10 Tough Q & A's for Older Workers

You have the "perfect job" interview tomorrow. Your skills and experience look as if they match the job description. But have you practiced your answers to potential questions? Guess what it is more than likely that some of the other potential job candidates did. So grab a mirror and do a dress rehearsal. It will help demonstrate to a potential employer a sense of mastery and confidence. (Editor's Note)


"These 10 questions are examples of some you might be asked. Not all of them are overtly age-related. But each one gives you an opportunity to present yourself as a skilled, energetic worker who brings high value to an employer.

1. Tell me about yourself. Make your answer short and sweet. Stick to experiences and goals that relate to the specific job for which you’re applying. Resist the impulse to stress your years of experience. It’s more important to talk about your skills and achievements that show you can deliver. Emphasize your flexibility and positive attitude.

2. Why are you looking for a job? Keep it brief. A straightforward answer is best. For example, “My organization was forced to downsize.” Avoid negative statements about yourself, your work, or your ability to get along with others. Never criticize former employers or coworkers.

3. You haven’t worked for a long time. Why not? You may have gaps in employment for many reasons. Be honest. Speak confidently about your experiences during the gaps. Some could transfer to on-the-job skills. For instance, if you were a caregiver, you managed complex financial issues. As a volunteer, you might have worked with diverse groups and on flexible schedules.

4. What are you looking for? It takes a lot of thinking to be ready for this question. Don’t speak in generalities. Be prepared to name the type of position you think would be appropriate for you and how your skills would translate to a new employer.

5. Aren’t you overqualified for this position? Even though “overqualified” can be shorthand for “old” or “expensive,” it’s important to stay positive. Express your enthusiasm for the job and pride in your qualifications. Explain what makes you interested in this position at this point in your career—such as wanting to apply your skills to a new field or to achieve more flexibility and work-life balance.

6. We have state-of-the-art technology. Would you be able to jump right in? Show you are adaptable and tech-savvy. Give examples of projects you’ve done which required computer skills and familiarity with electronic media. Emphasize training you’ve taken to keep your skills up to date.

7. We don’t have many employees who are your age. Would that bother you? Explain that you believe your age would be an asset, you are eager to learn, and it doesn’t matter who helps you. Describe recent experiences, whether at work or in other situations, where age diversity has been an asset. Federal law bars employers from considering age in employment decisions. Though it’s not illegal to be asked your age, the question could be a red flag about the employer’s commitment to age diversity. Know your rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

8. What’s your biggest weakness? This is a reverse invitation to toot your own horn. Do it with an answer that puts you in a good light. For example, “I’m too detail-oriented, but I work hard to control that.” Keep it simple—and smile.

9. What are your salary requirements? Try to postpone this question until a job offer has been made. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area (sites like Salary.com can help). If you don’t know the range and the interviewer persists, reply, “What salary range are you working with?” The interviewer may very well tell you.

10. Do you have any questions? Show your interest and initiative by asking specific questions about the organization and what you can expect in the job. Use your questions to demonstrate how your skills can contribute to the organization. Answering “no” to this question says you’re not really interested in the job."  More Information see: AARP.org


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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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14 Job Interview Problems & Solutions for Baby Boomers

Those in transition do face uphill climbs in these troubled employment waters. One group particularly impacted dramatically is the “seasoned” worker AKA, the Baby Boomer.

In life, perception is often reality and there are many perceptions of the mature candidate. Those who fall into this category must anticipate what they potentially are and be prepared to overcome them. Let’s examine these areas of concern, both spoken and unspoken, that many employers consider when interviewing the Baby Boomer generation.

Perception #1: Baby Boomers are “overpriced”. Because of this, they are more likely to be made redundant in a bad economy. Younger workers are more “affordable”. Even if older workers are willing to take a pay cut or make a lateral move in regard to money to get the job, employers sometimes fear that their job satisfaction will be compromised at a lower or equal salary and that they won’t stay or be motivated.

Perception #2: They’re settling. Employers fear that if the mature candidate has been unemployed awhile and previously employed in a capacity beyond that for which they’re interviewing, they’re only willing to take the position until something better comes along. In other words, they simply need a job.

Perception #3: They’re looking for a retirement home. Motivations are attributed to having a place to hang their hat for a few years and get benefits. This is usually far from the truth, but can be a concern nonetheless.

