By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
It can be daunting to fumble around in your career for decades and then find yourself looking for work later in life. It may feel like starting all over again. But don’t worry, because in this blog post, I’m going to reveal three common obstacles job seekers over 50 may encounter and give you four practical tips to help you overcome them. Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
Outdated experience and skills
A common misconception is that your experience and skills are outdated. To avoid this bias, it is necessary to clean up your resume and use current wording and phrasing. Also include a comprehensive list of the technology tools you have used over the past 3 to 5 years. Be sure to reflect key phrases from the job description that match your recent work. Replace overused phrases on your resume with fresh and relevant terms. By doing so, you will demonstrate that you are aware of the latest industry trends and technologies.
Lack of energy and activity
Another misconception is that after a certain age, people slow down and have less energy. However, this notion is one of the easiest stigmas to overcome. Showcase your activities on your resume by highlighting any volunteering or community involvement. If you have taken courses, gained new skills, or earned certifications, be sure to include that information as well. Employers value candidates who are 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’re doing a virtual interview, practice looking into the camera to simulate eye contact with the interviewer.
Working with younger colleagues
The assumption that mature employees don’t work well with younger colleagues is rarely talked about. However, it is important to address this issue during the interview. Be specific about your desire to learn and grow. In your follow-up email, mention areas where you see opportunities for personal and professional growth. Expressing a willingness to learn demonstrates self-reflection and motivation. If you have experience working with a younger boss, emphasize the positive aspects of the relationship. Highlight how you can benefit from sharing industry knowledge and insights, promoting open communication, and working toward common goals.
Tip 1: Leverage your network
Now that we’ve addressed some common misconceptions, let’s move on to practical tips for success. As a job seeker over 50, you have a lifetime of connections, so make the most of them. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re back on the job market. Start by sharing the news of your job loss with a few sympathetic friends, then expand your reach to coworkers and acquaintances. Leverage your network by reaching out to friends who may have connections or know people in your industry. Craft a short and specific message that you can send to multiple contacts, highlighting your interests and asking for a brief chat to learn more about their experiences and insights.
Tip 2: Keep building your skills
To ensure a positive response from hiring managers, take the initiative to improve your skills. Take courses or earn certifications in your field to demonstrate that you are actively learning and growing as a professional. Online courses, certifications, and video tutorials make it easier than ever to expand your skills. During the interview, mention courses you have completed or are currently taking. Demonstrate that you have taken the initiative to become familiar with the specific software mentioned in the job description. Highlight instances in your previous roles where you quickly learned new software or technology. If you need guidance, there are many online certifications that can help you diversify your skills.
Tip 3: Reflect and take stock
During times of transition, such as job loss, taking stock of past experiences is critical. Hiring managers place a high value on self-awareness, so take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Journaling or discussing your thoughts with a trusted person can help you gain self-awareness. Think about what you learned from past experiences and how you can apply those lessons to future opportunities. During the interview, share specific stories that demonstrate your maturity, self-awareness, and ability to learn and grow from challenges. While it’s important to admit mistakes or weaknesses, be sure to focus on the positive lessons learned at the end of your answer.
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 bear, so embrace it. Reflect on your career path, acknowledge your journey, and use this self-reflection to boost your confidence during the interview. Your goal is to confidently demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the position. Tell your story and show how your different roles and experiences have prepared you for the position you are applying for. Find common themes and responsibilities throughout your career to demonstrate your adaptability and transferable skills. Demonstrate that each role, even a seemingly unrelated one, contributes to your ability to build strong relationships or any other relevant skills required for the job.
in conclusion
In summary, job seekers over 50 may face unfair biases and challenges during the job search process. However, by leveraging your connections, continually building your skills, reflecting on your experiences, and preparing like a pro, you can overcome the stigma of ageism and find success in your next career move. Remember that you are not alone in this journey and there are resources available to support you along the way. Good luck with your job search!
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2024
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About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
People hire “Big Game Hunter” Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense career advice around the world because he makes so many things in people’s careers easier. Those ones Matters may involve job search, recruiting more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, and advice on solving workplace problems.
He is the producer and former host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,000 episodes.
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