10 Tips for 50+ Job Seekers!
by Michele O'Connor
10 Tips for 50+ Job Seekers!
Our Founder recently put together a fantastic White Paper that included tips, advice and best practices for 50+ job seekers. Here are the highlights:
1) Always mention to perspective employers that you are willing, and fully capable, to learn new methods & procedures. Many employers have concern over the candidate's inability to adapt. This is common when the interviewer is of a different generation. Young HR Managers assume that mature candidates will be resistant to modern processes. This assumption needs to be diffused early on (i.e. on a resume and during an interview).
2) Follow-up - nothing is more powerful. Once an interview takes place always send a thank-you. This can be done via email or postal mail. If there was something discussed during the interview that was a highlight, be sure to mention it in the thank-you message. This will remind the interviewer of who you are. This is critical right now because of the volume of job seekers in the market. Here are a few examples of "highlights":
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A tangent conversation on hobbies such as tennis, golf, wine, dining, etc that was discussed.
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A tangent conversation on recent sporting events such as the Super Bowl, US Open, World Series, etc.
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A tangent conversation on one of your talents or accomplishments that clearly impressed the interviewer.
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A question that you could not answer during the interview but you promised to let him/her know. This thank-you letter would be the appropriate time to do it.
In addition, always follow-up within 1-2 weeks with the interviewer directly. Do not be shy, you want to display with confidence that you were the best one for the job. (Do not be cocky either!)
3) Don't fret about rejection, it can be a good thing. It serves as a window into your flaws. This will enable you to sharpen the skills or habits that may have contributed to the rejection. IMPORTANT - Once a rejection is certain, contact the employer and simply ask what led to the rejection. 99.9% of employers will tell you.
FYI - Avid golfers always videotape their performance. When they review the video they can see the flaws in their game. Next time out they will most likely play better.
4) Dress for success. It may sound cliché but this is so important. You may be living on a tight budget. However, the investment in your appearance will pay you back tenfold. Do not be interviewed without looking your best.
5) Exercise. There is no question that job hunting can be stressful. However, one of the biggest alleviators of stress is exercise. Plus feeling good makes your appearance & demeanor more confident. Whatever is your favorite form of exercise, do it in the morning before an interview. Exercise also makes the overall process much easier including the job search, phone calls, follow-ups, etc. When your body & mind feels good you can accomplish anything.
6) Schools, including your alma mater, are a great place to search for a job. Local employers frequently post jobs at local schools. I am referring to all levels of education including high schools, technical & trade schools, colleges, grad schools, etc. Stop in and look at the boards. This also adds credibility to your application because the employer will know that took the time to read a board and apply for the jobs you found interesting.
7) Online job boards. There are many online job boards and it may be difficult to navigate them all. Of course we suggesting using our site, JobsOver50.com. We are safe, spam-free and offer the largest job feed in North America. You will not miss an opportunity with us. Other sites, such as Simply Hired, Indeed & AARP are also very good and we recommend them highly.
8) Newspapers/classifieds. Many employers still find the local newspapers to be extremely effective in finding talent. The jobs are frequently current and the employers are financially sound. Classifieds are expensive so your fly-by-night employers will not use that medium. (They tend to frequent sites such as Craigslist instead). We also suggest perusing the classifieds from neighboring towns. If you do not wish to purchase the paper, we suggest that you visit the newspaper's website and select the "classified" link. From there you would select "job listings."
9) Employers appreciate 1 or 2-page resumes. Mature candidates frequently have a lot of experience so 2 pages is acceptable. Avoid 3 pages or you will not get an interview. Try to keep the resume brief and simply highlight your talents & accomplishments. The summary of those items can be discussed later in an interview. If you have multiple talents in different capacities or industries, we suggest creating several resumes. Submit the resume that is most inline with the job description you are applying for. FYI - Employers prefer resumes in MS Word format if you are submitting the resume via email.
10) Never lie. If an employer asks you a question you can not answer, be honest. Do not lie and do not say "I don't remember." Employers understand that no one is perfect. Your appearance, attitude and confidence is what matters (along with your underlying experience that caused you to get the interview in the first place). Honesty is the best policy and a solid rapport between you and the interviewer will improve your chances dramatically!
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