Wednesday 9 September 2015

The Value of Older Workers



Greg Goudie the Executive Director of DOME commented that “employers often hold negative stereotypes about mature-age workers. They are often seen as lacking flexibility, resistant to change and training.”
“Many surveys have found that this is not the case and in fact mature age employees are constantly looking for new opportunities and are willing to learn new technology if they are given the chance.”
A recent DOME survey of over 600 mature age jobseekers recorded that over 60% wanted training to allow them to change careers and over 30% felt that they needed specialist career advice.
“The trouble is that this negative opinion by management about their older staff tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy because when the employee is not given opportunity to learn & progress with more responsibility they become bored & disenchanted with their job. They believe the employer is not interested in them or their future and they withdraw & sometimes quit the job altogether.” Mr Goudie said.

The mature age worker has many strengths and benefits that are useful and too often overlooked by employers. Here are just a few:
They are interested in training and will use it to build on their already great wealth of experience.
They are often flexible in regard to their working conditions and working hours.
Statistical research shows that the mature age, tend to take less sick days than younger workers.
Older workers can relate to the requirements of older customers and have the experience to understand the attitudes of the younger person. Which is not the case in the reverse situation as the younger person hasn’t “experienced” mature age.
Older workers have often developed an attitude of loyalty towards their employers.
The goal of older workers is not necessarily to retire, many are very keen to continue working even if only on a part time basis.

DOME’s services range from assisting the mature age unemployed through job search training and support to providing advice & support to employers in how to retain their current staff or recruit new staff. DOME is sponsored by the State Government, Department of State Development.
If you are over 40, unemployed or you are an employer looking for staff, call DOME on 8410 4344 or visit our website

Author:
Greg Goudie is the Executive Director of DOME and following many years in the automotive parts manufacturing sector has worked with mature age unemployed for the past 15 years

5 top tips to help older workers gain employment




Preparation
Every time you apply for a job, you need to reword your resume to make it easier for the employer to see you are the person for the job. Use the words from the job description in the appropriate places.
When you write or prepare your resume for a specific job application, put yourself in the shoes of the employer. What do they want to see in the resume? What will they be looking for?
Persistence
Without being a nuisance keep in touch or in front of potential employers. By reminding that you have applied for a job or you are still searching for work, you are showing the employer that you are serious and dedicated.
Patience
You must be patient and positive. It may be a long road but it will pay off in the end. Don’t let frustration get in the way of your objective. Your attitude toward a potential employer can be easily read through body language. Always be courteous and smile. Don’t be described as a “well balanced” job seeker, because you have a chip on both shoulders!
Passion
Find out what you enjoy doing and use that passion to demonstrate to employers how you will be good for their business. Seek out some career advice from a professional career advisor. It is never too late to find a new career. It doesn’t have to be what you have done before, do some research on employers who operate in your area of interest and let them know how keen you are to work for them. 
Presence
Get out and knock on doors. 90% of jobs that are filled, are never advertised. Cold calling is the most effective way of getting a job. When you look at a business, don’t just look at what they may make or sell. Think about what are the different types of jobs that people would be working in at that business. Then work out the skills that you have that will fit with those roles and prepare a simple cover letter and resume that reflects that. Knock on the door and be prepared to just leave your resume for them to review.
Getting a job is all about timing, being in the right place at the right time. If you are in the right place regularly, you are also more likely to be there at the right time! You will also demonstrate how serious you are about working.
A lot of these jobs that aren’t listed are filled by people who have used their network of friends or past business contacts. Getting a job is a full time effort and most of the work can be done on weekends, networking with friends or associates.
Author:
Greg Goudie is the Executive Director of DOME and following many years in the automotive parts manufacturing sector has worked with mature age unemployed for the past 15 years

Are you an employer in one of the skills shortage areas?



The Department of Employment has just released a report on the occupations which were assessed in 2014-15 by the Department of Employment specifically for South Australia, for which shortages or some recruitment difficulty is evident.

These lists are summary in nature and should be viewed in the context of the more detailed analysis available in the occupational reports which are published on the Department’s website. Click here.

In summary most of the occupations in shortage are in the trades area in the building and construction industries such as: bricklayers, cabinetmakers, stonemasons, plasterers, roof tilers and wall and floor tilers.
Whilst the automotive manufacturing industry is in close down mode, occupations in the aftermarket/repair industry are having difficulty being filled. Examples are, automotive electricians, motor mechanics, diesel motor mechanic and panelbeaters.
There is also a shortage of specialist skilled workers in the Fitter and Metal Machinist (First Class) Engineering Trades Workers area.
Specialist areas such as bakers and hairdressers continue to be occupations difficult to fill.

At DOME we have over 2,500 people over the age of 40 who are keen to work and may have the skills and experience you need to fill one of these roles. Visit www.dome.org.au or call us on 08 8410 4344 or click on the link to our register a vacancy for our FREE employment service.

Author Greg Goudie