Are You Dressing The Part As An Older Job Seeker? Revamp Your Job Search Strategies

Revamp Your Job Search Strategies and Get a Job

Finding a job is tough these days. But it's even tougher if you're over fifty. Here are some proactive steps you can take to boost your chances for a successful job hunt.


Don't waste much time looking in the newspaper for a job. Today's job listings, resume sharing and application forms are online. So if you're not internet savvy and computer literate, it's time to learn. Public libraries, continuing education programs and community colleges are all likely places to find computer literacy courses. Or get your children or grandchildren to show you how.

If you're already computer literate, review and refresh your computer skills. If need be, take courses in the latest software programs used in your particular industry.

Even if you don't Twitter, and haven't joined Facebook and Linkedin, you should know what they are. Better yet, join Linkedin and post your profile.Then add the link to your revamped resume.

Create a website, or pay someone to build one for you, and post your resume and samples of your work there, particularly if you are in a creative field.

Networking is the Real Answer

The largest employment market is not advertised, counsels Bill Belknap, an expert on networking and a Certified Master Career Coach at The Five O’clock Club, a nationwide career coaching and outplacement service. "If you only focus on internet job leads, you'll be missing the biggest segment of the job market," said Belknap in a telephone interview conducted on March 9,2009. Particularly in a tough economy, companies first attempt to fill positions through their network, via employee referrals, because it saves them money, he added.

Review and Revamp Your Resume

Rework your resume to be sure you are using language that's current with today's market, for example, human resources or hiring manager, not personnel department.

Never try to hide your age by leaving dates or jobs off your resume. And never lie about your age, though anyone who asks directly for your age is breaking the law. "There’s no logic in trying to conceal your age," said Belknap. "In fact, it’s naive to think you can fool the hiring manager. Full disclosure will be required when you get to fill out the job application, so why put yourself at risk? "

Show Off Your Energy

The best way to show your energy is to be enthusiastic, said Belknap. Again, take a proactive approach during conversations to advertise your good health, fitness, stamina and high energy level. If you bike, run, dance, lead hikes, swim six miles a week, run marathons, or enjoy walking vacations, say so if and when the opportunity arises.

Dress the Part

Since your age is fairly obvious just from the length of your career as shown on your resume, does it really matter if you color your hair and buy stylish, up-to-the-minute shoes and clothing for an interview?

"You do need to look the part and wear current style, clothing," advised Belknap. But more importantly he recommends that you "find out how the hiring manager dresses and dress one notch above that." For example, if the hiring manager wears causal pants and a dress shirt, show up for the interview in khakis and a dress shirt and maybe a jacket.

The old adage "when in Rome" is still the best rule, explained Belknap. "Do your research on your target company. Understand who it is you would be working for. Sometimes looking at the company web site can give you an idea of the dress code. But if not, call and ask at the switchboard. 'I have an interview how do most people dress?' Or visit the company or find a relative or friend -of- a -friend who works there and ask about the dress code."

Revamp your resume and review and renew your computer skills if need be. If you're not computer and internet savvy, start taking courses. And network to open doors to a potential new job.

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20 Years Younger. What Career Would You Choose? Recareering At Midlife:Dr. Helen Harkness (Video) , Part1

Dr. Helen Harkness asks: What would you do if you were 20 years younger?
Learn from a professional what it takes during a midlife career change to move from an old identity to a new identity. She started her new career at age 50. The race is not over. You can hit a new stride with the right midlife career change. The Starting line is here. (note: give it about 10 seconds to start) (Editors Note)

View Part 2 of Re-careering at Midlife Here.

5 Simple Tips to Beat Age Discrimination in Your Job Search - LIVE WEBINAR

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10 Easy Steps To Thrive During A Job Phone Interview

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"Job hunting starts at the phone interview. To get the job, you need to present yourself well over the phone - say the right things, mind your tone, and be confident overall. To see how you can do this, read this article so you can land a job".


Phone interviews are frequently used by companies to save time by pre-qualifying your interest and expertise. The following are some recommendations to ensure your next phone interview is successful for you.


