Workers who have put in their time behind the desk and are in the twilight of their careers often daydream of their approaching retirement days on the golf course, beach or doing volunteer work.

But the recession has changed much of that and nowadays instead of winding down their careers, older workers are writing resumes, cover letters and pounding the pavement looking for new jobs and possibly new careers.

The recession has cost America more than 8 million jobs, many of which were held by experienced workers.

"We're for people 50 and older and we're seeing a greater number of people who are 50 to 55," said Carol Ventresca, executive director for Employment for Seniors in Columbus.

Employment for Seniors helps people older than 50 find jobs and last year was one of the busiest years in the 38-year history of the nonprofit agency that is funded through grants, donations and fundraising.

During 2009 more than 1,200 new clients visited the agency, a 38 percent increase from the year before. More than 4,200 job referrals were provided.

But what has also changed is the profile of the clients. They're younger and more educated.

In 2008, 30 percent of the agency's new clients had taken at least some type of college-level course work. Last year that number rose to 43 percent.

"It's not just the number of clients, but the background of the clients. The education background and levels of skills, management experience has really increased," said Ventresca. "The folks affected by the recession are not just at the bottom of a company."

The 1,200 new clients last year are additional to the 3,000 to 3,500 that are already on an active mailing list for the agency.

In the past, Employment for Seniors would help people who perhaps had already retired from their careers and were looking for a job as a way to remain active or earn some extra money, but the recession has changed that dynamic.

"There's been an increase over the past few years in the number of people looking for full-time work with benefits and with kids in school. Our spread has had to get wider," said Ventresca. "We're often looking for top-level positions."

As a result of the changed demographic of its clientele, Ventresca said, the agency has adjusted its strategy in helping those people find a job.

"We're talking about people who have worked for 20 years and don't have a resume," she said.

At the agency's annual job fair, Ventresca said, the employers will be similar to those in the past, but she said they will be told about the new variety of clients that are likely to attend.

"We'll be giving them a lot more information, a captioned look at the profile of our people," she said.

A company, for example, may have in the past just been looking for drivers but now the agency will ask if they are looking for perhaps an accountant, too.

Ventresca said it's important for potential employers to understand the value of hiring experienced workers.

"These are individuals who are still viable. People cannot assume that an older person is not a (good worker)," she said. "They show up for work. They're willing to learn new skills."

With the job market expected to remain soft this year, Ventresca said the agency will remain busy.

"It's going to be at least the same number of new clients this year, if not more," she said.

The agency, located at 4500 E. Broad St., is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is operated by three part-time staff members and about four dozen volunteers.

"It's tremendous to know you can make a difference in people's lives," said Ventresca.