By Michelle Waltos
Librarian

After 40, job searches often involve new challenges for workers, especially if it means a change in careers. The job market has an overabundance of young and eager applicants who are often prepared to work for a lower salary. Nevertheless, older workers have many assets they have acquired — experience, discipline, and various transferrable skills — that potential employers value and that can be highlighted during a job search.
Identifying those assets, preparing a resume, brushing-up on interviewing skills, and helping job seekers to build confidence are just a few of the services available through the group 40 Above: Workers in Transition. The group is led by John A. Cruty, who retired from his position as a senior career advisor at CNY Works, where he worked for more than 13 years and hosted numerous workshops and modules to assist unemployed workers in finding positions.
40 Above: Workers in Transition hosts guest speakers, discusses volunteer and education opportunities, and explores other community resources available to those conducting a job search. In addition, the group also provides another critical service to underemployed and unemployed individuals: networking opportunities. More than 80 percent of job positions are never posted; they are obtained through connections, making networking a critical skill for job seekers.
40 Above meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday at the Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse. Whether you are unemployed or underemployed, are considering a new job or a new career, or are a professional interested in sharing your expertise, we invite you to attend.