Isolate Yourself
Phone interviews place you at a disadvantage because you only have one tool of communication, your voice. The interviewer's impression of you is shaped by all the sounds coming through the phone. Insulate yourself from distractions and background noises. Do not have your phone interview when you are surrounded by a lot of noise like an outdoor café at a busy intersection. If the call is on your cell phone make sure the caller can hear you clearly.

When the phone interviewer first contacts you, make sure it is comfortable for you to talk on the phone for at least 20 minutes. If it's not convenient, recommend scheduling another time for the call.

Schedule the Phone Interview
If you can not speak comfortably when the first call arrives, ask the interviewer if you could schedule a specific time for the phone interview. Be sure to define who will call who. It is recommended that you offer to call the company. This ensures you are fully prepared and in a situation where you can speak without interruptions. Schedule the phone interview just like you would any face-to-face interview.

Stand Up
During the call stand up, walk around and smile. All these things make a big difference in the projection and quality of your voice.

What's Next
At the conclusion, ask the interviewer about next steps and timing of their hiring process.

Get Face-to-Face
If you are interested, ask for a face-to-face interview. Remember that your objective (during the phone interview) is to secure a face-to-face interview. You will be most effective discussing your background and assessing the company in a face-to-face meeting.

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Do You Know The 7 Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make?

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A good portion of the e-mail I receive is from readers over age 50 who are looking for work after a layoff. Many tell me they found their last job more than a decade ago, in the classifieds of their local newspaper. Many more say they're daunted -- understandably so -- by the foul job market, the prospect of ageism and the likelihood of being interviewed by someone half their age

All of them worry about the generalizations some short-sighted employers make about older workers. Either they see you as overqualified and overpriced, or they believe you're inflexible and technologically challenged. Perhaps they suspect you're just biding your time and taking up space until retirement rolls around.

We've all heard countless career experts (yours truly included) offer the same old job hunting solutions for workers over 50:

But platitudes will only get you so far. So let's talk about the top mistakes that hopeful hires over age 50 make and how to avoid them.

Telling Yourself That No One Hires Older Workers

I hear a lot of 50- and 60-somethings make this complaint. Yes, older candidates have to work harder to overcome discrimination, and no, it's not fair. But that doesn't mean every employer is hell-bent on shutting out all candidates over 35.

Example: The site RetirementJobs.com lists more than 30,000 full-time and part-time jobs nationwide with "age-friendly employers." Other job sites that cater to older workers: Jobs 4.0, Retired Brains, Seniors4Hire and Workforce50.com. In addition, AARP offers this list of the best employers for workers over 50.

So, please, don't tell me no one's hiring older workers.


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Putting an Expiration Date on Contacts

You've been on this crazy hamster wheel we call "work" for at least three decades now, so you might as well milk the vast contact list you've amassed for all its worth. It's perfectly acceptable to reach out to former employers, co-workers, vendors, classmates and other colleagues you haven't corresponded with in a decade or two. (Searching sites like LinkedIn and Facebook make finding them a snap.) Not only will your peers understand, more of them are likely reaching out to their long-lost contacts, too.

Get Your Free: 49 Benefits To Hiring An Older Skilled Worker.

Click here to read part 2 of this article

How to Deal With Stress During Unemployment and a Job Search

FREE GUIDE TO GETTING A JOB OVER 50  CLICK HERE

It’s normal to feel hurt, vulnerable, or angry after losing a job. The good news is that despite the stress of job loss and unemployment, there are many things you can do to take control of the situation and maintain your spirits.


You can get through this tough time by taking care of yourself, reaching out to others, and focusing on your goals. Losing your job can also be an opportunity to take stock of your life, rethink your career goals, and rediscover what truly makes you happy

Losing a job is stressful

Our jobs are much more than just the way we make a living. They influence how we see ourselves, as well as the way others see us. Our jobs give us structure, purpose, and meaning. That’s why job loss and unemployment is one of the most stressful things you can experience.

