Jobs: ‘Age is just a number when seeking a job’

Age doesn’t have to be a barrier to finding employment, says one of the key exhibitors at a careers fair taking place on September 20.
No Caption ABCDENo Caption ABCDE
No Caption ABCDE

The National Careers Service says the trick for people trying to find a job is the ability to sell their skills on a CV and make the most of what they’ve got.

Karen Malone, lead careers adviser for the National Careers Service, said: “Whether you’ve recently left university or you’ve been in employment for the past 30 years, the trick is to know how to sell yourself on your CV and make the most of your skills and qualities. The National Careers Service offers free support to help you do this as well as helping you get through interview.”

A recent CIPD Labour Market Review study found that for older workers, their job experience, personal skills and soft skills were favoured over other age categories. They were also deemed to be trustworthy, reliable and possess a positive attitude.

Another report by UKCES (UK Commission for Employment and Skills) states younger workers can often offer more flexibility, in terms of the hours and locations in which they work. They are also perceived as being adaptable to change and having a great willingness to learn.

The National Careers Service says the apprenticeship route is a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience and impress their employer.

Beth Gascoin, 18, joined Babcock International as a Customer Service Apprentice, at its Milton Keynes office.

She said: “Doing the apprenticeship gave me really useful experience and a way in to work with a major employer for which I might otherwise not have been considered.”

Support is also available for older workers to help them make the most of their experience.

The National Careers Service will be on hand to offer free support at Milton Keynes Careers Fair at the MK Dons Stadium on September 20.

It will also be running a number of workshops for clients of all ages including: Using local market information to find work, How to write a winning CV, Confidence building, motivation and employability and How to shine at interview

To book a place or to arrange an appointment with an experienced Careers Adviser phone 0800 1954 700.

Related topics: