Optimism kick-starts 55+ job hunt

Posted In: Career Coaching, Career Resources · By: Seniors for Jobs.com · Date: 16 Oct 2008

By David Caster

Sixty-five and out? Not so fast. At least 60 percent of retirement-age employees will continue to work full or part time instead of calling it quits.

There are several reasons for this trend. Economics have taken a toll on seniors' nest eggs. Others see it as a way to remain active and experience new careers that challenge and satisfy them.

Here are some considerations for experienced employees weighing new options that start with a job hunt:

- It's a battle – To start, be aware that today's job market is very competitive. "Unfortunately, it is easy to get discouraged," said Marti Smith, employment adviser with Senior's Inc. in Denver.

"Many in the 55-and-over category feel that the odds are stacked against them because of age. In some cases that may be true," she said. "On the other hand, starting out your search with a self-defeating attitude will certainly not work," she said. "Don't let that happen."

She advises senior job-changers to arm themselves to succeed. "Prepare yourself for a tough experience, but develop a positive approach. More and more companies are now beginning to recognize the value of hiring older workers. Your job is to develop a well thought-out plan that emphasizes what you offer and makes you truly competitive in your search," she said.

- Know your value – The basic elements of a successful job hunt – focus, self-assessment, powerful resume and networking – are still critical.

"But first and foremost, whether you are over 55 or not, in order to be successful in today's tight job market, the key factor is mindset, not age," said Jon Terry, a senior vice president of Bernard Haldane Associates.

Know your value and the needs of the targeted employers. "Match their needs with what you offer and identify possible value-added features you may possess," he said. This clearly points out the importance of focus, self-assessment and research.

- Networking - your best weapon – This cannot be overemphasized. "After you can communicate your value effectively, be ready to network, network, network," Terry said. "Develop a system. Make up a list of all possible contacts and strategies to make contact with them to help them help you. And don't stop. Keep expanding your list."

Effective networking can very quickly require a full-time commitment. In your networking plan, consider a weekly objective of making new contacts.

Networking's effectiveness is enhanced by viewing it as a two-way street. You ask how you can help those you contact. They help you with insight and information.

And don't forget "cold-calling," perhaps with the help of a short telephone script. It's most important to be a good listener and to not overwhelm your contacts.

"In every meeting you have, be prepared to communicate your value and don't leave without identifying new potential contacts," Terry said. More than 60 percent of all jobs are obtained this way, according to a Bernard Haldane study.

- Clarify qualifications – Be able to "discuss your qualifications in a clear well-organized manner at the interview, as well as in networking situations," said career coach John Heckers, of Heckers, Nago & Associates. "An impressive list of qualifications, by itself, is certainly no guarantee that you'll get the job offer."

Be specific. "Emphasize achievements that made a positive difference in former jobs. Use numbers and percentages. Bottom line results make a strong impression," he said.

- Defend against stereotyping – Common stereotypes of older workers can be a problem. Try to address this up front.

Here are a few examples that may help:

- Wake up your resume – Pick up your resume. Would it stand out among 50 or more candidates? Would it capture a hiring manager's interest within the top one-third of the page at the point of initial natural eye contact? Also, is it readily scannable at about 10 seconds per page?

Consider going back only about 10 years in your job history. Keep your resume simple and user-friendly. Tune it to the specific career objective or job target. Include key words to enhance computer scanning.

- Plan for the interview – Just showing up on time doesn't do it. Know what you are walking into and prepare. Is it one-on-one, a team interview, the first of two or more, with human resources staff or the office hiring manager?

"Your resume will very likely constitute the agenda, so be ready to support your statements with in-depth knowledge and specific examples," said Frank Fox, executive director of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. "And of course, the more you know about the company, its problems and objectives, the stronger impression you will probably make."

Think "value-added" when planning for the interview. Clearly articulate your achievements and what you bring to the table. Avoid examples that rate your value as similar to candidates who are 20 years younger and $20,000 per year cheaper; you can't compete. Be ready to emphasize your flexibility, adaptability and team-building expertise – all important credentials to employers.

Avoid premature salary discussions because they frequently work against you. Hold off until you are in a strong position – when it appears that the employer is truly interested in hiring you.

- Don't get discouraged – A senior re-careerist who asked not to be named recently went through a downsizing and a successful job-hunt for the first time in years.

"The more you understand the employer's needs, how you can fulfill them and be able to communicate this effectively, the greater your chance of success," he said. "Be ready to learn what job search is all about when you're over 55 in today's job market."

David Caster is an internationally certified job and career transition coach based in Aurora.