Many baby boomers find it difficult, if not impossible to find employment in today’s tough job market. One of the reasons for this is that many employers believe mature applicants don’t have any computer skills or are not willing or able to learn new applications. Certifying your skills and furthering your education can be the most rewarding and effective way of combating this stereotype and improving your chances of being hired by an employer.

I, myself, have recently begun to do just that, thanks to Michigan’s “No Worker Left Behind” program. It’s a great program for those who are unemployed or simply making less than $40,000 per year. Under the program, you can receive up to $10,000 for two years to further your education. There are a few stipulations, however. The degree or certificate you’re earning must prepare you for a job in an “emerging industry” or “high growth occupation”. They have a list of such occupations on the NWLB website at http://www.michigan.gov/nwlb

I have been pursuing IT certifications in various computer applications and have recently completed the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exam in Microsoft Word. I now hold MCAS certification in that application. These certifications will help to certify my skills, so that employers will know exactly how proficient I am. I will be continuing on through the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Excel is next), eventually leading to certification as an all-around MS Office “expert”.