I'm not too old to work!

Devonport 23 January, 2004 - At 52, Michael Clements was tired of being told 'You're too old to work'. With a revitalised career ahead of him, he thinks mature-age workers should be given a fairer go and praises those organisations who value life-experience as much as qualifications.

"My last job was at the iron-ore mines off the West Coast of Tasmania, but due to company restructuring, I was retrenched and forced to look for a new job when I was 50. Even with 23 years experience and work-skills gained since I was 16, I was unable to secure another permanent-full time job to support my wife and kids, which was incredibly frustrating for me", says Michael.

"During my job search, I doorknocked, sent nothing short of 250 resumes, and even sought help from several employment agencies. But everywhere I went, I was either ignored or given the same response - 'you're just too old to work'", Michael said.

After continual knock backs over two years, Michael was convinced he would never work again, but after seeking guidance and support from his job mentor, Frank, at Jobfind Centres in Devonport, Michael has been given a second chance.

Jobfind Centres, which is also part of the Federal Government's Job Network, was able to provide Michael with resume help and interview skills while helping him to obtain a security guards licence which quickly turned into a casual position with a local business. But that wasn't the end of Michael's success.

"My dream was to get back into operating heavy machinery, so Frank made sure I was aware of every opportunity that I was qualified for so I could keep applying for them. Within another month, I scored a full-time job as a harvest operator for an international food company, so now I have my dream job, and I can continue to support my wife and finish renovating our home in La Trobe", says Michael.

Corinne Stass, centre manager for Jobfind Centres in Devonport, says the hardest process for most mature-age job seekers is overcoming poor self-esteem.

"Being thrust back into the job market after 23 years in a secure environment is a shocking experience, and the job hunting process can be very daunting.

Corinne says the change in Michael's attitude since he found employment has been incredible, and says it's encouraging to see larger businesses giving mature-age job seekers a fair-go.

"Gaining a quality candidate with a strong work ethic couldn't be more valuable and employers are just beginning to recognise the experience, knowledge and know-how a mature-age worker can contribute to the workplace", says Corinne.

"Mature-age workers are some of the most reliable, patient and best communicators around. Dollar values can't be placed on life skills, but in a work environment, these qualities make a genuine difference in the way businesses are run", says Corinne.

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au