Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Welcome to Course 1, Preparing for Your Job Search.

Welcome to Course 1, Preparing for Your Job Search. We understand that the job market can be daunting, especially for those without a job. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! This module will provide the tools and strategies to kick-start your job search process.

Welcome to Lesson 1 of our course on preparing for your job search. In this lesson, we’ll discuss how to assess your skills and experience to identify areas where you excel and where you may need to develop new skills.

It’s essential to take the time to evaluate your skills and experience before you begin your job search. This will help you identify the types of jobs and industries that would be a good fit for you, and it will also help you tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your strengths.

To begin, start by making a list of your skills and experience. Think about your previous job responsibilities, any training or education you’ve completed, and any relevant volunteer or personal projects you’ve worked on.

Use these prompts to help jog your memory and ensure you consider all aspects of your skills and experience.

Once you have your list, review it and identify all areas where you excel. You should highlight these skills and experiences in your resume and cover letter.

On the other hand, also identify any areas where you may need to develop new skills. This will help you target your job search to industries and roles where you have room for growth and development.

Finally, use this information to research job openings and industries that align with your skills and experience. This will help you focus your job search and increase your chances of finding the right fit.

The screen shows a slide with resources for researching job openings and industries.

That concludes Lesson 1. Remember to take the time to assess your skills and experience before beginning your job search. Join us for Lesson 2, where we’ll be discussing how to create a winning resume

Welcome to Lesson 1 of our course on preparing for your job search. In this lesson, we’ll discuss how to assess your skills and experience to identify areas where you excel and where you may need to develop new skills.

It’s essential to take the time to evaluate your skills and experience before you begin your job search. This will help you identify the types of jobs and industries that would be a good fit for you, and it will also help you tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your strengths.

To begin, start by making a list of your skills and experience. Think about your previous job responsibilities, any training or education you’ve completed, and any relevant volunteer or personal projects you’ve worked on.

Use these prompts to help jog your memory and ensure you consider all aspects of your skills and experience.

Camera shot: The presenter holds up a notepad with a list of skills and experience written on it.

Once you have your list, review it and identify all areas where you excel. You should highlight these skills and experiences in your resume and cover letter.

On the other hand, also identify any areas where you may need to develop new skills. This will help you target your job search to industries and roles where you have room for growth and development.

Finally, use this information to research job openings and industries that align with your skills and experience. This will help you focus your job search and increase your chances of finding the right fit.

That concludes Lesson 1. Remember to take the time to assess your skills and experience before beginning your job search. Join us for Lesson 2, where we’ll be discussing how to create a winning resume

Please build a video script including backgrounds and camera shots for shooting lesson 2 in Camtasia

Welcome to Lesson 2 of Module 1, Crafting a Winning Resume. In this lesson, you will learn how to create a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments to catch the attention of potential employers.

A close-up of the resume draft on the computer screen.

Voiceover: First, let’s take a look at the key elements of a winning resume.

Your resume should include a clear and concise summary of your skills and experience, work history, education, and relevant certifications or training.

A shot of a person typing on a keyboard.

Tailor it to each job you apply for.

Take the time to carefully read the job posting and identify the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for.

Then, ensure your resume highlights your relevant skills and experience, and use specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments.

Finally, proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos.

With a winning resume in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for your dream job.

Thanks for watching this lesson on crafting a winning resume. Stay tuned for the next lesson, where we’ll cover how to build and maintain professional relationships to expand your network and increase your chances of finding job opportunities.

Welcome to Lesson 3 of our course on finding and getting employed. In this lesson, we’ll be talking about networking and building professional relationships.

Hi, my name is Mike, and I’m excited to share some tips and tricks with you on how to build your professional network.

Building professional relationships is essential to finding new job opportunities in today’s job market.

Networking can happen in many ways, such as attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or connecting with people on social media.

Narrator: Social media platforms like LinkedIn are a great way to connect with other professionals and expand your network.

When attending networking events, it’s important to approach people with confidence and be prepared to talk about yourself and your skills.

Don’t forget to bring business cards to hand out and follow up with people after the event.

Following up with a thank-you email or a LinkedIn message can go a long way in building and maintaining professional relationships.

Thank you for watching Lesson 3 on networking and building professional relationships. Remember, building a strong professional network can lead to new job opportunities and career growth.

Stay tuned for the next course on job search strategies and resources.

Your Experience Makes You Valuable

As a professional worker at 50 or 60, you have a work-life of experience and skills to leverage to your advantage. While it may seem daunting to compete with younger job seekers, the truth is that your experience can be a significant asset in the job market.

One way to leverage your experience is to highlight it in your resume and cover letter. Focus on the skills and accomplishments that closely follow the job you are applying for. Use real examples to demonstrate your expertise and show how you have made a positive impact in your previous jobs.

A great way to leverage your experience is by networking with professionals within your field. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with former colleagues on LinkedIn, help you to be seen as a professional within your field. These connections can help you learn about new job opportunities and provide valuable recommendations to potential employers.

It is essential to always stay up-to-date with your field’s latest trends and technologies. Take courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications to keep current. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to continuous learning and growth.

Consider exploring alternative work arrangements such as consulting or freelancing. This can be a great way to leverage your expertise while maintaining flexibility and autonomy.

As a 55 to 70-year-old job seeker, you have Great experiences and skills that can set you apart in the job market.

