1. Job Search Tips for Unique Populations:
Unemployed, Over 40, Over Qualified, Veterans, Disabled & Flawed Past
Presented by:
Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., CCSP, GCDF-I
Independent Education/Career Consultant
Your Dreams & Goals
Presented to:
Clients of:
Orange County One-Stop Center
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

2. Overview
Today’s job seekers need to make life decisions in a world of constant change.  People who are unemployed, over 40, over qualified, military veterans, disabled, or have a flawed past, face potential barriers to employment, which others do not. Participants in this workshop will receive information helpful to all job seekers, as well as some helpful hints to address their unique obstacles.
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

3. Learning Outcomes Participants will:
Recognize some of the new rules for job searching
Identify where to find resources to support their job search process
Identify some primary tips for all job seekers
Receive tips to address the challenges of being an unemployed job seeker
Receive tips to address the challenges of being an older job seeker
Receive tips to address the challenges of being an over qualified job seeker
Receive tips to address the challenges of being a veteran job seeker
Receive tips to address the challenges of being a job seeker with disabilities
Receive tips to address the challenges of being job seeker with other barriers 
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

4. Job Search Information – For ALL:
No Magic Answers or Easy Solutions!
The World Is Changing – Fast – Notice and Respond
Be Aware of Labor Market Trends
Check Your Generational Biases
Listen to People from Other Generations About Their World View
The “Rules” Have Changed
Know Yourself and What You Have to Offer
Know How to Market Yourself
Develop Your “Personal Brand”
Monitor Your “Online Presence” (social network, , etc.)
Tailor Your Resume and Interview Questions to the Job
Utilize Resources Available (Workshops, case managers, etc.)
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

5. Job Search Information – For ALL:
Special Consideration: Is it appropriate to:
Take a break from looking for a job?
Give up on my old profession and get a new one?
Yes -- under certain circumstances:
Take a break:
Your mental or physical health requires it
You need to retrain to become marketable
Go in a new direction:
Your skills are not in demand
You can no longer do what you used to do (i.e. disabilities, criminal, etc.)
You are not a good fit for what you are qualified to do (poor work history)
You are burned out and can no longer do it
If yes, what should you do about it?
Seek appropriate professional help (mental health, career, educational, or vocational counseling)
Remember to consider the consequences of extended unemployment
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

6. Resources on Site to help
Job Search Workshops
Case Managers
Representatives from EDD, VA, Department of Rehabilitation
Programs for Special Populations
Computer Center
Job Listings
On-site Employer Recruitments
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
Opportunities to Network with Other Job Seekers
Referrals to Community Resources
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

7. Resources on College Campuses to Help
If you are going to school, check out its resources available:
CAREER CENTER
One-On-One Career Counseling
Career Assessments (Personality, Interests, Values, Skills, etc.)
Workshops (Resumes, Interviewing, Studying, etc.)
Handouts (Labor Market Trends, Goal Setting, Choosing Majors, Job Search, Resume and Interviewing Tips, etc.)
Career Research Resources (Online programs, books, etc.)
Computer Lab
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT:
One-On-One Counseling
Counseling Classes (for academic/career success)
Disabled Student Programs & Services
Vocational Counseling, Accommodations, Resources, Support
TRANSFER CENTER:
Help/Information for Transfer Planning
SEE “UNEMPLOYED RESOURCES” FOR MORE
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

8. Reflect What ideas did you already know? What ideas are new to you?
What tips can you apply?
What resources would be helpful?
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

9. Unemployed What kind of unemployed person are you?
Diligently doing everything you know how to do
Given up in the face of adversity and repeated rejection
Somewhere in between the two extremes
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

10. Unemployed (Continued)
Understand and accept that unemployment is hard on the psyche
Take care of your mental/emotional health
Ask your case manager for counseling referral if needed
Find productive ways to fill your time:
Doing anything productive looks better than doing nothing
Other people and institutions will be more willing to work with and support you
Work any kind of “Survival Job” you can get
Keeps you “in touch” with the working world
Makes your UI benefits last longer & continues eligibility
It is easier to get a job when you already have a job
Remember ‘survival jobs are “for a reason – for a season”!
School/Training – Update your skills!
Keep your professional knowledge current
Volunteering
Good for your mental health and networking
Attending to Personal / Family Needs
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

11. Unemployed (Continued)
May want to use a “Functional” resume to downplay:
Gaps of employment
Currently working “Survival Jobs”
Highlight relevant experiences gained outside of employment
Get Help and Support
Effective job search strategies
Mental health counseling (depression, hopelessness, ‘victim’ mentality’, and other ‘psycho/social barriers’, etc.)
Career counseling if you need help finding a new direction
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

12. Resources for Unemployed
Speakers Resources:
Workshops:
Unemployed and Looking for Answers
Meeting Financial Responsibilities
Planning for an Unpredictable Future
Social Media and Career Success
Managing Life’s Transitions
Handouts:
Unemployed Resources
Paradigm Shift
Tell Me About Yourself
Life-Long Learning Options
Links to Outside Resources
Visit: College Career Center:
Career Counseling
Career Assessment and Interpretation
Research New Careers
Books on job transitions, job search, resumes, layoffs, etc.
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

