Don't let your age be a barrier - use this to your advantage
THERE'S NO disguising the fact that if you are over-50s and find yourself out of work that getting back into the employment market can be challenging, but don't let this discourage you.
You have a lot to offer any informed employer, so let’s explore how best to lever your skills and experience, there are things that can be done to increase the chance of finding a job.
1. HAVE YOU TRIED YOUR NEAREST CONTACTS?
Use your social and professional contacts to access new job prospects. Networking can give you access to good leads.
Attend relevant events, make new introductions and follow up on them, and do not be too proud or embarrassed to admit to your friends that you are open for job opportunities. They may know the person who takes hiring decisions in an organisation.
If given a contact, write to the named person with a one-page CV, explaining how much you admire the company’s work and that you would like any opportunity, however short-term. Suggest you are available to pop in and have a chat.
2. EXPLORE NEW POSSIBILITIES
A break in career might just be the opportunity you need to break out of a cycle of routine, and for you to achieve greater self-fulfilment, so think laterally about the kind of work you are looking for.
Be willing to make use of other skills gained in hobbies or voluntary work, or to return to past interests you may have discarded in the pursuit of a professional career – You may be surprised to discover a potential you did not know existed.
3. LOOK AT YOUR SKILLS OBJECTIVELY
It is important to review your skills so you can get a better understanding of what you have to offer future employers, and how best to market yourself.
Knowing your strengths and unique selling points are important. This knowledge will give you confidence and help you to promote the qualities that set you apart from the rest of the job applicants.
If you spot any skill gaps based on changing industry, or technology needs, then you will be able to work out what up-skilling you may need, and this will then help you to focus on filling that gap, e.g. updating your digital skills.
Don’t let a skill gap be an obvious barrier; if you fill the gaps then you can stand firmly on your knowledge and experience.
4. REFRESH YOUR CV... CONSTANTLY
The days of having a single CV have gone. In this time of stiff competition for limited jobs, it is essential to be fluid in your approach to CV writing.
Yes have a core CV highlighting all your skills, but it is important to tailor your approach each job application with wisdom. Make sure you understand what the application requires, then focus and strip your CV of any unnecessary details.
This has the added advantage of making your CV more concise and easy to read. Take this same approach with covering letters.
5. BE STRATEGIC & REALISTIC
Looking for a job is an art in itself. Be selective.
Look for the jobs that fit the skills and experience you have to offer, be focussed and targeted. If you can, avoid simply sending off as many applications you can find time to do.
Getting a foot in the door can be hard, so it is also important to be open to alternative types of work, such as contracting or free-lancing, or part-time and flexible working, or being realistic on salary expectations. Any of these could be a door opener.
6. HIGHLIGHT YOUR SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
When an opportunity does arise, emphasise your experience and skills in a way that shows how you can add value to the
organisation. Show that your experience is up-to-date, make it clear that you understand the most pressing needs in the role.
Some employers do not employ older jobseekers because of fear that you may not be willing to learn new things, or discard old habits – Make sure you emphasis to them your experience, adaptability, and willingness to learn and be flexible.
Demonstrate what you know about the organisation, its products, or services. Look at their Social Media feeds and website so you can reflect back to them your interest in what they are doing, or saying.
7. LEARN ABOUT VIDEO MEETINGS & OTHER TOOLS
Many things about job hunting have changed because of advances in technology. For example, a lot more meetings and interviews are now done online.
Tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and other video chat platforms, have become an essential part of the recruiting process, so if you’re not sure how to use them, take a tutorial or watch a training video. Demonstrating your knowledge of these things will dispel concerns that they might have about hiring older workers.
If you are called for a video interview make sure you practice beforehand and are familiar with being able to share your screen or use the chat function, all of these demonstrate competence.
These are becoming everyday tools in the workplace and are important skills to learn and become familiar with.
8. PRACTICE ANSWERING HARD QUESTIONS
It’s not uncommon for interviewers to make comments to older candidates about being “overqualified” or “too expensive.” Learning how to respond to these comments is critical because they can often used as an excuse to screen out older job seekers.
For example, if an interviewer says that you are overqualified for a position and questions whether you would get bored with the role, one way to answer it is to say, “I don’t view myself as overqualified but as someone who will bring added expertise to the company.”
You can deflect any assumptions they may be making by proactively explaining why you’re so interested in the role. You might say, “I want to work for you because …” or, “This role is very interesting to me because …” or, “I’ve always wanted to have a chance to bring my expertise in this field to things I’m passionate about.”
If the question of salary comes up explain why salary isn’t the driving decision in your job search—if that’s the case. Focus on why the salary for the role is enough for you or why you believe that the role aligns with your long-term goals. You could say, “I understand why you have that concern but my priorities are finding the right role, feeling inspired, and adding value to an organization that inspires me,” or, “I’m willing to take less money for the right role.”
9. PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING
Look bright and alert for interviews. Find someone to help you conduct a practice interview.
Older workers often score in the skills department, but employers are also influenced by things like appearance and dress.
Don’t mention your age but don’t be defensive about it either if you are asked.
Keep the focus to the position at hand and what you can offer, act positively and enthusiastically. Help them to see that age is not the barrier, or risk, that they may think it is.
10. AND WHILE YOU'RE WAITING ...
Keep busy with projects that interest you or that offer something towards your career goal. This also gives you additional content to add to your CV covering the time that you might be out of work.
After several rejections its not unusual for your confidence and faith in your own abilities to be shaken, but persevere. Don’t be discouraged by refusals – keep going.
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