Beyond the loss of income, losing a job also comes with other major losses, some of which may be even more difficult to face:

• Loss of Professional identity
• Loss of self-esteem and self-confidence
• Loss of your daily routine
• Loss of purposeful activity
• Loss of your work-based social network
• Loss of your sense of security

Grief is normal after losing a job

Grief is a natural response to loss, and that includes the loss of a job. Losing your job takes forces you to make rapid changes. You may feel angry, hurt, panicked, rejected, and scared. What you need to know is that these emotions are normal. You have every right to be upset, so accept your feelings and go easy on yourself.

Also remember that many, if not most, successful people have experienced major failures in their careers. But they’ve turned those failures around by picking themselves up, learning from the experience, and trying again. When bad things happen to you— or going through unemployment—you can grow stronger and more resilient in the process of overcoming them.

Coping with job loss and unemployment stress tip: Face your feelings

Fear, depression, and anxiety will make it harder to get back on the job market, so it’s important to actively deal with your feelings and find healthy ways to grieve. Acknowledging your feelings and challenging your negative thoughts will help you deal with the loss and move on.

Surviving the emotional roller coaster of unemployment and job loss

• Write about your feelings. Express everything you feel about being laid off or unemployed, including things you wish you had said (or hadn’t said) to your former boss. This is especially cathartic if your layoff or termination was handled in an insensitive way.

• Accept reality. While it’s important to acknowledge how difficult job loss and unemployment can be, it’s equally important to avoid wallowing. Rather than dwelling on your job loss—how unfair it is; how poorly it was handled; things you could have done to prevent it; how much better life would be if it hadn’t happened—try to accept the situation. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get on with the next phase in your life.


• Don’t beat yourself up. It’s easy to start criticizing or blaming yourself when you’ve lost your job and are unemployed. But it’s important to avoid putting yourself down. You’ll need your self-confidence intact as you’re looking for a new job. Challenge every negative thought that goes through your head. If you start to think, “I’m a loser,” write down evidence to the contrary - “I lost my job because of the recession, not because I was bad at my job.”

• Look for the silver lining. Losing a job is easier to accept if you can find the lesson in your loss. What can you learn from the experience? Maybe your job loss and unemployment has given you a chance to reflect on what you want out of life and rethink your career priorities. Maybe it’s made you stronger. If you look, you’re sure to find something of value.

Beware of Pitfalls

• Taking refuge in your “cave” may provide temporary comfort, but is little help if your time spent there is not constructive. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive family and friends may better help your self-esteem.

• Venting your anger and frustrations may only make you feel worse if you find yourself in the middle of a “pity party.” There are people who actually enjoy misery and the misfortune of others.

• Drinking is at best a temporary relief, and for some people, can lead to a crippling addiction.

Source: Surviving Tough Times (PDF), The University of Georgia

Over 50? Some Resume Advice for You!

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Whenever Rob­ert Skladany conducts work­­shops for job seekers over age 50, he hears one word again and again: résumés.


Among the men and women in these groups – some unemployed, others reentering the workforce – a common concern predominates. "They feel they are not at all familiar with contemporary résumés," says Mr. Skladany, vice president of research at Retirement Jobs.com in Waltham, Mass.
One man told him he had not written a résumé for 25 years. In that time, résumés have indeed undergone a transformation. Paper documents, once read and filed by people, have turned electronic. Often they are screened by an employer's automated applicant-tracking system. These changes call for new approaches on the part of applicants.

"Older workers don't understand the environment they're putting their application into," Skladany says. "They still expect an acknowledgment."

By 2010, 1 of every 3 workers will be over 50 years old. To help them remain competitive in the job market, career counselors emphasize the importance of a polished résumé. Rob­erta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions in Northampton, Mass., advises over-50 job seekers to consider four questions: Does your résumé look weathered? Has it grown to three or four pages over time? Is your first job after high school graduation still listed? Are you still displaying the date you graduated from college?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, she says, it's time to redo your résumé.

Including graduation dates is the subject of debate among career specialists. "You shouldn't lie," Ms. Matuson says. "I am not advocating hiding your age. I'm saying, why broadcast it? The people who are screening résumés are 25 years old."

