Blog Post: Arizona Mature Workers - Employers -Tapping an Untapped Resource

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog
by our "Guest Blogger"

Mr.George Thorne, Director of Government Partnerships with Jobing.com, and a member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging

Employers and Mature Workers - Tapping an Untapped Resource
by Mr. George Thorne

Often one of the more difficult things to do is to write objectively about something that you’ve been heavily involved in over the past couple of years without it sounding self-serving…but I’ll try.

Jobing.com has been honored to be part of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging– and in particular, the statewide Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative and the design and implementation of the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Arizona is a melting pot of mature workers each of who have extensive work experience – ranging from blue collar to professional / executive level occupations. Many have retired in Arizona but desire to continue to work or contribute to the workforce in some manner; some have recently been laid off or downsized and want to return to the workforce as soon as possible – in the same or in a transitional field. This is truly an untapped resource / workforce opportunity that the business community needs to tap into! And conversely, it is an asset that the mature worker job seeker has to stress in their search for employment.

This generation of mature workers have left, or are about to leave the workforce, and they have / will be taking with them years and years of expertise and unique work ethic and leadership that will be hard to replace / duplicate. It is imperative that businesses recognize this and reach out to those that want to continue working / contributing. Many are not concerned with the level of pay or benefits- they simply want to continue working. Many of these mature workers owned and/or managed companies in the same or similar industry as yours – and can bring a high level of leadership / vision for your company future.

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative provides a venue for both the job seeker and Arizona businesses to connect. Mature worker Job seekers can post their Resume (at no cost) on the Arizona Mature Worker Website and Employers can post their respective open positions on the site as well – at no cost. Additionally, those employers that are certified as a Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employer have the opportunity to share that information, in their job posting, with visitors to the website. I invite every mature worker who desires to return to the workforce – and every employer who wants to get involved and who has openings to visit the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Finally, a few personal recommendations:

• Eliminate self-imposed barriers (I’m too old; they’ll think I’m over qualified; they’ll think they can’t afford me; etc, etc) – replace these excuses with I have a lot to bring to the table; this company can use my expertise / talents; I have the strengths and leadership to make a difference; etc, etc!!
• Network! Attend several networking meetings –find one that compliments your occupational interests - a few to consider include: Southwest Job Network, AZNETPA, Networking for Professionals. Attend Chamber of Commerce breakfasts / luncheons or social / mixers…it’s where the owners / decision makers go.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com Check it out today!