  • Highlight your expertise
  • Network with other professionals
  • Stay current with industry trends
  • Explore alternative work arrangements

You can leverage your previous experience and skill to find a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Hard Skills in Demand

People looking to hire hard skills today are looking at computer-related skills. The most in-demand are:

  • Computer programming
  • Data analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Web development
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud computing

With everything turning to automation, the skills listed are highly sought after by employers. The skills are needed to stay competitive in the modern digital economy.

Some related skills companies also need are:

  • Project management
  • Financial analysis
  • Digital Marketing

Soft Skills

Soft skills are some of the most sought-after skills in the modern workplace. Employers know that by hiring people with these qualities, they have better workers that will earn more for the company. It is in the company’s interest to find and hire people with soft skills.

Soft skills are not hard to learn and use. You can find training on YouTube, online, In books, or in local night classes. The desired skills include:

  • Strong communication
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Data analysis
  • creativity
  • working well with others

Other essential skills that are becoming increasingly important and will help you with employment include:    

  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Customer-focused mindset

How Many People Are Out of Work

One often asked question is how many people are out of work today. The truth is it’s hard to tell exactly how many are out of work because, for many reasons, accurate numbers lag by close to a year and a half.

The better question is, how many jobs are currently open?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are currently over 7.4 million unfilled jobs in our economy. That is more jobs than when the bureau opened in 2000. The number is probably higher because measuring all the Gig Economy jobs is hard.

Do not take this to mean there are plenty of jobs, and you don’t have to get one right now. These numbers do change. Also, some companies will take a while in the hiring process. If you want a job, get it as soon as you can.

What Questions?

Everyone will get nervous about what questions they will be asked. Here are a few thoughts to work on for responses.

Employers want to know what experience you have in the field? Be honest with what you can do.

What qualifications do you bring to the table? Any schooling, years of experience, and awards in the area, all play to making you look good.

They will want to know about past work experiences that may be relative. If you were in the service, that would play well to soft leadership skills.

Strengths and weaknesses are a question often asked. Be careful. Strengths are easy, and weaknesses are a trap. You cannot tell them you have no weaknesses because everyone does. It should be something small and explain what you are doing to be better at it.

Everyone should have long-term goals. When talking to the company, the plans to mention should not be ‘working for a competitor in two years.’

When you talk with the hiring board, know your availability and how you feel you will fit into their organization.

Don’t Be A Pest

It’s alright for you in a polite way to ask hiring managers, people at job fairs, and even people at a work agency who are trying to help you find work, how the process works, and roughly how long it would take. The one thing you do not want is calling them every week or every other week with the question, ‘Are there any jobs yet.’ Asking once is being inquisitive in showing interest. I think it becomes redundant. There is a significant danger you may consider a pest, and people within the company or workforce center will start to ignore you.

I’m not saying it’s right. I’m just telling you the realistic expectations and the thin line you absolutely do not want to cross. Who wants to hire a pest?

Recap the First 21 Days of January

This month I have been giving hints on how to get jobs. Today I just like to go over some of the things I have mentioned. Tomorrow we’ll start talking about what you hear on the news, whether to listen to it or not and how to place yourself in the best position to find work this year.

Make sure your resume and cover letter are always up-to-date, and tailor them for each job you are applying for.

Before applying, research the company and its job description to ensure you are a good fit.

When looking for a job, reach out to everyone you know. Jobs are often gained because people you know may know someone who’s hiring.

Be persistent. You deserve a job. Don’t give up on yourself until you have the job.

I do not know if you were a scout; however, your new goal is to be prepared. Practice interview questions and think of short stories that demonstrate your skills and experiences. Follow up by contacting hiring managers and directors 2 weeks after sending a job application to see if there is an interest or need. Do not make yourself a pest

Interview skills

Interviewing is not easy. You have to practice and practice and practice. And in some respects, it’s like trying to get to Carnegie Hall.

You wanna start by doing all the research you can about the company. Go to their websites to see what people are saying good and bad about them. Not that you’ll tell them that during the interview, but it gives you some ideas.

Know the company’s mission statement. Know their goals and what they call things. Try to use their words when you speak to them. In the interview, you are working hard to look like the person they want in their corner.

You want to make sure that you dress professionally. Usually, dress one step better than standard company attire.

Do not wear a suit if you’re a contractor going out for a job, building houses, etc. Dressed in good work clothes better in good repair with good work boots. During the interview, don’t fidget or rock in a chair.

Keeping eye contact and looking people eye to eye is good. It shows that you’ve done your homework and are interested in the company. Have some relevant questions based on what you’ve read about the company.

Ask if there are any particular times for a follow-up check to see if the job has been filled. Finally, after you have left, write thank you cards. Do it by hand. Make them neat and personal, and you can always leave them with the front desk person to distribute them for you.

Finding Professional Networks

Many think professional networks are set up for top-tier CEOs, doctors, and lawyers. There are professional networks for just about anything you can think of. You just have to go out to the Internet and find them.

You can look for online communities related to your field on the Internet, LinkedIn, Facebook, and many other platforms. These communities are great places to learn and take a course or two. You may even find professionals from your locale that you can talk to and discuss what kind of employment you could find.

Just remember not to put them on the spot by asking them directly to hire you. That often will kill the conversation. Do have a resume handy but only send it if they ask first.

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