Yet others suggest that applicants include graduation dates. "If you're 50-plus, play it up in your résumé," says Chuck Underwood, president of the consulting firm The Generational Imperative in Cincinnati. Still other job counselors call the use of dates "very individual" and say, "Use your good judgment."

Many career specialists advise older applicants to limit a résumé to two pages and to include only the most recent 15 to 20 years of their work history. Earlier jobs can be summarized under a heading such as "Positions held prior to 1990," with a list of companies and titles.

Skladany avoids the word "experience." The emphasis today is on capabilities, qualifications, and achievements, he says, not previous titles, duties, and length of service.

Chronological listings on résumés have given way in some cases to formats that highlight skills. "In a chronological format, your most important or relevant experience might be three jobs back," says Shel Horowitz, a professional résumé writer in Northampton, Mass. "Companies may not get that far in reading."

In an electronic age, Jeff Benrey, CEO of Trovix, an online job site in Mountain View, Calif., underscores the importance of a well-formatted résumé. Many examples and templates are available on the Internet, he says.

He still receives an occasional mailed résumé. "In one sense, it's charming. 'Oh look, somebody went to the post office and mailed this.' On the other hand, it begs the question, 'how computer savvy are you?' You want to make sure applicants are Internet savvy and connected."

Being connected also means having a cellphone and e-mail. "In the absence of a cellphone and an e-mail address, recruiters assume technological ignorance," Skladany says. "If your e-mail address is currently fluffykittens6, don't use it. It should be mundane and professional."

"Show that you are up to date on technology, terminology, and industry happenings," says Julie Rains, a certified professional résumé writer in Winston-Salem, N.C. "Avoid references to out-of-date technology." As an example, she adds, "You might describe your computer knowledge as 'understanding of operating systems and electronic media' rather than 'proficiency with DOS and floppy disks.' "

For women over 50 whose careers have been interrupted by family responsibilities – child-rearing and elder care – Vicki Donlan finds that those experiences, properly described in a résumé and interviews, transfer into the workplace today.

"A woman's résumé must amplify her lifetime of experience – at home, in the community, and at work," says Ms. Donlan, author of "Her Turn: Why It's Time for Women to Lead in America."

She is currently advising a woman of 60 who owned a day-care center with her husband. He died suddenly, and she wants to parlay those skills into a corporate job. On her résumé, simply stating "Ran a day-care center with my husband" doesn't sound like a transferable skill, Donlan says. But bullet points of skills required for that role paint a different picture: "Dealt with state licensing. Helped children transition from preschool into public school. Dealt with different levels of management."

Whatever an over-50 job seeker's résumé does or doesn't include, Matuson puts it in a broader context. "You really have to focus on what your attitude is. Workers looking for new positions can come up with a million reasons why someone isn't going to offer them a job. They'll send out two résumés and not get a response and say, 'See, no one wants to hire me. I'm too old.' It's ridiculous. If you're 20 and send out two résumés, you're more than likely going to get the same result."

One way to counter age-related stereotypes is to accentuate your openness to learning, says Scott Erker, a senior vice president at DDI, human resource consultants in Pittsburgh. Mention courses you've taken and professional certifications you've maintained. "Companies want people who are willing to learn, adapt, and be stable, who aren't looking for the next job before they start this one." He finds that older workers are "not very aggressive" about emphasizing things they've done outside of work – volunteer work, travel, and diverse experiences.

Noting that the biggest obstacle older applicants face is discouragement, Skladany encourages an upbeat attitude.

"Be positive," he says. "You have no alternative but to be proud of your age and qualifications."

ADVICE FOR OLDER JOB APPLICANTS

Last month, Melanie Holmes, a 26-year veteran with Manpower North America, started writing about various workplace topics in a blog called Contemporary Working. She offers the following tips for over-50 job seekers:

• Flexibility is a big plus – emphasize that you can be open to a variety of scheduling, titles, consulting, etc.

• Experience is a given – provide details on your familiarity with processes, equipment, and systems.

