Unemployment may be easing statewide, but finding a job is still a strenuous, uphill climb for many.

Here with some job-hunting advice is Terri Carpenter, a career expert with Sacramento Works, part of the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency. The questions and answers below are from her online advice to readers, at www.sacbee.com/ask.

I am a 43-year-old unemployed construction worker looking for work – anything. I've had three shoulder surgeries and I'm not sure if I can handle being a carpenter any longer. Where do you recommend looking, or do I pick a career out of thin air?

I encourage you to visit your local One Stop Career Center, which can help determine occupations that utilize your construction experience. If you are interested in a new field, One Stop counselors can provide career assessments to determine which industries best fit your skills. They also may be able to provide training for a new field.

In addition, ask about the federally funded "clean energy" programs that retrain construction workers in green building, energy efficiency and other fields. The "Green Jobs" hotline is (916) 263-5351.

There are 11 One Stop Career Centers in the Sacramento region. To find the center nearest you, call (916) 263-3800.

My son is an experienced mortgage broker who owned his own mortgage business. He is starting to look for jobs in the Sacramento area but has a bankruptcy in his background. How will that affect his hiring?

A poor credit history may be considered when hiring, but a bankruptcy cannot be the sole reason for not hiring someone.

When it comes to employment applications and background checks, my advice is:

Be a knowledgeable applicant. Check with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing (www.dfeh.ca.gov) to review the allowable questions an employer can ask. Or call (800) 884-1684.

Get a copy of your credit report, so you are aware of what's on it. If there are issues, try to clean them up or dispute any errors. You are entitled to receive the same credit report that your employer receives.

Read the job application carefully. Disclose only what is asked. For instance, if they ask about any felonies, you don't need to disclose a misdemeanor.

Be honest. If asked about your credit history or criminal record, explain any negative circumstances. An employer will appreciate an upfront explanation, rather than discover a problem in your credit or background report.

I retired as a custodian from the city of Roseville in 2009 but need to work at least part time to supplement my pension. I've had a few interviews in my field but no job offers. I'm wondering if my age or race is preventing me from getting a job.

Even though we are starting to see an uptick in employer hiring, the job market is still tight. For every job posting, employers often get 50 or more applications. The competition is fierce and there are many qualified individuals like you looking for work.

The best thing is to make yourself as competitive as possible. Visit your local One Stop Career Center and have a career coach look at your résumé. Maybe you need to change the format or have it rewritten. You also might consider a free workshop to brush up on your interviewing techniques.

I am 60 and have mostly worked in construction. I am healthy and have lots of good years left, but I think people see my age and write me off. I am looking for training in a less strenuous, more age-appropriate field where my chances would be better. Can you lead me in the right direction?

There are three organizations that may be able to help you with employment referral and/or training assistance. The first one is your local One Stop Career Center.

The second is the AARP's Senior Community Service Employment Program, which has free help for job seekers ages 55 and older. Call its Sacramento office at (916) 483-5991 for more information.

The third program I recommend is the Area 4 Agency on Aging, which has a senior employment program serving those age 55 and older in Placer and Sacramento counties. For more information, call (916) 486-1876 or visit www.a4aa.com. The program offers job-readiness workshops, which teach résumé and interview techniques. There also is personalized job search and computer training available.

NEED JOBHUNTING HELP?

As one of our "Ask the Experts," Terri Carpenter answers online questions about careers and job searches. To post your own questions or see her advice to others, go to www.sacbee.com/ask.

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