50+ Job Seekers in MA
Statewide Networking Group

Funding provided through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs

I think you have already achieved the status of being the best networking program in the State! I really enjoyed all of the topics and especially the breakout rooms to meet others in an informal way. Your program was a lifesaver during the COVID shutdown.

Jacqui T

I attended the 50+ Belmont Networking Group while I was unemployed and really appreciated the opportunity to keep my job search going. I’ve been gainfully employed at Azzur Group for over a year now and as usual, got it through my network.

Louis Z

50+ Job Seekers has been a wonderful resource during my job hunt. Ed, Melody and Debbi were great moderators/instructors. The 2021 program was a great resource, not just a “topic of the week”, but a well-organized and thought-out program of useful webinars that built on previous session’s subjects. Breakout sessions provided a practical discussion and practice of the week’s topics with the other networkers. The addition of the GTG sessions this year was another welcome addition to allow more practice and networking. The program really upped my search game, by helping sharpen my resume, LinkedIn, interviewing, networking skills and more. I highly recommend the program for all 50+ job seekers. 

Chris M

I sincerely want to thank each of you at the Over 50 Job Seekers Network Group!  I have accepted a part time accounting/admin position that will also allow me to balance accounting and volunteering regularly in the community.  YEAH!!! Although I have planned for this transition for 8 years (and a covid restructure allows me to begin 2 years early) I could not have done this without you and the Mass Hire workshops. I had an open mind!  I am blessed to be out of work only 3 months and wanted to move to part time work in a supportive role for an organization that has community involvement.  My volunteering also is so rewarding!  Lots of soul searching has happened since 3/1/2021 for me.  The workshop topics, STAR concept, break out rooms, fellow job seekers’ advice, and guidance from the career coach team has been exceptional!!!!  My most recent position was for almost 20 years and I had so much to learn for this transition!  I listened, I processed, I explored, and I put into action thanks to you!  (yes, my LinkedIn profile still needs help – but hey, I avoided social medial until March 2021- haha).  The LinkedIn Learning workshops were fantastic too. Showing the initiative to take QuickBooks and Google Platform classes benefited me too on interviews.  I begin my new job on 6/1/2021! It was a job posted on indeed.com and Mass Hire Job Quest boards.  I was fortunate to see many exciting part time roles posted more frequently in the past 6 weeks. After I accepted the role, someone I had been volunteering with for 3 months said to me “You were a Controller looking for part time work?  Wow, my friend was looking for a bookkeeper for one day a week and did not want to post the job and attract unknown applicants.” I guess I missed the “networking,” but am very happy with my decision.  I am excited and so thankful for ALL I have learned and the wonderful people I have met the last three months.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  Words cannot express my full gratitude! 

Janice B

I was re-entering the workforce after a 10 year career break, and decided to work as a consultant to ease back in. I really appreciate the advice and support provided by you and the team as I navigated this new path. You will all be happy to know – I did land this job via networking – the job was never posted. 

Elizabeth A

I have landed a job!  I’ll be on the networking call Wednesday morning, so I can tell my story of patience and persistence, but here’s the short version: Back in August, an external recruiter found me on LinkedIn and helped get me an interview for a contract position as Web Content Specialist with Analog Devices. He thought I had a good chance and the interview seemed to go well, but I didn’t get the position. Then in November I saw a similar position advertised (same title but permanent), so I contacted the hiring manager directly to see if it was in her group and asked if she would recommend that I apply.  She said yes I should apply, so I did, and then went through a phone screen and three rounds of interviews.  They gave me a verbal offer in December, but the holidays slowed down the process.  I finally got the formal offer last week and will be starting on February 1st. 

Peter N

That workshop with Stephan felt like a game changer to me. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to witness what he presented, and I am determined to integrate the concepts of Simplicity with more attention dedicated to brevity. Thanks again!

Laura C

On a personal note, I want to thank you for all your efforts securing the MCOA funding to enable the program and the outstanding line-up of speakers and topics you have put together. The high quality content, relevant topics along with the networking activities for 50+ Job Seekers participants were all very helpful and useful in my search. In addition, the program is enhanced by an excellent line-up of subject matter expert speakers and strengthened by the combined skills and expertise of your program leaders in Ed Lawrence and Melody Beach. In short, you are providing a very critical resource that addresses a very important need – supporting the 50+ Job Seekers in rejoining the workforce and it is very well done!

  Anthony M

I wanted to thank you again for the interview prep assistance- every little bit helped.  It was a very long search process and I needed the support of an extended network and the development of new skills.

Greg L

Thanks for organizing an amazing series of events for the 50+ community. All the sessions have been well thought out and executed. The networking breakout rooms are invaluable. Looking forward to more! I’m an engineering pro, business expert, improving products.

Joanne W

I’m back on track looking for inspiration, training and work. There’s hope and that’s greatly because of the 50+ workshops. I’ve been inspired to go to a school reviewing and keeping me focused on starting my own business via the internet. I, at my age, am not willing to wait and I am determined to work. Every time I attend, I see I’m on the right track as you mention and outline a lot of the tools needed to think outside of the box. I’m looking for part time work so I can focus on my new business. This world may be turned upside down, but, I’ll not be discouraged.  Thank you and your team for such info and inspiration.  I’ll see you at the next workshop.

Leigh M

Hope this finds you feeling well and well-supported. Just need to let you know that the work you are doing here is deeply appreciated and highly meaningful to me. My experience of these sessions is life-affirming. Thank you!

Laura C

I wanted to let you know that I started a new position on January 11th. Thank you and all who have provided me and others with information, training (Coursera & workshops) and most importantly support. I never thought I would get a job at 60+, in my field (marketing /graphic design) during a pandemic. I just wanted to let you know what you do makes a difference. Thank you. Jane A

Jane A