• Past titles on your résumé may or may not be useful. Be sure to include a brief explanation of duties and related accomplishments.

• If you've upgraded your skills via a short course or certification, make sure it shows up on your résumé and in the interview.

• If you can work it into your cover letter, talk about loyalty, willingness to learn new things, and your comfort with technology.

• Try to limit your work history to what is relevant to the job for which you are applying. But, beware of leaving employment gaps – these can be a red flag to hiring managers.

By Marilyn Gardner
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0204/p13s01-wmgn.html


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7 Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make (2)

Doing a History Dump

The No. 1 mistake I see with older candidates is they include too much information in their resume," said Cathy Severson, a career coach who runs the site Retirement Life Matters. "Clear the clutter, old-dated, irrelevant information from your resume."

Instead, tailor your resume to the job you're applying for -- each time. Two to three pages and 15 years of relevant experience is more than enough.

Likewise, be careful that you don't turn an interview into a snooze-inducing laundry list of your top 100 achievements over the past 30 years, said Tom Mann of TR Mann Consulting, a marketing and advertising firm specializing in boomers and older workers.

Experienced workers are so eager to show their skills off that they do a 'history dump,'" he said. "While it's important to share your relevant skills, how you present is equally important. Show that you are also fun. Remember, Gen Y doesn't want to feel like they're working with their mom or dad."

Copping an Attitude

Equally damaging is acting superior to an interviewer who's younger than you or showing up with a chip on your shoulder the size of the national debt.

"It's not a good idea to tell the person how much you can teach them," said Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works, a national nonprofit that provides job training to low-income workers over 55. "But it is a good idea to tell them if you have any experience working or volunteering in a multigenerational workplace."

Winging the Interview

Not practicing for your interviews is another no-no, especially if you haven't been on one since the Reagan administration. If you're not sure how your interview rap is coming across, Metzler suggests enlisting a 20- or 30-something pal or colleague to do a test drive with you:

"If you know you're going to be interviewed by someone who's 25 and you're 65, then find someone who's 25 and have them interview you."

Arthur Koff, the 70-something who runs the job site Retired Brains, suggests taking it one step further:

"Try to get an interview with an employer you are not interested in working for as practice. You don't want to go to your first [important] interview in a long time and make easily correctable mistakes."

Click here to read part 3 of this article

7 Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 Make (3)

Failing to Embrace Your Inner Geek

As a Gen Xer, I didn't grow up making videos and blogging about my every burp and hiccup. I'm actually one of the biggest Luddites I know. But like many of my tech-challenged peers, I've learned that blogging about my field and using the micro-blog Twitter are simple ways to get noticed by potential employers (how do you think I got this gig?).

As long as you act like yourself and don't show up squeezed into your kids' clothes, no one will accuse of you being a 20-something wannabe. Instead, people will be impressed by your tech skills.

"I have interviewed and hired people close to twice my age," said Asher Adelman, founder and CEO of the job site GreatPlaceJobs. "I would highly recommend that older job seekers take advantage of social media platforms, which happen to be very easy to use, even for technophobes, in order to give the impression that they are in tune with the latest technological advances. This will work wonders for convincing young interviewers that you have the ability to work and relate with younger co-workers and excel in today's rapidly changing workplace."

Ignoring the Overqualified Elephant in the Room

As we all know, when employers see candidates applying for a job below their experience level or tax bracket, their hackles go up. So if you're going for a position with less pay or responsibility than you've been accustomed to, it's your job to explain in your cover letter and the interview why this is.

"It could be because they've had a very stressful career life and now would enjoy having their hands in something that is still part of a team but doesn't involve so many headaches," said Judi Perkins, a recruiter for 22 years who now works as a career coach. "It could be they're willing to take a cut in pay because the almighty dollar just isn't as important to them anymore."

Whatever rationale you give (no longer interested in climbing the ladder, done with working 14-hour days, miss the hands-on tasks you did before joining management), be sure to let potential employers know that you're interested in them, rather than just a job.

If you need more help getting up to speed with today's brave new job hunt, visit your local career center and check out AARP's excellent job hunting advice for older workers.