Perception #4: They’ve lost the “edge”. An underlying fear here is that older workers won’t have the same drive and determination (otherwise most often referred to as ‘fire in the belly’) as they once did, the belief being that their younger counterparts may be “hungrier”.

Perception #5: Their credentials aren’t equivalent to those of their younger counterparts. Sometimes older workers don’t have the same educational credentials as younger workers. Baby Boomers more often went to the ’school of hard knocks’ as opposed to going the traditional educational route as is more common today. An education back then, though important, didn’t carry the weight it does today in many companies and organizations.

Perception #6: They’re job hoppers. Older workers have more jobs on their resume, leading to the perception that they’re ‘job hoppers’ regardless of time frame involved.

Perception #7: They have too many expenses attached to them. Health insurance costs are higher for older workers. It’s a practical consideration for employers who provide health coverage to their employees, maybe even more of a consideration today with the possible changes in the healthcare system being discussed.

Perception #8: They’re limited in flexibility. Younger workers tend to be more mobile either to relocate or travel, whether now or in the future. In some careers, that can be a benefit to a corporation.

Perception #9: They’re overqualified. This perception can be valid. Older workers often find themselves interviewing for positions with someone they could easily have managed themselves at some point in their careers. It can be intimidating to a younger manager.

Perception #10: They’re likely to be dissatisfied. The longer a career, the more likely a person may have gone the entrepreneurial route at some point, leading to the perception that they won’t be happy in a corporate environment working for someone else.

Perception #11: They don’t portray the right image for the company or fit with the culture. Appearance is a factor, especially in sales positions or any position where you’re meeting with the public. Older people sometimes face discrimination based on the ‘image factor’. Whether fair or not, it is reality.

Perception #12: They’re outdated. Their skills may be outdated, especially in technical areas like computers. Older workers may not be able to keep up with the Gen Y’er’s in terms of computer social networking abilities. This is changing as the mature worker becomes more Internet-aware but it is still a reservation on the part of some younger managers.

Perception #13: They’re rigid. The “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” mentality is a factor. There are concerns that mature employees won’t be able to adapt to new ways of doing things or that they are set in their ways and have preconceived views of how things are and should be.

Perception #14: They’re not moldable. Employers very often like to ‘grow their own’. A younger worker is perceived as more trainable and moldable. Many companies like to train people themselves and older workers are sometimes perceived as coming with ‘baggage’ from their previous employers.

A long list, isn’t it? It can be daunting and also a bit unsettling if you’re getting older. It would seem with all these possible roadblocks, a seasoned job hunter would never get hired. Let’s dispel that myth. It happens every day, but to bust that myth in your own personal situation, being forewarned is forearmed. If you understand the mindset of some employers and interviewers and the possible perceptions you’ll face, you can be ready to deal with and overcome them to your advantage.

What do older workers bring to the table that can overcome these objections? A number of things:

1. Life experience. This can not be bought or learned in a college. Traveling the road of life, you learn to deal with a myriad of situations and gain the ability to overcome obstacles. Common sense can’t be taught or easily gained without experience.

2. Skills to overcome adversity. Mature candidates generally are more adept at problem solving and have a track record of doing so. Again, it comes with experience.

3. Stability. An older person is actually NOT as likely to ‘job hop’ within a year or two. The younger candidate is far more likely to move from one company to another for a slight increase in salary, title, or opportunity.

4. Commitment. Loyalty is usually highly valued by older workers. Their parents worked for decades at companies and had the “gold watch at retirement mentality”. That attitude is ingrained in the Baby Boomer generation as well to some degree. They tend to be very committed to the company they are employed with and have a strong loyalty to their manager. I have seen this many times in my recruiting career. The more mature a candidate is, the harder he is to woo and recruit.

5. The ability to take on a mentoring role. There is research now that indicates that the Gen Yer’s who have a reputation for doing things in an ‘out of the box’ fashion are embracing the traditional as a ‘new way’. They value the input from Baby Boomers in the workplace. They often want to learn from them and use them as mentors in furthering their career objectives.

6. Less conflicts. Older workers are not as likely to have family issues that interfere with their jobs. Their children are grown, gone, and established.

7. High motivation on a practical level. Often the older employee is the sole or primary bread winner. The younger worker is often part of a dual income family.

8. Connections. They likely have business relationships that have deep roots based on longevity. Younger workers have a web of contacts as well, but the nature of that network is different. An older worker’s network of contacts, friends and business associates is often deep, rich, and based on lifelong relationships.

How can you, as a mature candidate compete in this marathon to the job offer?

