From the experts: Tips for job search success
As I’ve talked with constituents over the years, I’ve heard from many who are looking to reenter the workforce or shift careers.
These are folks who have taken time off to raise a family or go back to school, or maybe they’ve suffered a layoff. They have a lot to offer — skills, work experience, often very impressive resumes. Nonetheless, they face real challenges getting a job. Sometimes it’s their age.
People are living longer, and that’s a good thing. It also means that the make-up, dynamics, and needs of the workplace are changing. In 2000, 13% of the U.S. labor force was made up of workers 55 years and older; by 2050, that number is projected to increase to 24% — nearly doubling.
Last year I hosted a job search webinar for “mature workers.” We had tremendous participation — and requests for a follow-up session on re-entering the workforce at any age. As tech industry layoffs began hitting last year, job search support in our region became even more vital.
There’s nothing quite so painful to me as hearing from someone who clearly has a lot to offer and discovering that, for whatever reason, they just haven’t been able to make the right connection to land a job. This is particularly disconcerting when, almost in the same moment, employers tell me how hard they are looking to find the right person to fill the right slot.
So, this year, my office hosted a webinar, “10 Ways to Shorten Your Job Search” in partnership with NOVAworks, a federally funded career development and training agency. We were joined by a panel of three labor market specialists: Randy Bryant, Dean of Career Technical Education and Workforce Development at De Anza College; Lisa Gonzales, NOVAworks Career Advisor; and, Carolyn Wells, Talent Acquisition Director for the medical device manufacturer, Sciton.
These experts offered a treasure trove of ideas, as well as free, local resources to help job seekers find direction, training, and support, make connections, and land interviews and offers.
The advice was applicable and practical. Like, what do you do when you get laid off? “Pause, and take a breath,” Lisa Gonzales said. “This may be counterintuitive as you are likely in panic mode or disbelief, but it’s really important to evaluate your current circumstances. There’s no better time than when in transition to evaluate what’s important to you and what you need.”
Creating a job search strategy is great first step, and NOVAworks has a fantastic online template to get you started.
Next: Network, network, network. Ask friends, family, colleagues for informational interview referrals, and branch out to career and industry groups, advised Carolyn Wells: “LinkedIn, for one, has many, many groups that you can join. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid. Go out there and showcase your value.”
The panel discussed the whys, wheres, and hows of updating workplace skills, and advised job seekers to consider industries besides tech that are in demand — like health care and transportation — that might be a surprisingly good fit for their interests and experience. They offered a wealth of concrete tips on improving marketability and prepping for interviews.
There’s so much more in the full webinar, along with answers to many excellent participant questions.
We can’t afford to let anyone’s talent go to waste. Whether you choose to work or it’s a necessity, we want to make sure you have the best shot possible.
I agree wholeheartedly with Randy Bryant, who said, “It’s important that everyone understand that they’re good enough, they’re smart enough, and they can do it. And if you’re having trouble doing it, we are all here to help you get there. Just reach out and we can make it happen if we work together.”
Joe Simitian
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
This article was originally published in Los Gatos Living and Saratoga Spotlight in June 2023.