Whatever you do, don't throw in the towel before you've even tried. Your tattooed, flip-flop wearing counterparts need someone who's been around the block a few times to show them how this work thing's really done.

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This work is the opinion of the columnist and in no way reflects the opinion of ABC News.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance journalist, author and former cubicle dweller. Her books — "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube" and "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" (October 2008) -- offer an irreverent take on the traditional career guide. More tips on career change, flex work and the freelance life can be found on her blog, Anti9to5Guide.com

Read more:http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/Story?id=6751506&page=1

Career Shift at Age 40 - 5 Steps To Success

Register Here for Interns Over 40/Career Confidential Free Workshop:

 "How to Get a Job in 6 Weeks - Guaranteed" 

If you are forty-plus and want to change careers, you're probably shaking in your boots. Children. Homes. Bills. All of these things cause you to pause when you think about leaving your job. Yet, you're miserable. You want a change. (Read Full article page 1 of 3)

Well, don't ignore your feelings. Understand that switching careers doing the middle years of your life is not a recipe for disaster. As a matter of fact, it can be a start to a great 'new' beginning in which you gain the type of success you've always dreamed of.

Here are a few steps to get you started. They've worked for people in the past and so they can also work for you. Do them one second, minute, month and year at a time until you reach your ultimate goal.

Step 1. Re-name yourself. Even before you write your resignation letter, start speaking out loud your new title. If you've been working as a waitress all of your life, but want to be a writer, say it. Get your mind acquainted with the idea that you can do more than serve plates to hungry customers. It'll be a mental preparation that will help you on the road ahead.

Step 2. Research your path. Check out the best way to get into your new profession and what it really entails. Do you need to take night classes? Are jobs for that type of career available in your area? Can you do it alone or do you need a partner? How long will it take for you to transition into your new job? These questions are ones you need to ask yourself before you make any changes. Once you gather this information together, you'll be better equipped to move forward and also know if it's a risk you truly want to take.

Step 3. Reel in a friend. Don't think that you have to be a lone ranger through your process of change. Get a friend who's on your side and supports your dream to assist you. This assistance can range from help with getting into a new position to a pep talk when you're feeling discouraged about your new path. Either way, the support of a friend will help you move forward in your journey.
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‡ 4 Tips to De-Stress Your Job Search ‡

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 Four Tips to De-Stress Your Job Search:

Job seekers are spending long, grueling hours, hitting the job front from multiple angles, but the stress is becoming unbearable. So, I decided to build a list of de-stressing tips which hopefully provide you with some relief.


1. Take stock in what you have. When did our personal worth become indicative upon a j-o-b? No doubt, the loss of income will force us to make some difficult decisions, but never will our income, possessions, or number of/type of credit cards we hold even come close to representing our self-worth.

My husband reminded me yesterday of what beautiful grandsons we have; and no matter the kind of day I’m having, or the day they’ve had, we grace each other with smiles, hugs, and kisses. They don’t care about the job I have [or that I even have one]; they don’t care about the fanciness of clothes I wear; they don’t care about successes and failures I’ve had in my professional life. They care about my well-being, my happiness, and about the fullness of my “you’re loved” Grammy meter. =]

It’s too dang easy to lose sight of what *really* does matter, sadly concerning ourselves more about what’s secondary, maybe even irrelevant; i.e. why didn’t I get a response to my resume; why didn’t I get that call from the recruiter like he promised; and, why am I not getting interviews. You can stress about the “whys”, but at the end of the day, they are meaningless.

2. Embrace that you’re a pea in a pod. So many around you are facing the same job-search challenges, and although it might feel like you’re alone, maybe on your own deserted island, you are not alone.

I bet you have plenty to offer others who are unemployed – even if it’s just an open ear. What’s the best way for us to de-stress and shift focus from our own problems? Helping others always works for me.

Where can you find a “pea buddy”? How about …

■ Online forums
■ Local job clubs
■ Business groups
■ Networking events

“Let’s conquer this together.”

