Home » News & Events » Aging Well: Spotlight on Career Gateway
Job-search training that gets results
When Evita Smedley was laid off from her nonprofit job, she had many doubts. It had been years since she last applied for a position, and at 63 years old, she wondered how difficult it would be.
She remembered hearing about the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Career Gateway program, which offers specialized job search training for adults over 50. But the idea resurfaced in an unexpected place—while waiting with her dog at the veterinarian’s office. There, she struck up a conversation with a bird owner who mentioned Career Gateway. “It seemed to me it was a sign from the universe,” said the Silver Spring resident.
That same day, Evita applied for the program, which provides intensive training in resume writing, using LinkedIn, interviewing, and job search strategies tailored to older workers. She was accepted and enrolled in the 30-hour September session. “It was just really mindset-changing,”she said, adding, “I had not looked for a job in years. I had outdated ideas.”
Thanks to Career Gateway, Evita is about to begin a new position in her field, pending her background check.
Before participating in the program, Evita believed her resume needed to include every job she ever held. After the workshop, she shifted the focus to her expertise and measurable accomplishments. Previously, she sent out eight or nine resumes a day and felt proud of her effort, but no one was calling back. She sent out two of her updated resumes a day. “I got a hit soon after,” she said.
Following Career Gateway guidance, she reached out to a contact who knew someone at her target employer and asked them to put in a good word. Later, she sent a follow-up email, not to ask if she was still being considered, but to let the employer know she was volunteering with a similar nonprofit. “They called me back the next day,” she said. At her third interview, Evita was asked how she would increase participation in programs.
As part of her Career Gateway session, she was selected to participate in a demonstration interview conducted in front of the class by a panel of HR specialists. During her actual job interview, she was asked one of the same questions she had discussed during that mock interview. She felt confident and prepared as she answered the familiar question. “I believe that sealed the deal,” she explained. “It seemed like I had done the interview before,” which made the process easier and far less stressful.
As to whether her age would be an obstacle, Evita recalled Career Gateway facilitator Dr. Elisse Barnes saying, “If you believe you’re too old to get a job, you probably are.” She knew she was a hard worker and had lots of energy, so she pushed her concern about ageism right out of her mind.
Evita’s story is just one of many. In the most recent September training, all 22 participants completed the program. The class included people with diverse backgrounds and advanced degrees: two PhDs, two MBAs, 10 master’s degrees, and four law degrees. They ranged in age from 50 to 75, with half the participants identifying as other than white. Most of them rated the program five out of five.
One graduate wrote: “This course was packed full of practical information that will help me to get organized in my job search.” Another participant said: “Thank you so much for providing such an excellent class for all of us! I found it very engaging and extremely useful, and I feel much more in charge of my job search now. The energy and commitment that you bring to what you do were evident throughout, and I am so appreciative of all the amazing resources and advice you provided. And thank you for caring so much about all of us over 50s who are navigating this job market!”
Career Gateway graduates also have access to CareerTech classes that provide updated skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, LinkedIn, Windows, and being a Cyber Savvy 50+ jobseeker.
To register for Career Gateway, call 301-255-4215 or 703-425-0999, visit the website, or email Career.Gateway@AccessJCA.org.
