Maryanette Grayer of Detroit has two versions of her résumé -- one with dates and one without.
The laid-off nurse, who'd say only that she was older than 55, was one of about 200 people who attended the 3rd Annual Positive Images for Mature Workers Job and Career Fair in Detroit on Tuesday, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Northwest Community Programs, Catholic Social Services of Wayne County and Detroit Area Agency on Aging.
"My computer skills were not great," said Grayer, who lost her job in January and started job-hunting the following week.
She was disappointed that there were only a handful of places, such as Greektown Casino, looking to hire. Most of the exhibitors who filled the lobby of the Northwest Activities Center represented training programs and social-service agencies.
"I'm asking for a job, not volunteer" work, Grayer said. "I know sometimes it's a way to get in the door. I don't really have time."
An estimated 82,000 older Michiganders are unemployed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data. The Michigan unemployment rate for people ages 55 to 64 is 9.2% and 8.6% for those ages 65 and older.
Older job-seekers can have a harder time finding work.
Diane Tumpkin, a 55-year-old west-sider, was a home health care aide who now teaches art at a preschool. She attended the job fair because she said she needs more income.
"It surprised me," she said of the low vendor turnout, though she was still glad she came. "We all showed up ... I have to pray."
But Arthur Caldwell, director of the mature workers department at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, said those attending were happy with the opportunities.
"They said it was very inspiring and very encouraging and it gave them a ray of hope. They had a lot of information presented during the luncheon, such as how to prepare for an interview, how to dress for jobs, how to look for jobs. They were very inspired."
Zelda Croft, a former Dollar Tree manager and former business owner, enjoyed the event.
"I want to find me some work, a job," said the 55-year-old east-side resident. "There are so many people searching for a job."
Before the lunch, job-fair attendees milled about the tables and chatted with fellow job-seekers. Everest Institute touted its various courses, while the Boulevard Temple nursing home in Detroit took applications for aides.
"I don't care if you're over 55. You can still be of assistance. You don't have to be put out to pasture," Tumpkin said.
