The Career Gateway

301-255-4215 703-425-0999

Career Search Training Program for Job Seekers Age 50+ 

The job you want is waiting for you. Enter or return to the workforce with help from the Career Gateway.

Career Gateway, JSSA’s award-winning job search program for adults age 50+, provides the skills, strategies, and personalized support you need to successfully navigate today’s job market. Whether you’re returning to work, changing careers, or searching for a new opportunity after a layoff, Career Gateway helps you turn your experience into a competitive advantage.

Through 30 hours of interactive, small-group instruction over five days, you’ll receive practical job search training, comprehensive take-home materials, and ongoing support from a dedicated mentor. Optional employment-related technology classes are also available.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Create a resume that stands out to employers and applicant tracking systems
  • Strengthen your interviewing and networking skills, including developing an effective elevator pitch
  • Use LinkedIn, social media, online job search tools, and AI to enhance your job search
  • Build a personalized job search strategy and stay motivated throughout the process
  • Address employment gaps, age-related concerns, salary discussions, and negotiate job offers
  • Write compelling cover letters, communicate with recruiters, and manage professional references

Each workshop is limited to 20 participants, ensuring individualized attention and meaningful interaction. Classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and tuition is just $99*.

Interested?  Tell us a bit about yourself and your availability.

Career Gateway Interest Form

If you’ve been sending resumes without results, feel overwhelmed by online job searching, or aren’t sure how to market your skills, Career Gateway can help you move forward with confidence. See below for a list of our upcoming sessions.

2026-2027 Sessions:

All sessions take place via Zoom from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

CAREER GATEWAY SESSION I: September 14, 16, 18, 23, 24 – 2026
CAREER GATEWAY SESSION II: November 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 – 2026
CAREER GATEWAY SESSION III: January 11, 13, 15, 20, 21 – 2027
CAREER GATEWAY SESSION IV: March 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 – 2027
CAREER GATEWAY SESSION V: April 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 – 2027
CAREER GATEWAY SESSION VI: June 7, 9, 10, 14, 16 – 2027

 

The Career Gateway is generously funded by the Montgomery County Department of Aging and Disability Services, and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

*Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

 

Contact the Career Gateway

For more information, contact us at career.gateway@jssa.org

Phone: 301-255-4215 or 703-425-0999

Learn about the Virtual 50+ Employment Expos