1. Bearing all of the above advantages in mind, don’t underestimate your value. Incorporate some of these concepts into your interview presentation, especially if you run into objections.

2. Stay abreast of changes in the industry you have experience in. All industries evolve, change and adapt to the fluctuations of the market. Stay on top of the industry trends.

3. Learn to be a social networking whiz. Okay, I never believed personally that I’d be a social networking devotee, but I am. It’s becoming essential in this world. Know that and decide to be aware and active.

4. Take classes to enhance skills you lack. These might include computer skills, technical skills that are industry specific, or enhancing your public speaking if that’s a benefit. Keep learning!

5. Learn to package your skills in accordance with the employer specifications. Past duties and functions are of value if packaged correctly and portrayed in the right way.

6. Stay active in order to demonstrate the ‘fire in the belly’ attitude. Drive and determination are still highly desired in employees, and older workers who can show that they continue to meet and exceed their life goals have a better chance of finding gainful employment.

Above all, keep a positive attitude and remember: you still have a lot to give.

~~Mark Ste. Marie

Looking To Change Your Career. Free Skills Analysis here

49 Benefits of Hiring an Older Worker

Thank You for Your Support - Here is a Gift for You!

It has been said, “the older you get the wiser you are." It has also been said, “that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks." These adages are nice to repeat, but do any of them really hold true when it comes to older skilled workers who are looking for a new career?

Over the last few years, I have read thousands of comments, questions, and expletives from older workers. Some of you are clearly professing your superior attributes, while others are complaining of their unfair treatment by job recruiters.

Can both be right in their assessments? Perhaps. But one guiding principle at Interns Over 40 has been to help older skilled workers achieve their own career greatness.

In doing so it is necessary to dispel myths while reinforcing the benefits that make older workers a great catch in a sometimes difficult job market.

I want to thank all of our faithful audience of Job Seekers, Career Coaches, and Recruiters who live this experience every day and prepare yourself, or others, for the next career assignment. 

I hope this list of “49 Benefits To Hiring An Older Skilled Worker” becomes a valuable part of your toolbox as you continue to pursue your ideal career. Share it, Print it and Keep it nearby as a refresher.

With our working lives expanding into our 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, perhaps this list will, in a small way help you feel confident about the depth and value of your work and life experience. Remember “soon or later everyone will get older or …..”.  "Wild in the Streets".

Start Using The "49 Benefits Of Hiring An Older Worker" Now.

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

FREE WEBINAR: "5 Tips to Battle Ageism" REGISTER HERE

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

Weird Job Wednesday: The Most Valuable Player

Being a professional mascot might not be a "career move," but if you love sports, are enthusiastic,athletic, and want to be the "most valuable player," then this just might be your dream job.

The first Sports Mascot was the San Diego Chicken for the Padres. He earned $2 an hour in 1974!

Today, 95% of professional sports teams have a mascot. Salaries vary depending on the size of the team, but full-time mascots can earn a base salary between $25-55,00. Part-timers are paid per game, approximately $150. 

If you are interested in becoming a sports mascot, sign up with a professional talent agency, or go to the Interns Over 40 Job Search Page  and see what's listed! 

To see more weird jobs, go to Pinterest

Top 10 Tips for Older Job Hunters

FREE WEBINAR "Stop Applying Online - Get Hired Instantly" Register Here

Thanks to their seniority, folks 55 and older were once less likely than their younger co-workers to be laid off during a recession. Not this time around. Steep manufacturing cuts have hit older workers particularly hard. And even in workplaces where seniority still provides protection, older men have less of it than they used to; only 44% of male workers aged 58 to 62 work for the same employer they were with at age 50, down from 70% 25 years ago.


Here are some tips for older layoff victims.

No. 1: Keep Your Health Insurance

If you have employer-provided health insurance, use "COBRA"--a federal provision that lets you continue in your ex-employer's plan, but without an employer subsidy. It was always essential to stay insured, and now it's affordable too. Under the stimulus package passed in February, the feds will pick up 65% of your COBRA premium for nine months. Warning: If your adjusted gross income is more than $250,000 for a couple or $125,000 for an individual, you'll have to pay some or all of the federal subsidy back when you file your tax return.



