July 05, 2006
JOB HUNTING TIPS
Ventura County Star, July 2, 2006
By Norma Zuber
Dear Norma: I'm a 52-year-old woman with a college degree in liberal studies. I ran my own successful graphics business for 10 years and sold it two years ago (right after a bitter divorce). I have been looking for a job in Ventura County for two years. I have a professionally done résumé and an entire folder filled with rejection letters. It's quite depressing to rarely see jobs that pay more than $15 an hour when I need to make enough to support my home and current lifestyle. With my background, I believe I have a great deal to offer any well-organized and forward-looking company. I am rather nice looking, too. I don't know what the problem is, and I have two questions. How much of a factor is age in getting hired, and what are the guidelines for discussing salary? — G.L.
Dear G.L.: Unfortunately, age discrimination is alive and well in some sectors. Even though it is against the law, it is very hard to prove. Some fields are tougher regarding age than others. For example, the field of advertising tends toward a more youthful staff, so even with your closely related background and skills, that particular choice might not be best. Health fields, conversely, are typically softer on age.
With your confidence and positive attitude and the right information, you have every advantage. Your most logical path may be getting back into the business field. In having your own business for 20 years, you have met and know many people who will be willing to help you find employment. Eighty percent of jobs are found by knowing someone, and no matter how good your résumé is, you must also create or make use of personal contacts. Begin by making a list of old clients, co-workers and friends who know how much you have to offer. Be clear and specific about what type of jobs you are looking for. Set up a place at home where you can work on your job search. Make a set number of phone calls each day and keep a record of names, the gist of the conversations and ask for names of others with whom you might speak about job possibilities. Send thank you notes when appropriate.
Your undergraduate degree in liberal studies and past business experience give you a great foundation for pursuing options in the business world. Look at short-term certificate programs that offer a variety of possibilities in this broad field. These programs are usually offered at university extensions such as any University of California or through the California State universities or Azuza Pacific, Pepperdine or California Lutheran universities, among others.
These types of programs update your skills and put you in contact with working people in a variety of business fields. Ventura County has many nonprofit agencies that are potential employers and are also less age biased. These nonprofits can be found in the Blue Book Directory of Ventura County Nonprofit Organizations published by Interface Children and Family Services.
Before you discuss salary, you need to be familiar with the general salary range in your geographic area for the type of job you are considering and know the lowest salary you will accept. Daniel Porot, an international workshop presenter on job issues, suggests that in an interview, if you think you must give your salary expectations, ask if you can consider the question after a firm job offer or give a range between two figures.
If the interviewer offers a salary too low, repeat the figure and remain silent. This is called the echo technique, shows your determination and gives the interviewer time to reconsider the offer. Don't settle for less than you think you are worth, or you will eventually become angry and resentful and be back where you started, searching for another job.
— Norma Zuber operates Career Development Life Planning & Coaching in Ventura. She can be reached at 656-6220. Coping with career and life transitions issues can be difficult. Please submit your career questions by e-mailing jmintz@venturacountystar.com. Questions will not be answered personally.
Copyright 2006, Ventura County Star. All Rights Reserved.
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