My 62 year old father is seeking full time employment...?

Question

I am helping my father look for a new job.

My father can't retire right now but he needs a job with benefits. I have been helping him look for a job since he is scared of computers. He has construction experience but he really cant go back into that at his age. Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated. I am very nervous for him because some companies wont even consider him because hes 62. I know thats illegal but obviously they will choose someone they assume is right for the job.

Answer 1

The first answer may be best, I give a thumbs up. At this age many companies not want to deal with it, as they feel he retire soon and then they have to start all over trying to find someone.

I not sure the links will help, but, it a free read.
http://www.wa.gov/esd/lmea/sprepts/newsp/oew.htm
http://www.coastlineelderly.org/volunteer/volun.htm

Below me may be a good idea too, another thumbs up.

Answer 2

Many companys and stores are hiring older workers as they show up for work, do a good job and have "people" experience. Since he has construction experience he could :work at a lumber yard, hardware store, start a consultant business. Work in a grocery store. Also apply for a jantorial job at a school, business. Was trying to think of places with med. insurance. perhaps he can qualify for health insurance through your state programs , check on it for him. Now for the people who think your all washed up because your 62, remember you'll be there someday. Many more people are working into their 70's and even 80's some because they have to and some because they want to.They've been around people all their life and it's hard to stay home and not see anyone. They're going out and doing their thing! Hurray for them! Some companys that have benefits for part time workers are: J.C.Penney , Low's , Circuit City, Starbucks. Also universitys and hospitals. You usually have to work a certain number of hours to qualify for benefits but not all places.

Answer 3

Is this just not the same old,same old. And it is so tragic. My father worked up untiltwoo weeks before he died. My late Aunt retired at 82. I notice in her Company Magazine that there were other people also retiring at around the same age. My mother worked until she had a stoke at 78 and then died three months later.

When we went to live in the UK, we (late hubbie and I), had Resumes which if we had being younger, would have put us in jobs in the top bracket of earinings. He was National Sales Manager for a very large Pharmeceutical Company before that. I found myself being intervied by people at the Employment Agencies who were 22 years old! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this. But let me say that it does not matter how long you spenmd at University, when you go inot the market place, thing are deffinately not the same, as they are in the comfortable surroundings of the campus. You would think that experience counts. Not any more!

I feel so for your dad. when I first came to Australia I would email through my Resume without my date of birth on it. I would get a telephone call back within the hour, asking me to come in immediately. But when they saw that I was over 50 then, I would get a polite letter, saying they had found someone more suitable, etc.etc.

Now here in Australia they are encouring Seniors to get back in the workplace and have many courses which they can take. I don't know abut the USA. If he has construction experience, why not thing of Real Estate. That is one area where they do hire older people. And there is usually an exam you have to write, but being in construction, he would find it easy. And do try to teach him the computer yourself, to begin with, and then maybe he will have more faith to go and do a course. I just hope and pray that he finds work.

Answer 4

Sign him up for a simple computer course and tell him to jump into this century. It's just like anything else, once you learn how it's no big deal. A lot of companies are glad to get someone with experience but everyone expects computer experience. He's limiting himself because just everything has those computers. You may need to go to your state unemployment board and see if they have any jobs or job training he can take. At 62 remind him that he has the experience of all his years and so many places appreciate what older folks bring to the job. I lost my job and my health and was worried, getting older, starting everything new and hoping my health held up. I went to college and worked whatever job allowed me to go to classes . I tried many different things and it was actually fun to be doing so many different things. I even applied at the zoo. I always wanted to work at the zoo. They wanted younger and bouncier (altho' I think they really lost out) and offered me a job in concessions. I didn't take it but can't say I didn't give them a chance to hire me. Tell him to just try anything he ever thought he wanted to do. I bartended, waitressed, handed out food in supermarkets, merchandising, just tried all kinds of things. Why not apply at Home Depot. They would be delighted to hire someone with construction experience so they could give good advice or Lowe's. I know they have benefits. Or WalMart, there are the greeters and they have benefits plus you get good deals on stocks. Or Hardware stores. . .but get him that computer course. . .Lots of luck. . .

Answer 5

We have a state agency in Missouri called Vocational Rehabilitation. It helps anyone, who may have a hard time finding a job. They may also provide resources for training, help with resumes, etc. You may also call your local Employment Office, sometimes even known as the Unemployment Office. The agency in your state that would normally pay out unemployment benefits. They have people there that can help him find a job also. If he is a veteran, those agencies also normally have a counselor dedicated to veterans. Good Luck!
PS Walmart stores in our area normally hire the older folks as greeters on a part ime basis, no benefits, just to supplement their social security income.

Answer 6

A Senior friend of mine just got a great
job that he really loves and the pay is
great. He now works for an insurance
company that insures homes. He goes
out and does an inspection. The company gives him a chart and he fills
out what they want. He also takes
photos of various angles. He looks for
any clearly seen property damage....
such as broken windows, siding off,
etc. My friend is 68.

Answer 7

Do you realize how hard it is to find a helping hand in small project around the house. Maybe he could use his experience in guiding homeowners with projects such as patios, decks ,roof over porches ,brick or slate walkways. single window or door replacement . How about garden fountains, ceiling fan replacements ,vinyl siding or shutter painting or replacements. Even down to a cabinet drawer that drops down and a window sill replaced that I need. Our kids and family members don't have the time. He could have a small business and work when he want to.

Answer 8

There must be a course that can teach him to use the computer, try to encourage him, and I hope he finds something. There are a lot of elderly folk going back to the workplace, after learning new skills today. I wish him luck.

Answer 9

Check the local city and county governments for job listings. They'll more likely have benefits, and I'd bet they would be less likely to discriminate.

Also, check with his friends and former fellow workers. The name of the game in finding a job is, was, and always will be, "who do you know?"

Answer 10

He should go to his local career job center. Since he has experience in construction, he can maybe start his own construction company if that's possible. Also , alot of people like your dad, go into consulting other people with their job experience. Maybe he can start his own business.