Dr Work

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday November 17, 2007

Denis Baker

Q How can I get work in north-west Western Australia? I want to work on a fly-in, fly-out basis and can do anything from office work to cleaning and waitressing. I'm a 56-year-old woman.

A Job Network offices in the West Kimberley, Karratha and East Pilbara regions of WA can be located through the Job Network at www.jobsearch.gov.au. Click on "Provider Search", then "Job Network Services" and then "Location Search" for offices anywhere in Australia.

Q I'm 47, have great skills and a wealth of experience. I've worked in offices, in the print industry and I'm currently studying information technology. My CV is professionally presented and I present well but I'm a "mature-age" applicant. In the eyes of many agencies "the best people" are aged between 25 and 35, so they discount anyone else. Any advice?

A Job hunting can be very frustrating but right now there are more people aged over 40 getting jobs than at any time in the past. I know of many very good men and women in their 50s and 60s who have secured jobs this year. Why? Unemployment is low and businesses still need staff. Any bias against older workers is self-defeating for those businesses.

Contrary to what you have encountered, there has been a change of direction in recruitment to target mature-aged people. For example, major banks are even looking for older people for their graduate recruitment programs.

Mature-aged job seekers are just that - mature. Maturity is not a handicap. You can't buy maturity, life skills, experience or the good judgment that comes with experience, let alone all the extras that come with someone having been around longer than others.

If your recruitment agency says you are too old, then find another agency. Make more direct approaches to prospective employers. Look for businesses you would like to work with, write to them, get on the phone, keep promoting yourself. A smart employer will snap you up.

It's not a perfect world. The impact of competition and the poor judgment of some recruiters can miss a really good applicant. The right person doesn't always get the job but a persistent one usually does.

You don't need to confront people about your age. Just let them see a relaxed and friendly person who is very motivated and confident, who will positively enhance their business. Doors will open.

Indigenous jobseekersThe GROW Sydney area consultative committee is an organisation that, among other things, supports indigenous jobseekers through a range of resources.

The material includes a creative job-seeking work book called Your Job - Your Choice and directories of services and programs for employers, including Employing Indigenous Australians - A guide For Employers. The material is free, and supported by government, employers and community leaders. Phone 9890 7804 or see www.grow.org.au.

If you have a question for Dr Work, email doctorwork@mycareer.com.au