Help available for older people who are seeking jobs

I wish to respond to the letter in the June 19 Thousand Oaks Acorn ("Ageism is alive in America and in our county").

At OPEN (Outstanding Professionals Employment Network), we've helped a number of job seekers through the process of identifying and finding jobs. We're aware that unemployed professionals can get sidetracked into depression.

Employers need to know how you can help them- not how good you were in your last job. It's commendable that the writer won "all kinds of awards and certificates," but what's that got to do with the next opportunity?

We ask :

1. What is it about you and your experience that's important to you? Are you seeking the same job at better pay? (Ain't gonna happen often.) What skills and experience are transferable to the new job?

2. What are you good at doing? What did you dislike doing in your last job? What do you most enjoy doing?

3. Is your jobhunting motivated by fear of losing status or money? Should you assess what's best for you and your family during this transition?

Companies can easily know your approximate age. Remember, your graduation date will appear on your job application, and you can't lie on the job application.

Do not believe that your age entitles you to some sort of consideration. Employers are looking for enthusiasm, immediate contribution to the company goals, a willingness to fit into the company culture as well as raw capability and talent. The job seeker has to show that they can contribute quickly.

California is an "at-will" state, so employers and employees can terminate employment at any time. If you can show that you can contribute and follow through with results, you will be a great employee.

If you offer business solutions which are old-fashioned and not current, your age will count against you where it should be to your advantage to show your skills and wideranging expertise.

OPEN is sponsored by the California Employee Development Department and meets every Friday at 980 Enchanted Way in Simi Valley, starting at 8:30 a.m. Don Ballantyne Thousand Oaks Ballantyne is involved in OPEN training.