A baby boomer's digital age job search

ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - A baby boomer bounced from his job after three decades and forced to find work in today's digital age has found a job.

David Gualtieri's two-week journey started March 5, the day before a three-day career fair called Ready NOW! started on Grand Valley State University's Allendale Campus. Michigan Works! helped organize the event.

Gualtieri -- a former print pressman who took a buyout five years ago -- has been unable to find stable work since.

==Watch the video to see David Gualtieri's story.==

He's not unlike other baby boomers -- a generation consisting of those born between 1946 and 1964. AARP Public Policy Institute data shows those older than age 55 have a longer period of time between jobs. The statistics show it takes those 55 and older 44.9 weeks in-between work. It takes those younger than 55 34.3 weeks.

Gualtieri, who is in his late 50s, is frustrated by the new digital age. Even though many find online applications easier, he would rather have face-to-face interaction.

"It gets discouraging after a while," explained Gualtieri, who has bounced around to several temporary jobs in recent years.

Gualtieri got his chance to establish a personal connection at Ready NOW!

The first two days of the event were spent in workshops, and job seekers were able to network with their potential employers. The third day consisted of guaranteed interviews, including one with the staffing company Express Employment Solutions.

"I was running a boxing machine over there," Gualtieri told his interviewer as he touted his past work and volunteer experience.

24 Hour News 8 was also at Gualtieri's second interview at Express's Kentwood branch. That was when a recruiter offered him an interview with a nonprofit organization called Comprenew, one of the staffing company's clients.

"It's just like this is an answer to prayer," Gualtieri said through tears.

"I'm sorry," he told the interviewer. "This was something I was praying for for awhile."

The weight lifting off his shoulders was almost visible. He was almost there.

Express' client Grand Rapids-based Comprenew interviewed Gualtieri a third time.

"I read your mission statement over the weekend and I was very impressed," Gualtieri said. He had obviously done his homework.

Comprenew -- a faith-based nonprofit that recycles e-waste -- offered Gualtieri a part-time delivery driver position.

A company official told 24 Hour News 8 they expect Gualtieri to work 30 to 40 hours a week, with the possibility that they'll hire him full-time. Spring cleaning will be a busy time for them.

"We think it's a great fit," she said, citing Gualtieri's volunteer work and his ability to be the face of the company the public sees.

He starts work Friday.