labs. Just like learning to ride a bicycle or drive a car, it takes
practice, practice, practice. Enroll in a class. Your community college,
recreation or senior centers offer classes. You must make the commitment to do
this. No one is too old to learn.
Odds are you will find many peers in these
classes.
If your situation allows, volunteer! Many fine organizations are in need of your skills and often opportunities present themselves for you to learn in your volunteer assignment as well. Your volunteer experience is valuable—maybe more so than some of your jobs—and it is quite appropriate to include it on your resume.
Take a look at your
resume. When was the last time you updated it?
How many pages is it? The format and flow of resumes has changed over the years.
Employers are looking for skill sets that fit their organization. Gone are the
days when one resume will suffice. You need to review this on a regular basis
and keep it succinct and current.
Can you keep up? Yes you can. Will
it take commitment and determination? Yes it will. Embrace the opportunities.
There are more resources for older workers than ever before. Take the plunge.
You can do it!
