Experts outline job prospects for mature workers

"The one constant I have noticed is the majority of my fellow unemployed are middle management above the age of 40," wrote Debra Werbel, an information technology aide and support specialist with 15 years' experience who's been in the job market since July.

As part of Newsday's Jobs Week, which continues through Friday, she was sharing her story and questions, which are addressed here by members of our job-search panel. Werbel, of Old Bethpage, said she's already been following advice of career counselors: attending networking meetings, using her LinkedIn account and emphasizing her strengths in cover letters.

Her questions: "What industries, if any, are realizing that 'the baby boomer generation' would be a great asset to a company? How do you convey the message to prospective employers that business experience, especially working with clients, is a crucial part of the job?"

Advice for her from Kate Wendleton, president and founder of the Five O'Clock Club job-search group based in Manhattan.

Wendleton says for some employers " 'older is better' when selecting talent in areas that require experience, judgment and wisdom. . . . When picking an investment adviser, a business consultant, attorney or career coach, the more experience the better." Look, too, she says, for opportunities in education, and "who better to assist with the unwell elderly? Careers in this area may hold little appeal to many in their 20s and 30s, but there will be high demand in elder health care." That also means there'll be opportunities for support staff in these areas.

"How do you convey the message to prospective employers? Exploit your age and experience. 'I hope you want a mature person; someone who's been around the block.' Many companies that are overrun with kids want a few gray heads around to call on the big corporate clients and help the company to avoid the big mistakes."

On another note, mature workers can ask themselves, "Is it age discrimination? Or just a bad job search? If you're just hitting the "send" button answering ads, you won't have any better luck than the younger people who are conducting the same ineffective search. Instead, use those ads as a guide to which companies are hiring and get in to see the right person in the right department - even if they have no openings right now. Then stay in touch."

Advice for her from Valentina Janek, president and co-founder of the Long Island Breakfast Club, a job-search group that advocates for mature workers.

She sees opportunities for midlife professionals in areas such as health care, finance and insurance - "midlife people can sell and tell the stories of being older and having a nest egg."

As for communicating to employers the rationale for why experience matters, you can demonstrate that by emphasizing "actual examples of success." Tell them stories that show how you solved problems by tapping into your maturity and life experience, she says.

"You're experienced, not old. It is all about what you believe and how you frame yourself."

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