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¤ 6 Easy Ways To Beat Negative Stereotypes As A Older Worker ¤

Despite legislation prohibiting it, age is a common factor in hiring decisions. This is especially true for older workers who must combat a number of negative stereotypes, specifically that they are less energetic, enthusiastic and creative. Recruiting managers have confirmed that companies often will note that they would prefer a younger candidate. What is a mature job seeker to do in the face of this reticence? Last year, the BBC ran an informative article with practical job search suggestions for the middle aged job seekers with seven key tips paraphrased below.

1. Know the stereotype and confront it
Stereotypes exist for workers of all ages. Generally speaking, younger workers are considered:

• Physically more able and healthy
• Easier to supervise
• Lower salary expectations
• Willing to use new technology
• Creative
• Energetic

While mature workers are considered:

• Experienced
• Reliable
• Stable
• Loyal
• Have good practical knowledge
• Mature

You might think that the best strategy is to accentuate the positive qualities associated with your age group. According to the experts cited in the BBC article, this is the worst possible strategy. Prospective employers will already assume that you offer loyalty, stability, etc. and saying so will just reinforce the negative biases as well. What employers don't know (unless you tell them) is that you are creative, energetic, comfortable with new technology, etc. These "young" qualities are exactly the types of things you will want to emphasize.

2. Don't stereotype yourself
Whether you are in or out of work, push to receive training to keep up with important trends. Technology has become a critical element of almost every industry. If there is something you are not comfortable with then get comfortable with it--even if it means asking your kids!

3. Try something new
Don't feel that you must stay in the same industry you just left. While it's true that your relationships and experience are most applicable to the same industry, if your industry is contracting you might be forced to look outward. Odds are you have skills that are transferable to other industries and industries that are growing are more apt to hire from outside.

Free:49 Benefits of Hiring An Older Skilled Worker. Learn More.

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6 Unconventional Career Change Tips for Older Skilled Workers

	Career Changer: Do You Focus On Money ($$$) Issues or "Do What You Love (♥)?" The following is six unconventional mid-life career change tips based on the premise that the key to a successful career change transition is the integration of work, life and financial goals.

Unconventional Tip #1:
Each day you remain at a job because it is not fulfilling your financial goals is another day you postpone your financial freedom.


If you're over 40 you probably already recognize that making a career change when you're young is a lot easier than making a career change when you're older. Typically, the older you are the more you've invested in your current career and the more you potentially have to lose. Many mid-life career professionals remained in careers that were not fulfilling because they felt that their job was “satisfactory.”


If this sounds like you, don't let the fears cause you to stay in a job that isn't satisfying your long term financial objectives. The risks of staying in a career that is not meeting your financial goals are often greater than the financial risks of making a strategic move to a career that you enjoy more and that has the long-term potential you desire.


Unconventional Tip #2:
Tip number two is not to believe that if you love what you're doing you're bound to make money.
While there is quite a bit of wisdom in the maxim "Do What You Love", there is not a direct correlation between loving your job and meeting your financial goals. If money is an important consideration in your career change make sure that you thoroughly research your new career to make sure that if you become the best at what you do that the money will follow.


Unconventional Tip #3:
The third unconventional mid-life career change tip is to focus on money issues -- not work issues.

When making a mid-life career change it is important to thoroughly explore your new career to ensure that it's going to be professional and that you're qualified for the job. However, no matter how much you feel you're going to enjoy a career change and no matter how qualified you feel for a new position don't hand in your resignation at your current job until you've solidified your financial future. No matter how much planning you do you can't anticipate everything that is going to occur down the road. If you're taking a large financial risk by making a career change you may just find yourself in the exact same position in the future -- just 10 years older without the financial resources to make another career change.

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Top 10 Tips For Personal Branding Online As A Boomer Or Xgen

The whole concept of a personal brand is relatively new, although there have always been individuals who have understood the power of a “personal brand” Churchill, John Harvey-Jones and Richard Branson to name a few. But it has been the growth of the internet as a tool which then gave rise to blogging and the growth of the social and business networks as a tool to raise/build one’s profile, that has propelled the concept/need to think about you as a brand.


