Stamford-based GoliathJobs Inc. first targeted the younger demographic of the U.S. labor pool, helping graduating college students find work.
Now, the Internet-based job site has launched JobsOver50.com to meet the needs of retirees and baby boomers seeking re-employment.
According to David Mezzapelle, Goliath’s founder and director of marketing, older job seekers often are looking for “boredom avoidance, health coverage, and when you add in the current economy and layoffs, it’s driven the 50-plus candidates back for jobs,” he said.
For those not quite ready to retire, Mezzapelle said, “if you go back to work for two or three years alone, you can improve your 401K and Social Security benefits.”
The site is aimed at individuals 46 to 67 years old.
Goliath launched JobsOver50.com three months ago, after nearly two years developing the concept. Through focus groups and other research, the company found that older individuals disliked current job boards. They were looking for jobs where their experience and skills would be in demand.
Mezzapelle said he believes companies can benefit from an older recruit’s expertise.
“One of the benefits is that they’re loyal, possess significant interpersonal skills and are flexible in terms of schedules, benefits and pay. They bring a lot to the table, which is great for an employer,” he said.
Similar to Goliathjobs.com, JobsOver50.com screens the employers who buy postings on the site to ensure they are offering legitimate jobs, and it blocks annoying spam to those responding to its listings. Job seekers, who use the site for free, also have the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater for assistance in their career search if the school participates in Goliath’s program.
In a short time, Mezzapelle said, the response to the site from the employers and job seekers has been good. He said the site is win-win for both parties involved.
“We charge our employers $39 per job (post), or less with volume packages, so we’re affordable for smallest business. Combined with verification and a safe environment, we’re seeing great results,” Mezzapelle said.
David Lewis, chief executive officer of Stamford-based OperationsInc, a human resources consultancy, said that many in the 50-plus population have a desire to work longer because of the current economic conditions.
“A year ago, they thought they would be winding down their career and, in the near future, planing to retire, but because of the economy, their 401(k)s have been hit, as well as their savings,” Lewis said.
But job hunters are facing a lot of competition. “The talent pool has never been deeper” with qualified individuals seeking employment, Lewis said, adding that a service focusing on older workers can be a plus.
“For the population that has become unemployed and thinks that they’re unemployable for their age, this can be a place to find opportunities with organizations that respect and value their collective experience,” Lewis said.
By Harold Davis
March 5, 2009
source: stamfordadvocate.com