At a time when many of our contemporaries have taken early retirement, some of us are still working. Some because we want to contribute still, and many because our financial situation is either precarious or because it is not secure enough yet. Still more of us, like working and enjoy what we do, or it is a combination of all these reasons. Surprisingly in this period of worker shortages many skilled older workers can’t find jobs.
Ageism is very real. Older workers may be perceived as over-qualified or simply the opposite, too old to learn new skills. Some employers are hesitant because older workers “could just retire or leave,” leaving the employer short-handed. The irony is that these statements could be true of anyone.
Older workers have skills, but they also have fears. Having to look for work is difficult mentally at any age, being over fifty is even more difficult. Many of us have found ourselves in positions we did not expect to be in, like me, who after working more than twenty-five years with one company found myself looking for work.
Fortunately, some things can be done to overcome the fears and the perceptions. They work, I have used them myself and I have taught others to use them.
There are rules or lessons to be followed. The first is that looking for a new job is a full-time occupation. Self-help expert Brian Tracy says that you should spend 80% of your time “prospecting and presenting” – networking through friends, family, former associates, former employers, and community groups, “pounding the pavement” and 20% of your time spent following up. Building on this truism is that everyone you know should know that you are looking for work. You will find your friends and former employers WANT to help you if you created a good impression with them.
Next, online resources are an important part of your job search; however, it is only part of your search. Know that everyone else, of all ages, is looking for work online and it is important to stand out and get away from the crowd. Use “cold calls,” to supplement your online searching, they are the most difficult way to look for a job. “Cold Calls,” should be done in person because calling or using emails simply isn’t enough.
Always be looking for ways to upgrade your skills and always be learning. Technology has made this task easier than ever. Continuous learning, either formal or self-directed will provide you with a competitive advantage because few people apply this lesson.
Create online profiles on tools such as LinkedIn, Indeed.ca, and other online search tools. Read other people’s profiles and constantly polish your presentation. Even after finding a new position, continue to use these tools to stay current and updated.
Apply for any job that you feel qualified to do. Most postings represent the “perfect” candidate; however, on many occasions, the perfect person never applies. Having 6 or 7 of the prime requirements out of 10 listed might be enough.
Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application. Don’t forget to keep your resume current and use both to highlight how your skills address the employer’s requirements.
Hand in your application as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the deadline, it is not uncommon for employers to pick the first person they feel is qualified if they are desperate to fill the position. Most employers do not have a dedicated human resources department and their staff is already taking time from their busy schedules to cover for someone.
Positive references reduce the risk for employers. Hiring a new person is a big gamble of time and money and hiring a person that is known to someone they trust reduces the risk factor considerably, especially in smaller communities and rural areas.
Ensure that your references know that you are using them, and only use references that will say something positive about you. Don’t be afraid to ask people to help you, you will be surprised at how willing people are to help.
Try to keep your resume to one or two pages. Use action verbs such as “enhanced, created, performed, initiated, collaborated,” to help your resume and cover letter work better for you.
Use free online tools such as Grammarly to double-check the spelling and grammar on your resume and cover letter. Take the additional step of having someone read these documents as well.
Find out the name of the person in charge of hiring as well as the correct spelling to enhance your cover letter, there is no reason that you can’t call the prospective employer and ask.
Make your resume and cover letter stand out. There are hundreds of free resources available online and in your community employment centers that can help you create a unique and effective way to tell your story.
Limit your resume to the past 10-15 years. I have been working for more than thirty years; however, to limit the subconscious effects of ageism I am very conscious of perception. Find other ways to list your skills without “dating” yourself.
Take the time to prepare your “Professional Summary,” on your resume. Use this section to refer to the wealth of skills that you have acquired in your career. Search online for examples to use as templates.
Be positive, upbeat, and smile when arriving for an interview. Be attentive and polite to everyone you meet. You are being evaluated whether you know it or not. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, expect to be evaluated from the time you enter the building to the time you leave.
When doing an interview be prepared to answer a short questionnaire. Some organizations also include skill tests, as part of the application process. Try not to be overwhelmed, take your time, and answer them to the best of your ability.
Do your research. Most interviews are between 20 minutes to 1 hour. Take the time to visit their website and spend at least the equivalent time learning about what they do, what they are proud of, and what challenges they face. Spending this time will also help you to determine the best way to dress for the interview.
Prepare for online interviews. These are more common sometimes than in-person interviews. Dress as if you were doing an in-person interview, check the connection for sound and picture, arrive early (10 minutes), ensure that you will not be interrupted, relax, and do your best.
Practice your interview skills. There are many sources for interview questions, most importantly the good ones will explain why interviewers ask certain questions. You can bring notes to an interview, it is allowed, particularly for the inevitable question, “Do you have any questions.” Practice answering questions with another person or at the very least in front of a mirror.
Follow up on your application with a phone call a couple of days later; the worst thing that will happen is that they’ll say they haven’t filled the job yet. Don’t rely on the employer to call you back. Phone calls are always better than emails, emails are easily deleted. “Don’t burn any bridges,” if you didn’t get offered the job or an interview, tell the person that you are still very interested and that if something happens, you would still like to be considered.
Dress like you already had the job when arriving for an interview, either in person or online. People make their first impression of you within 4 seconds of meeting you. Don’t underestimate how the failure to take personal hygiene into account will hurt you. Watch your posture, sit up, and lean forward slightly.
Avoid unconscious mistakes. Don’t chew gum or eat anything when talking to a prospective employer, also use appropriate language.
For an in-person interview. Double-check the time and location. Consider visiting the site the day before if possible, to know where to go and where to park. Always be early.
Be ready for the question everyone hates. Research before applying for a position to know what an appropriate wage should be. Avoid wasting your time and the employer’s time because you need to be affordable for the employer to give you a chance, but also you need to be able to live. This is becoming much easier with online tools like indeed.ca.
In an interview keep your focus on what you can do for the organization, not necessarily what the company can do for you – this is often forgotten about by people being interviewed.
Review your social media footprint. Social media is not private, and many employers will “google you.”
Relax and be prepared. Be confident in yourself, be prepared to answer questions, and practice good answers that only help you, not that will hurt you inadvertently. For example, practice these “loaded” questions, they are designed to disqualify the unwary: “What is your greatest weakness? What did you hate about your last boss or job? Why should we hire you? Why did you leave your last job? How much money do you want to make? What would your former employer say about you?
Ageism does exist. It is harder for older workers to find opportunities. If you are like me you may have to reinvent yourself. It might seem overwhelming and some days you will doubt yourself and experience anxiety and depression. I have many times.
The important thing is to realize, that everyone in our position has felt this way. It is normal and you are not alone. The most positive advice I can provide you is to use the points in this post. They work, they have worked for me, and they have worked for everyone who has read or listened to them. They will work for you, or for someone you know.
Good luck,
Paul.