Overcoming Job Search Hurdles After 50
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Navigating a career for decades and then finding yourself on a job search later in life can be daunting. It may feel like starting all over again. But fear not, because in this blogpost, I will uncover three common hurdles that job seekers over 50 may experience and provide you with four practical tips to help you overcome them. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Outdated Experiences and Skills
One common misconception is that your experiences and skill set are outdated. To avoid this bias, it’s essential to clean up your resume and use current verbiage and phrasing. Additionally, include a comprehensive inventory of the technical tools you have used in the last 3 to 5 years. Make sure to mirror key phrases found in job descriptions that align with your most recent job. Replace overused phrases in your resume with fresh and relevant terms. By doing so, you will demonstrate that you are up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Lack of Energy and Activity
Another misconception is that people slow down and have less energy after a certain age. However, this notion is one of the easiest stigmas to overcome. Show your activity on your resume by highlighting any volunteering or community involvement. If you have taken courses, acquired new skills, or gained certifications, be sure to include that information as well. Employers value candidates who are actively engaged and show initiative. To improve your interviewing skills, practice in front of a mirror or take a selfie video to assess your facial expressions, body language, and overall demeanor. If you are interviewing virtually, practice looking at the camera to simulate eye contact with the interviewer.
Working with Younger Coworkers
The assumption that mature workers will not work well with younger coworkers is rarely spoken about. However, it’s important to address this concern during interviews. Be specific about your eagerness to learn and grow. In your follow-up email, mention the areas where you see opportunities for personal and professional development. Expressing a willingness to learn shows self-reflection and motivation. If you have experience working with younger bosses, highlight the positive aspects of the relationship. Emphasize how you both benefited from sharing industry knowledge and insights, fostering open communication, and working towards common goals.
Tip 1: Leverage Your Network
Now that we have addressed some of the common misconceptions, let’s move on to the practical tips for success. As a job seeker over 50, you have a lifetime of connections, so use them to your advantage. Reach out to your network and let them know you are back in the job market. Start by sharing the news of your job loss with a few compassionate friends, and then expand your outreach to colleagues and acquaintances. Leverage your network by reaching out to friends who may have connections in your industry or know someone who does. Craft a short and specific message that you can send to multiple contacts, highlighting your interests and requesting a brief chat to learn more about their experiences and insights.
Tip 2: Continuously Build Your Skills
To ensure a positive response from hiring managers, proactively enhance your skills. Take courses or get certified in your field to demonstrate that you are actively learning and growing as a professional. Online classes, certifications, and video tutorials make it easier than ever to expand your skill set. During interviews, mention the courses you have completed or are currently pursuing. Show that you have taken the initiative to familiarize yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description. Highlight instances in your previous roles where you quickly learned new software or technologies. If you need guidance, there are numerous online certifications available to help you diversify your skill set.
Tip 3: Reflect and Take Inventory
During periods of transition, such as a job loss, it’s crucial to take inventory of your past experiences. Self-awareness is highly valued by hiring managers, so take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Journaling or discussing your reflections with trusted individuals can help you gain self-awareness. Think about what you have learned from your past experiences and how those lessons can be applied to future opportunities. When interviewing, share specific stories that demonstrate your maturity, self-awareness, and ability to learn and grow from challenges. While it’s important to acknowledge mistakes or weaknesses, always end your response by focusing on the positive lessons learned.
Tip 4: Prepare Like a Pro
Overcome nervousness and fear of rejection by being prepared. You have a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the table, so embrace it. Review your career path, acknowledge your journey, and use that self-reflection to fuel your confidence during interviews. Your goal is to confidently make the case that you are the best match for the job. Tell your story and showcase how your diverse roles and experiences have prepared you for the position you are applying for. Find common themes and duties across your career to demonstrate your adaptability and transferable skills. Justify that each role, even seemingly unrelated ones, has contributed to your ability to build strong relationships or any other relevant skill required for the job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, job seekers over 50 may face unfair biases and challenges during their job search. However, by leveraging your connections, continuously building your skills, reflecting on your experiences, and preparing like a pro, you can overcome ageism stigma and find success in your next career move. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to support you along the way. Best of luck in your job search!
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2024
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those
things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes.
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You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, JobSearch.Community Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.
Also, subscribe to JobSearchTV.com on YouTube and No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast for job search with more than 2900 episodes over 12+ years.in Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.
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