No. 2: Consider Americorps

If you don't need too much income and would like to do work such as tutoring, consider Americorps. A law President Obama signed in April slowly increases the number of federally funded Americorps slots from 75,000 to 250,000 and aims to fill 10% of them with folks 55 and older. The jobs pay minimum wage plus a $4,725 education grant (increasing to $5,350 Oct. 1) for each year worked. Under the new law, this grant can be transferred to children or grandchildren. Another senior-friendly change: Americorps slots used to be full-time jobs lasting a maximum of two years. Now they can be turned into part-time jobs lasting longer.



No. 3: Find Senior-Friendly Employers Online

At www.retirementjobs.com, you'll find 20,000 listings from employers that say they're open to applications from older workers. AARP, the 40-million member organization for folks 50 and older, lists 41 companies, from AT&T to Walgreens, that have won spots on its "National Employer Team" and links to those employers' job sites at www.aarp.org/money.


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10 Things That Will Help You If You're An Older Job-Seeker

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So you are looking for work but are worried that since you are a more mature employee that you might be discriminated against. Here I have 10 things you can do to help this from happening!


The good news: You have vast experience and many employers would be lucky to have you. The bad news: Due to your age and how you handle everything from writing a resume to what you talk about in an interview, you may encounter age discrimination.


Personally I prefer older workers as they are typically more mature, reliable and have vast experience that the team can draw upon, but many employers see older workers as stuck in their ways, unable to learn new software or hardware and not comfortable working for a younger manager.

1. Find out about culture. Employers know better than to address your age, but there is no reason you can’t ask your own questions about how you might fit in. (This ties in nicely with an office tour). Ask questions such as “I have worked in several organizations with diverse ages in each department – can I ask about diversity in this department/company/division?” If the manager is in fact several years younger than you are, you could address it by saying “I just interviewed with another company and we discussed how I might feel working for a younger boss and wanted to share with you that this is absolutely no problem…I did in fact report to a younger manager once and he too was concerned…(then proceed to tell him or her specific examples of projects you worked on where you had more experience than the manager and how it worked out well….)


 Also, ask for a tour of the office during your interview. I used to stress to all of my candidates to do this, but in your case it is very important. The reason is that you get a very clear sense of the type of people already employed – are they happy, seem disgruntled or are they all of the same age group or cultural background? Even the way the employees look (or don’t) look at you and smile will give you a hint as to how you would be received in the company culturally. My recommendation is to ask for a “quick office tour” at the end of your first interview. Look for a company with a good track record of diversity. This means exactly that – if a company is well known for hiring all new graduates, then the chances of gaining employment in such a company when you are older than those in the company may prove difficult.

2. If you have been a manager and the position you are interviewing for is not a manager’s position, write your resume in a functional style but leave out titles as much as possible. Better to say Project Management as opposed to V.P. Project Management. The idea is to get the employer to see how you can do the job rather than thinking about how you might not fit in.

3. Talk about the challenge of the position and how there would be things for you to learn in this position. The employer may fear that not only have you “been there done that” and not be open to doing things differently, but they may fear that you may quickly grow bored and leave. This is not to say to lie and say that something is a challenge when it isn’t, but think of a few things that you haven’t done and stress that in fact you would like to take a few years to learn the role and the company. You may even discuss that although you have significant experience in industry A, that having the opportunity to work within industry B would be a challenge because….The key here is learning and if you communicate that you are a “lifelong learner” and you are not afraid to learn new things, processes and ways of doing things, it will help the employer feel more comfortable in hiring you.

Click here to read part 2 of this article

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5 minutes To Optimize Your Linkedin Profile:Feel'n Like A Needle in a Haystack:

In 5 minutes you can Optimize your Linkedin Profile:
"Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Job Search" 

 LinkedIn continues to gain momentum as a resource utilized by both internal and external recruiters to find well qualified candidates. A quality LinkedIn profile is quickly becoming an essential element of a complete career marketing package.


Like a resume, a LinkedIn profile serves as a summary of your work history. Both your resume and your LinkedIn profile need to be well-organized, well thought out, and well written. Although a resume will typically go into greater detail of accomplishments, a LinkedIn profile needs to offer enough facts to drive further action by recruiters.

As every job seeker is hopefully aware, when resumes are submitted to corporations or job boards, they are then filtered by Applicant Tracking Software.(ATS) The software looks for “key words” to decide which of the thousands of resumes being reviewed, deserves a personal review by the recruiting or hiring manager. There are great resources on the Internet to help job seekers identify for inclusion, commonly searched key words utilized by ATS systems. These resources will be make specific keyword suggestions based on the position a job seeker is targeting. However, in the end, once the resume is submitted, it is a bit of a “black box” in terms of how your resume is actually parsed. So although, you may attempt to include all the right keywords to go to the top of the pile, a candidate is never really sure how a particular ATS system will treat their resume.

