The Seasoned Job Search

Job searching can be a difficult process, especially for older professionals who are over the age of 50. While employers cannot legally discriminate based on age, if you are not branding yourself appropriately for your age, it will be difficult for you to secure the job you are looking for. While many job searching tips and guides are useful to all professionals, they often contain information that can hurt an older job seeker. So if you are in the 50 or older age group of job seekers, it is time to rebrand yourself and your job search with the following guide for the “seasoned” job search. Revamp Your Search rnWhen searching for job positions, study a company’s culture rather than a specific job opening they may have. You should find a culture that fits your personality and goals as well as one that will value your experience. Rewrite Your ResumernResume trends are constantly evolving and therefore it might be time to rewrite your resume. Focus on relevancy not quantity when it comes to your experience. You should include only the last 15 years of experience as well as remove dates from education that is greater than 10 years old. Don’t minimize your experience and knowledge, rather brand it to ensure you are not viewed as over qualified. Get TechyrnOne of the biggest concerns of employers when it comes to older applicants is their technology skills. In you resume, you should highlight your ability to adapt to new technology as well as eliminate any obsolete technology skills or programs. If you feel as if you are lacking these abilities, seek out educational classes to develop these skills. Consider Consulting, Part-Time, and Temporary WorkrnWith years of expertise, you are in an excellent place in your career to seek out consulting work. Therefore, you should seek out companies that interest you and offer your skills as a consultant on a project basis. Consulting work as well as temporary and part-time jobs may often lead to fulltime employment. This type of employment is more cost effective for employers and therefore it is less of a risk for them to hire you on the team. Label Yourself as Team PlayerrnWhile it is crucial to promote your leadership skills in your resume and cover letter as well as in an interview, as an older job seeker, it is important to promote your ability to work within a team setting. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn from others and ability to take direction. Demonstrate Your Energy, Passion, and ExcitementrnPerhaps the biggest concern of employers is a lack of energy, passion, and creativity among older employees. Therefore, it is important to maintain a health lifestyle to fuel your energy levels in the workplace. While preparing for your interview, be ready to demonstrate your passion for improving the individual companies’ operations. Presenting fresh and creative ideas will ensure employers look pass your age and recognize the many ways you can benefit the organization. Furthermore, it is important to view your age as an asset rather than a hindrance in your job search, before you can demonstrate that to your potential employer. Brand yourself as an eager professional ready to contribute to improving operations as well as willing to consistently evolve with new trends and technologies.