But as with all things new, the perception and definitions of “personal branding” differs with each “expert” you ask and there are definite misconceptions. So having trawled the web for a good definition I found this one to share with you;

"Personal Branding links your passions, key personal attributes, and strengths with your value proposition, in a crystal clear message that differentiates your unique promise of value from your peers and resonates with your target audience."

Another good definition on Personal Branding and Online reputation management can be found at Wikipedia.

Branding when done well projects your “personal DNA” it can help those hiring not just find you (that is personal marketing) but decide are you a “good fit” to my team, my department, my company. It helps the decision maker decide “do I want to recruit you” or should I do business with you (if you go self-employed).

When incorporated into a job seeker or career mover’s marketing communications it can help them “stand out from the competition” which in the current climate is critical. Share of voice is the name of the game, getting attention is key, BUT you want the right type of attention from the right recruiter/company.

There are many different views, techniques and approaches that can help you build a structure to help you build your personal brand. I have “attempted to reduce these to 10 key questions and answers that can help define and guide you toward an “authentic personal brand”.

1. Define what your Personal Vision is and Purpose
Round pegs and square hole, a cliché I know but be honest look at “your bigger picture” where do you want to fit in and then think about how the “world” can help you fulfill your vision.

2. “My Values and Passions”?
Tough one, but you need to know “you”. What you want, need and can or want to do. You must be honest, will that highly paid job really will be a good fit for you. Motivation is based on beliefs and if not meet then the passion won’t be there and chances are you and an employer won’t be satisfied or happy.

3. Define your Key Goals for the next 5 Years
You need a plan and once you have that plan the focus and purpose it will give helps you “project” your brand with clarity and honestly. “This is what I want, and here is how I will get there; then here’s is where I want to be and how I intend to get their. A propelling story for any recruiter.

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Simple Advice To Midlife Career Changer (Video)

Maggie Mistal, a well know career coach, gives older skilled workers some sound advice that not only applies to those about to be downsized but also those already immersed in a job search. How can you effectively make the transition from employed to an unemployed job seeker. Can you negotiate with your current employer? What resources should you check out? Even some suggestions on key websites to visit.(Editor's Note)

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Tips To Successfully Network During a Job Search. (Video)

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 During a job search networking means getting out there and meeting people in the real world.  Not just on Linkedin! So shut down your computer, after you watch this video :). You need to set up a goal and start attending local networking groups. There is a process that can help you accelerate you job search.(Editor's Note) 

Free:18 Ways To Network As An Older Job Seeker

Miserable? Is It Time To Make A Mid-Life Career Change? (Video)

Editors Note: Warning:This video start out slow but if you view the whole video you should find a few valuable pieces of career transition suggestions.   Be sure to evaluate if your company is offering a early retirement or buyout package before you accept. Do you know Federal and State governments offer career transition help? Do you feel ageism had a role in a particular job interview?


Source:How to plan a midlife career change


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"How to Answer Any Question A Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You!"

Interview Tips From a Pro (Video)

Do you know what your "points of brilliance" are? Some times we just need to hear someone else tell us what we already know.  Or perhaps what we should have known. Isn't that what coach's do? Interviewing is an art form that needs to be practiced over and over to put together a winning method. Check out this mock interview. What interview tips do you have that have proven success full for you? (Editor's note)

What Can You Do To Improve Your Answers To Difficult Job Interview Questions? Start Now

Do You Understand What Your "Transferable Job Skills" Are?

As an older job hunter, trying to land your next job is difficult in this economy. Rather than thinking about what industry or what particular job title you want, you should focus on your "transferable job skills" and then see which jobs are applicable to your skill set. To find out how to do this, watch this video below.


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How To Find a Job After Being Laid Off

Are you looking at the big picture during your career transition?What are your energy drains? Do you have your contacts organized if you get laid off or fired?  Annemarie Segaric, a nationally respected career expert and author of "Step into the Right Career" shares her top tips for finding work after you've  been laid off.(Editor's Note)



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