Conversely, LinkedIn profiles are not a black box. A simple audit will allow you to see which queries bring your profile to the first few pages of a search. Try it.

• Go to the peoples tab and hit advanced search.
• Now enter a keyword or keywords associated with your targeted position. Ex: customer service manager
• Now enter a geography zip code and a distance quotient. 50 miles is a reasonable choice.
• Then select an industry or multiple industries that apply to you. Understand the broader you make your search the lower your ranking will be.
• Now hit search. Can you find yourself in the first few pages of the LinkedIn results?

Now look at the top few names that have appeared and open their profiles. By looking at the highlighted words, you will see the criteria that LinkedIn used to filter the search. As of today, LinkedIn appears to scan only four categories: Professional Headline, Titles, Specialties and Industries. LinkedIn scans these categories for frequency of the keywords selected. In our example: customer service manager.

So what do you do with this information? The simple answer is optimize these four LinkedIn categories with the keywords that you believe a recruiter would most likely use when looking to fill the employment position you are targeting. If you invest an hour to insert the keywords to make sure you show up in the first few pages of a LinkedIn search for the position, geography and industry you are targeting, you will increase your chances of being found.

Now remember, a quality job search strategy encompasses both pull and push marketing. Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is only one important component of a “pull marketing” job search strategy. Never forget as a job seeker, you should focus the majority of your time and effort on a “push marketing” campaign focused on targeted job search networking.

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Guest Contributor: Ian Levine Career Brander For More Information on Career Brander
    
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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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From The Atlantic: The Mental Health Consequences of Unemployment

"Recession is when a neighbor loses his job. 

Depression is when you lose yours."

~Ronald Reagan

Editor's Note: In this article published in The Atlantic, research shows that people who have been out of work for at least six months are more likely to suffer from depression than those with jobs. Even sadder - often, people who find work after extended periods of unemployment lose their jobs within the first year, and the theory for their job loss is debilitating depression.

“Your whole life your job defines who you are,” Yundra Thomas told The New York Times two summers ago. “All of the sudden that’s gone, and you don’t know what to take pride in anymore.”
... A new poll from Gallup ...finds that "unemployed Americans are more than twice as likely as those with full-time jobs to say they currently have or are being treated for depression—12.4 percent vs. 5.6 percent, respectively." Moreover, for those who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more (the "long-term unemployed," currently numbering 3.4 million people), the depression rate is 18 percent, nearly one in five."

Read the entire article here.
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5 Tips on Handling Your Job References Effectively

Top 5 Tips for Handling References Professionally During Your Job Search

By Michelle Dumas -- Do you wonder about how best to leverage and submit your references during your job search? Here are some tips to help you:


1. Never submit your references with the resume. You want to have a face-to-face meeting with the employer, or at the very least, a telephone interview, before providing references. The purpose of the resume, at least at this stage of the job search process, is to generate enough interest to get you called in for an interview. By listing references on your resume, you just give the recipient of your resume another opportunity to screen you out before you have a chance to sell yourself in person. Also, avoid the old and overused phrase "references provided on request." It is taken for granted that you will provide references on request. There is no need to state on your resume that you will do so. Listing this on your resume just takes up valuable space that could be used for more important data.

2. Former or current direct supervisors make excellent references, but clients, your former employees, co-workers, and vendors you have interfaced with often make great references also. If you have people willing to endorse you whose names are recognizable in your industry or profession and who will add credibility to your job search, by all means include them--and do so prominently. But, don't neglect to include references from people at all levels, particularly those in positions that represent the people you would have to interact with on a real-world, day-to-day basis in your next job.

3. As much as possible, you will want to maintain connections with "old" colleagues and other people that you worked with or associated with in past jobs. While the most current references will often hold the most weight, having no references from past employers can look suspect. Recruiters may wonder, for example, if you left your past employer on bad terms or if you had or have trouble establishing strong professional relationships. If you have lost touch with old colleagues, you might try looking for them on LinkedIn or other professional networking sites.

Click here to read part 2 of this article


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100 Tips & Tools For Job-Hunters Over 45

Finding a job isn’t easy for anyone these days, but older workers may face some special challenges when it comes to finding new employment. While illegal, ageism isn’t uncommon in hiring and many older job seekers may find that their age and experience can actually work against them when searching for work. 


