On Monday, Marueen Daniek, Career and Small Business Coach, walked us through the common and unique challenges facing job seekers over 50. She discussed internal challenges they face — like shaken self-esteem after being laid off — as well as external challenges — like ageism. Today, Maureen comes back to teach over-50 job seekers how they can reframe their age and experience as an advantage.
How to Frame Your Age & Experience as an Advantage
If you are over 50 and job hunting, it is important to value what you bring and also be aware of your audience and how they might perceive you. They don’t want to hear an extended monologue of your “war stories.” They want to know not what “you have done,” but “what you will do for them.” Bring a selected few stories that highlight accomplishments, but then focus on their company and what ideas, innovations, and strategies you will bring when you walk in the door. This shows you have researched their company and you have something unique to offer.
More tips:
- Share your knowledge of the industry and your resources, and let them know about the contacts you have established than can be valuable to them
- Stress the importance of your work ethic
- If their customers are over 50, show how you can identify with their customers’ needs and wants
- Share how you are a life-long learner — always curious, always expanding your knowledge & skills
- If you are over-qualified, talk about your stressful career and your delight in considering a job with fewer migraines
- If you are willing to consult,“contract, or work part-time and that serves their needs, emphasize that
- If their company is going through lots of chaos and change, emphasize your stability, calm demeanor, and negotiation and conflict resolution skills
The key here is to put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself what attitudes, skills, and abilities would be valuable to them. Then honestly look at yourself and what you bring, and see if there is a good match. If there isn’t a good fit, don’t waste your time. Pursue companies and positions where you know you have a lot to offer and are excited about the opportunity to sell yourself. If you are energetic, positive, and believe you have something very valuable to offer, you will communicate this and your excitement will be contagious.
Advice, Advice, & More Advice for Job Seekers Over 50
Job searching at any age is grueling. Sending resumes in response to online postings can be like sending them into a deep dark hole—never to be seen or read again. It is hard to get generic rejections without useful feedback, and even harder to hear nothing. Yes, there is age discrimination, and you can’t give up. So what can you do?
- Check for any “chips on your shoulder” and flick them off
- Update your clothing and hair style if necessary (ask your kids if you need to)
- Don’t assume that the hiring manager will dismiss you due to age
- Be a self-starter — set job search goals every day and be accountable to someone
- Keep up with technology, take classes
- Learn about social media — use LinkedIn and Twitter in your job search
- Learn about applicant tracking systems
- Get help writing your resume and introduction letters
- Show energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor
- Exercise every day
- Volunteer if you aren’t working. Do something daily where you get positive feedback and make a contribution towards someone else
- Get involved in community activities
- Check out Workforce50.com and Jobs4.0 but only spend 10% of your time responding to job posts
- Have your adult children or friend’s adult children role play interviewing with you
- Get a career coach
- Network constantly — with grocery clerks, folks at the gym, people in the park, old acquaintances, etc. Statistically, your next job will come through second degree connection — people who know people you know
Set weekly goals doing the things listed above and set aside specific hours each day for the job search. Then take occasional breaks to do something totally different and get your mind away from it all — at the beach or in the mountains, someplace in Nature. Recognize that this job search experience is part of your personal career development, as important as getting the job.
About the Author
Maureen Daniek, MSW, Career and Small Business Coach, Serial Entrepreneur & Author who has been in the trenches. Her background involves experience as a coach, an executive in several start-ups, and a psychotherapist.
Read more from Maureen: “Six Word Lessons for Successful Start-ups“
Plus, connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maureendaniek/
