Get Some Tips For A Job Search Over 50
Over 50 Job Hunters
We have posted before that unemployment has hit older workers even harder than the general population. There is even a phrase for it, and it is now known as the Gray Wall.
We know that many older workers are searching for new opportunities, trying to make a career change, or perhaps just trying to make an income. Since many older workers have been away from the job market, it may pay to learn about how the job search has changed, and of course, how it is just the same.
Avoid The Gray Wall
It is impossible to totally avoid age discrimination in some fields. On the other hand, remember that you do bring years of experience and maturity to the table. Please do not apologize for your age, but try to sell it as an asset.
If you think you may lack some skills, because your formal education long ago, it may be time to find a quick way to pick them up. Online classes and community colleges make this easier than it used to be!
Also be wary of self-sabotage. How do you feel about working for a younger boss. These days, you may have to get used to that idea, so be wary of projecting any uncomfortable feelings in a job interview.
Network
The old saying is as true today as it ever was. It is not what you know, but it is who you know. Offline, you have probably built up a network of friends and past business associates. These days, you can use the internet to help you reinforce and add to that network with websites like LinkedIn and FaceBook. These online resources are a great way to get back in touch with your old associates, and also to build upon those relationships to form new ones.
Online Job Sites
If your network is dry, you may try online job sites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. You may also look at more specific, industry related sites. For example, computer people like sites like Dice.com. This is a quick way to find job postings, and also to get your name noticed by headhunters who may have more leads that are not posted.
State Unemployment Offices
Every state has employment offices. They have job listings and job training. Sometimes we tend to forget about this valuable, tax supported resource, but it can be very helpful.
More Job Hunting Tips For People Over 50?
If you have more suggestions, we’d be very interested in reading your comments. You can register for free and post them here. We do moderate new posters, to make sure they are high quality (not SPAM) but love to publish the good ones!
No related posts.
I would suggest trying to find employment in companies with older employees especially those that do the hiring.
From my own personal experience I found when I went for an interview at an organization a number of years ago I was interviewed by people in their later 50s. I got the position no problem. Also there were quite a few other employees in that age group. Over time as many of these employees retired and their positions were filled by younger employees what I noticed happening is that they like to hire people around their own age. So look at who’s doing the hiring and the age of other employees.
http://www.lifebydesignover50.com