Older Job Seekers

In some occupations when a job seeker has ten, fifteen or more years experience it is hard for them to find another job. Sometimes the reason is because employers discriminate against older job seekers, other times it is because the hiring managers make assumptions about middle aged or older employees and hire younger, sometimes the managers fear a mature worker is more qualified than they are and sometimes the job seeker may assume the reason is their age. In many search situations it is a combination of all of them.

If you are discriminated against because of your age, there are legal remedies available. But unfortunately, the litigation route is not always possible or feasible and to prove discrimination is not easy.

If the reason is because of your own misconception or even one of the other reasons, you need to look within yourself for the motivation to continue. Roy Williams, coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the winningest active head coach in men’s Division I-A basketball said it best. When talking to his freshman point guard during a game, who was complaining the reason he turned the ball over was because he was fouled, Williams said, “You can be a conscientious objector and sit on the bench or you can get back in the game and be a player.”

The point is, no matter what the reason – keep at it. Results are what it is all about.

If the real reason is because of a hiring manager’s wrong perception, there are things your can do.

             Hiring managers may think you will not be happy in the job, or that you are expecting more money than they can offer. They may believe you are not up on the latest technology. It could be they believe you would not fit in with the existing staff or that you would not relate to their client base. They may think you would take the job until you find what you really want.

Sometimes it is based on the actual experiences of the employer and sometimes on prejudices of the employer. Unfortunately, some human resource managers are conditioned to look for reasons not to hire potential employees rather than reasons to hire, since they review so many resumes and applications.

            Now, how do you get around these issues and land the job? By determining your strengths, creating and using advantages, and projecting a positive and focused image.

            The biggest advantage you may have over younger employees is your network of contacts and friends developed during you career. Many may be in management and aware of opportunities upcoming opportunities.

Use them to locate potential positions and to further expand your network. Most positions are found through networking.

            Next, update your resume. As discussed previously, examine job publications and Web sites for the latest trends in your field. Incorporate new formats, action words and key words related to your occupation. Set up an e-resume for web use.

            If you are concerned about your older employment record or dates, set up a plan to lessen them and concentrate more on your skills and more recent activities. Consider using a functional or combination format. Consider listing only your most recent jobs and concentrate on your overall skills and accomplishments. Provide schools and degrees received, but don’t provide dates. You may want to set up skills and accomplishments as your main structural framework and just list your more recent jobs.

            If you have a target company, find out what their hiring needs are now and in the near future. Set up your background, skills and education to fit those needs. Emphasize the most relevant information.

            Consider using a summary at the beginning of your resume. Determine a focus and “stick to it”. This way you can highlight upfront your strengths and persuade the recruiter why you’re the right one for the job. Use a cover letter to complement your resume.                 

            Not all human resource managers’ agree with the strategy of not providing all of your job history. So just in case, have a chronological resume available for those occasions.

            If you cannot find the job you want, consider placing yourself in a strategic position in your targeted company or agency. The experience you receive in the new job combined with your past employment may put you in a situation to get the job you really want.

            Being a little older can have advantages when looking for employment. Many employers prefer seasoned employees with lots of varying experience. No matter what, make sure you consider your strengths and use them to your advantage. There are lots of opportunities.