Tips For Those 50+ Adults On The Job Hunt

All job seekers today face significantly more obstacles than they did in the past, but those over the age of 50 have a few extra hurdles to clear. You have to overcome numerous obstacles and stereotypes to convince your potential employer you are right for the position, but the situation is not hopeless.

There are a number of opportunities for older workers in the market so, before you lose motivation, here are job-hunting tips for adults over 50:

1. Age-proof your resume. Repackage yourself to get the job you want, by excluding jobs from decades ago that make you seem older. As a result this should land you more interviews.

2. Highlight your experience. Instead of listing every job you have held over the past few decades, focus on the recent and most relevant positions that show off your experience and accomplishments. A recent study found that those with the most relevant and current work experience were the top candidates selected for an interview.

3. Find the right fit. When submitting your resume to a company, consider its workforce. Steer clear of companies and industries that are predominantly made up of younger staff. If you can be smart about finding companies that are facing problems with turnover, you have a solution for those companies.

4. Develop a social media presence. Older job seekers tend to make the mistake of confusing privacy with online invisibility. Recruiters use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to find and research candidates, so get connected.

5. Continue to develop your professional skills. There is a preconceived notion that older workers are slowing down. To counteract that, attend professional conferences and workshops to further your skills and knowledge of the industry.

6. Network. You never know who may be able to help you secure a job so revisit your network and reach out to those who you may have worked with in the past or even friends, former classmates, or acquaintances.

7. Be a team player. Organizations seek team players, regardless of age but older workers are sometimes viewed as stubborn or set in their ways. Convince your potential employer you are a team player and make them understand that won’t have a problem taking direction from younger colleagues.

8. Consider part time work. Temporary or part-time jobs are a great way to help supplement your retirement and also allow retirees the opportunity to stay socially engaged and active. Do not dismiss the opportunity to work part time.

9. Nail the Interview. Many older workers have avoided regular interviews by being promoted up the ranks through the years, and are a little rusty when it comes to this important skill. The interview is the place where you connect with the employer, sell yourself and show that you have the energy, passion, and excitement necessary to do the job. You’ll have to work a little harder than your younger competitors to show that you’ll fit in, so be sure to think carefully about how you want to be perceived. Then it’s all about practicing

10. Make Age an Asset. Don’t focus on your age, but also don’t run from it. Instead of thinking how you can defend your age, use concrete examples of your competencies and skills to show how you have a leg up on younger applicants. In today’s job market, if you don’t meet 125% of the job qualifications chances are you won’t get the job. This goes for everyone, not just the over 50 crowd.

11. Show Off Your Tech-Savvy. The ability to use technology is seen as one of the biggest differences between younger and older workers. It’s a myth that older job seekers can’t or won’t keep up with changing technology. Show potential employers that you can navigate technology with the best of them by carrying and using the right devices, having a presence on social media sites such as LinkedIn, and communicating via text and email.

12. Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem. In the end, what does age have to do with it anyway? The biggest problem many candidates have is that they have difficulty selling themselves as the solution to the problem. Do your homework by researching the organization and identifying the issues they face. Use your skills, experience, and knowledge to show how you hold the key to solving their particular problem, and your age will no longer be a factor.

13. Take Some Online Classes. Kill two birds with one stone. Participating in online education demonstrates you are eager to learn new things and aren’t stuck in your ways, but also indicates that you are comfortable with technology. You can also gain valuable employment credibility by completing a degree program or earning a certificate in a relevant area.

14. Stay Positive. It’s tough for everyone out there, so don’t take it personally if your job search lags on for longer than you like. Getting grouchy will just promote the perception that you’re a grumpy old person. Stay positive, keep networking, focus on your skills and competencies, and sooner or later you’ll be identified as the best person for the job.

15. Update Certifications & Licenses. While you may not see the need to re-certify yourself because of your experience in your profession, it may still be helpful. Employers want to hire people who are as up-to-date as possible. For example, even if you have been working with the latest versions of Microsoft Word and Excel since they hit the market, an employer may still choose someone with the latest Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification over you. Many licenses and certifications are easy to upgrade, as often, no more than a single test is required as long as you possess previous certification or license. With minimal effort, you can upgrade your credentials and show potential employers your desire to stay on top of the new developments in your career.

Hard Work Will Prevail. When it comes to looking for work, age and experience is often a double-edged sword. Older candidates often do have to work harder to overcome discrimination. Projecting a positive attitude and alleviating any fears or questions the employer may have about hiring a mature worker should be your goal. By making minor modifications in yourself and your job search techniques, you can achieve an edge and compete successfully in an increasingly difficult and demanding job market.