Wednesday, September 23, 2009

In this week's Money Matters, the recent recession has forced a number of people to come out of retirement and enter the workforce again.

About 9.5 million American retirees are considering a partial return to the workforce. But Paul Keegan of Money Magazine says there is a right way to un-retire.

First, look beyond your field. Define your ideal job without naming an industry, a company or even a job title. Just write down the tasks you perform given the expertise you've developed over the years. Then, make a list of companies where you could use those talents.

Second, get up the the industry speed. Make sure you're familiar with the latest version of the standard software used in the industries you're interested in. Look for non profits that provide free training or community colleges that offer low cost courses on the computer skills you'll need.

Third, show forward thinking. Find ways to show you have successfully reinvented yourself several times over the course of your career. Demonstrate that you're not tied to doing things the "old way."

Fourth, get a foot in the door. You may have to work part-time or even volunteer your time in the beginning to show you have the skills, the drive and the desire to succeed. Once the boss sees your skills, you have a better shot of getting more hours and more pay.

Demonstrate your value to a company and before you know it, the younger workers will be asking you for advice.