13. Over 40 Years Old
Understand and Contradict the Negative Stereotypes of Older Workers
Ask: Do I appear “Out of touch?”
Avoid “reminiscing” over the ‘good old days’
Notice the “New Rules”
Question your expectations
Take note of your obsolete assumptions
Check your “adaptability” factor (Do you tend to resist change?)
Find a genuine source of connection with younger generations
Make your life experience work for you
Emphasize the benefits of maturity (wisdom, manners, work ethic, etc.)
Out of Touch:
Be sure computer skills are up to date. Make sure you are on the latest social networking sites
AOL / Yahoo / Gmail
Video: The Internship
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

14. Over 40 Years Old (Continued)
Physical Appearance: Be Sure It Is Current
Glasses, hair style & color, clothing, etc.
Resume: Keep it Current, Relevant, and Reflect Current Trends
Keep two documents: 1) Your entire history (CV) 2) Marketing tool (resume)
Use current job search skills and resume formats
Don’t list more than 10 years
Double check for recent experiences only
Confirm your reference information is current
Avoid listing obsolete skills, technologies, processes, philosophies, etc.
Have a younger adult review your resume and answers for “age giveaways”
Avoid listing dates for education
Out of Touch:
Be sure computer skills are up to date. Make sure you are on the latest social networking sites
AOL / Yahoo / Gmail
Video: The Internship
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

15. Resources for Over 40 Speaker’s Resources Workshops: Handouts:
Unemployed and Looking for Answers
Managing Life’s Transitions
Planning for an Unpredictable Future
Handouts:
Generational Values
Life-long Learning Options
When Skills are No Longer in Demand
“Resources” Links On Website has Additional Resources
Visit College Career Center:
Adult Re-entry Services
Career Counseling
Books On Career Transitions, Career Crises, Encore Careers, Etc.
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

16. Over Qualified
Know why you would want that job and what are your priorities
Keep an “Employment History – Working Document” (CV)
Tailor your resume to job description:
Emphasize their needs, not your “laundry list of qualifications”
Identify why employers feel you are over qualified
Let employers know that you understand their concerns
Use a little humor when addressing the situation
Ask the interviewer to define any concerns he or she might have so you can address them and
Tell them why you want the job even if you are overqualified
Emphasize the benefits of over qualification (wisdom, maturity, complex problem solving, minimal supervision and training, etc.)
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

17. Resources for Over Qualified
Handouts:
Workshop handout: “Managing Conflicting Priorities”
Success
Visit: Career Center:
Career Counseling
Researching New Careers
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

18. Veterans Attend to Any ‘Life Transition Issues’ You Face
Learn to Ask for Help
Use Your Resources
Emphasize Transferable Skills
Leverage Your Strengths as a Veteran (Career Builder, 2014)
Team work
Discipline
Respect and Integrity
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Use ‘Translator’ Web Databases To Identify Potential
Civilian Occupations
Transferrable Skills
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

19. Resources for Veterans
Skills/Jobs Translator Databases:
Occupations:
Skills:
Local Career One-Stop Center:
Veterans Re-employment Services
Local Veteran’s Resources:
Local Campus – Veteran’s Resource Center
VA / CalVET
VFW
College On-Campus Resources:
Veterans’ Resource Center
Disability Services
Career Planning Center
Transfer Center
Student Health Center (Mental Health Counseling)
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

20. Resources for Veterans (Continued)
Speaker’s Resources:
Workshops:
Managing Life’s Transitions
Handouts:
Discerning Seasons
Paradigm Shifts
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

21. Disabled Research career ahead of time for physical demands of the job
Utilize college campus career and disability services offices:
Help you identify appropriate career and job search goals
Help you identify resources available for individuals with disabilities
Identify your transferable skills
Focus on what you can do
Consider emerging career fields: Tend to offer flexibility
Know the employment laws that affect you
Get full job description with the required skills and abilities spelled out
Know what accommodations you need; have them verified by a doctor
Be prepared to answer questions regarding your accommodations if you get the job
Keep statements positive (I can do… by using an adjustable table). Don't get too technical
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

22. Resources for the Disabled
Employment Development Department's One Stop Centers
College Campuses:
Disabled Students Services Office
Career Center
Department of Rehabilitation,
Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled (714)
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

23. Resources for the Disabled(Continued)
Speaker’s Resources:
Workshops:
Identifying Your Transferable Skills
Managing Life’s Transitions
Handouts:
Discerning Seasons
True Self
Paradigm Shift
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

24. Flawed Past No secret answer; but how you market yourself is crucial
Create a positive image and environment
Identify your skills
Identify your targets
Get your documents in order
Use the most effective job search methods
Improve your interviewing skills
Prepare and practice your answers to difficult questions
Follow up on all job leads
Check your online presence
If you are an ex-offender, know which types of jobs and employers are appropriate and which are not
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

25. Resources for Flawed Past
Speaker’s Resources
Handouts
Mock Interview
Resources:
Local Employment One Stop Centers
Check for special programs that apply to you
Booklet: Quick Job Search for Ex-Offenders
Book: “No One is Unemployable”
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

26. Conclusion Remember: Seek Help When Needed: The World Is Changing
The Rules Have Changed
Know How To Market Yourself
Seek Help When Needed:
Local Employment One-Stop Centers
They have programs to support “unique populations”
Local Colleges (for students)
Career Center/Adult Re-Entry
Disabled Student Services & Programs
Veterans Resource Center
Financial Aid
Counseling
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

27. Special Thanks: Debra Michelle DSPS Counselor, Cypress College
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High

28. Works Cited
Career Builder. (2014, November 11). More employers are looking to hire U.S. military veterans. Retrieved from Career Builder:
5/10/2019
©2018 Kathleen E. High