Long-term unemployment is recognized for any person who has been unemployed for six months or more. Currently, 5.8 million Americans define that category; and among them, many people over 50 years of age. Older adults face unique challenges when looking for a job.
Course Technology publishes a variety of professional, reference, and technology titles. One of their current releases is Job search after 50 by Carol A. Silvis.
Silvis has a master’s degree in Adult Education and is an assistant principal and department head at a Pennsylvania business institute. She also presents workshops and seminars for schools, businesses, and professional organizations.
Eight chapters understood Silvis’s message. The following are highlights of each topic to help jumpstart your job search as a mature worker:
Abilities and qualities
The job search process begins by matching your unique skills with a company that needs them. Define your purpose for working. Whether it is full or part time will guide your job searches. Shift the focus from your age to how your workplace, transferable and life skills meet the needs of the employer. Also consider your personal traits, such as energetic and forward-thinking, vs. the old-fashioned ways of a mature worker. Share only relevant skills vs. listing every duty he has performed during his 30-year career. Too much experience can prevent an employer. This is the age of lifelong learning. Keep your skills up to date by attending classes, workshops, earning a degree or certification, participating in online webinars, etc.
CV and cover letters
No career evaluation would be complete without paying attention to resumes and cover letters. For older workers, the key elements to a successful approach include:
- Achievements vs. Duties. Highlight your unique value-added accomplishments at companies you worked for, vs. mother’s duties
- Contact information. Provide links to your professional online presence, including blogs and/or websites.
- Digital summaries. Write a specific resume for each desired position. Use industry specific keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO), to increase the odds of being read by a person.
- Education and training. If you earned your degree more than 20 years ago, skip your graduation date.
- Summary of Ratings vs. Aim. A summary of qualifications highlights your major achievements, skills, education, and personal characteristics. It’s a short paragraph or bulleted list that employers can easily scan; and provides more information than a target.
Always include a well-written cover letter. Increases your chances of catching an employer’s attention; and provides an opportunity to expand on information that is not appropriate for the resume, including salary history.
Technology
Today, computer skills are essential, both in the workplace and during the job search. Employers increasingly require such skills to hire; and many available jobs are now posted exclusively online. Research a company’s website to determine its key players. Use industry-related keywords in online applications, cover letters, and resumes. “This is not the time to say that you are too old to use the technology or that it doesn’t work for you,” says Silvis.
Now, social media is a necessary component of your job search. Maintain a professional presence on the big three platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Many employers use these sites as recruiting tools; and mastering them can increase your chances of being discovered for industry-related positions.
networks
Networking is a ubiquitous word; and its need is often downplayed, especially with respect to mature workers. “Building a strong support system is important for job seekers, especially as they age,” says Silvis. Job searches are challenging in a healthy economy and even more difficult in an anemic economy.
Build and nurture long-term relationships; and you’re networking. It is also a two-way process. Before you create a contact list, define your networking goals. The most successful network includes a mix of personal and professional contacts. Consider everyone you know, including your dentist, hairdresser, post office clerk, etc. Choose enthusiastic and optimistic people. Finding a job is often a numbers game; and it’s never too late to start or resume networking.
Attitude, Appearance and Energy
It’s not easy to stay positive when experiencing job loss before you’re ready to retire; but you have to, especially as a mature worker.
It’s hard to hear that your appearance needs an update, but it can be a roadblock in your job search. Hairstyles on bald men and outdated hairstyles can also convey outdated skills. Consider getting a makeover at a department store or beauty salon. It will not only improve your appearance but also boost your self-confidence.
Employers look for candidates who are a fit and bring positive energy to the workplace.
Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make
- Not getting along with other generations. Today’s workplace is multigenerational, with up to four different generations working together. As a mature worker, you must ask yourself how it would feel to be interviewed by someone the age of your children or grandchildren. Could he interact as a colleague instead of a father figure?
- Lack of will to change. A younger interviewer may be concerned that an older worker is stuck in her comfort zone; and resists change. Expand and consider how his skills can be relevant in the industry, if his previous field is extinct.
- Being overqualified. “Excess baggage shouldn’t be mentioned, even in the form of experience,” says Silvis. Focus on specific skills and achievements, not your previous titles, which can make you seem overqualified.”
- Not embracing technology. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the software employers require in search ads and job descriptions.
- Lack of enthusiasm. You need to convey your enthusiasm and eagerness to get the job through your manners and words. Express your anticipation.
Who is hiring?
Job seekers over the age of 50 may be surprised by how many employment options they rarely consider. They include:
- Adjunct or full-time professor/tutor. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity for you, as an older worker, to pass on your experience to the younger generations.
- Entrepreneurship. Start a business of your own, using your niche skills and experience.
- Government. Think outside the box when it comes to government jobs. Consider homeland security, the IRS and US and state departments of transportation, parks and recreation, etc.
Instead of applying for traditional jobs, use your imagination and creative skills to land an exciting and enjoyable job in a fun environment, or create your own. “Sometimes a complete change of venue offers the most rewarding opportunities,” says Silvis.
Create a success plan
Statistically, mature workers endure a longer job search. Persevere. Be willing to put everything you have into your job search until you succeed. Set goals, write them down; and take consistent steps to achieve those goals. Break major goals into subgoals that serve as benchmarks for your progress. Link each sub-goal to action steps. Realize that setbacks are inevitable, but they persist.
Hope to find the right position for you. Reinvent yourself, if necessary; and adapt to available jobs. Challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone; and try new things. Visualize success. Be constantly aware of what you intend to achieve and what you will like when you realize that you have realized it.
No one will care more about your career and your job search than you. Throughout Job search over 50“Take Charge” summary boxes serve as signs of responsibility for your professional success.
Finding employment in midlife has its own challenges; and Silvis shows us that it is possible. Preparation, persistence and positivity are the key. Many federally, state, and locally funded libraries and programs offer workshops on topics including behavior-based interviewing and curriculum. Be sure to use your community’s resources to gain a competitive advantage; and achieve your employment goals.