This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as age can be just as much an asset at youth. Whether you are considering changing fields or researching online college reviews to continue your education, here are some tips and tools to help you make the most of your experience and wisdom and get the kind of job that you deserve.

The Basics:
 These basic tips will help you think of ways to find work, stay positive and use your age to your advantage. 

1. Make sure you’re up-to-date with technology. One of the things that makes employers hesitant to hire older workers is the idea that they won’t be able to use computers or other office technology. Whether you know a lot or a little, make sure you’re on top of whatever the latest trends are and know the tech basics.

2. Be flexible. You may not always be able to find a job that is exactly what your old one was or is just what you’re looking for. Be a little bit more flexible in your requirements and you may find something else that’s just as suitable for you instead.

3. Keep a positive outlook. Looking for a job is never easy, but it doesn’t make it any better if you approach it with a sour attitude. Keep positive and good things are bound to come your way.

4. Fight preconceived ideas. There are a lot of myths out there about older workers. Do your best to go against the expectation and be the best candidate for the job.

5. Take some classes. If you’re not up-to-date or could use a refresher in certain subjects, sign up to take some classes. In some cases, you may even find that just being signed up is enough to get you the job before you’ve even finished.

6. Use technology. Nowadays the web is the first place most people look when trying to find employment. Use all the resources available on the internet to help you get a job as there are many and some catered directly to your needs as an older worker.

7. Give everything your all. Even if you’re unsure about a particular job interview, go in there and give it your best. Even if you don’t even up working for the company it doesn’t hurt to have more options.

8. Don’t lie about your age. Hiding your age implies that you think you’re too old for a particular position and if you think you’re too old that might make your potential employer feel the same way.

9. Accept you may have to take a pay cut. If you’ve been let go from an executive position making a six figure salary, the reality is that you may not be able to find another job paying this well, regardless of your age. Times are tough, so be aware that finding work may mean working for less than you’re used to.

10. Focus on future potential. Employers aren’t always as worried about age as your potential for future success. If you have a great track record and can sell them on what you have to offer to their business, you have just as much of a chance as someone younger at getting a job.

11. Offer to work odd hours. If you’re just looking for a job to make ends meet you may be able to give yourself an edge by working odd hours. This may not be a long term fix, but it can help you find something to give you money to pay the bills.

12. Go without benefits if you already have them. If your spouse already has health care and you have a solid retirement plan already, you may be able to get an edge by forgoing the usual company benefits. This can make you more of a bargain to employers and won’t hurt you if you already have backup benefits.

13. Stay healthy. Searching for a job can be tiring, frustrating and depressing but it’s important to make sure that you focus on your health as well while you’re looking.


14. Be yourself. Being yourself has gotten you pretty far in life already, so stick to it. Act your age, show your experience and just be who you are.

15. Find out about legal action. If you feel that you have been discriminated against unfairly based solely on your age then you do have grounds for legal recourse. Be aware, however that it likely won’t be easy to prove, but if you’ve got a solid case go for it. You shouldn’t have to suffer discrimination more than anyone else.


The Job Hunt

Looking for a job is rarely fun or easy, especially not for those out of work late in their careers. Here are some tips that can help make the process easier or at least a little less painful.

16. Don’t wait to seek out employment. If you’ve been laid off, take a little time to figure out what you want to do but don’t wait forever to start looking. The sooner you start, the sooner you can address problems and start working towards solutions.

17. Find employers that seek out older employees. There are many companies out there that actually seek out seasoned employees. Do a little research to see if there are any that you might be a good fit with. This listing from Wisconsin provides a good example.

18. Consider former employers. If you’ve maintained good relationships with former employers who know you and your work, why not go to them to see if they have any openings? You already have the connections to get your foot in the door so make the most of them.

19. Think about a career change. It’s never too late in life to consider a career change, especially if you’re feeling burnt out on your current career track.

20. Don’t give up. Looking for a job isn’t going to be easy, it never is, but don’t let a few rejections break your will to seek out work.

21. Consider temping. If you want to build experience in a particular field or even find an in to a particular business, temping can be a great solution. You’ll get short term assignments that could lead to longer employment or just some really helpful experience.

22. Use your connections. One thing many older workers have in abundance is connections. Make use of these people in your personal network from friends to other business people to help you find potential jobs.

23. Try joining professional associations. It doesn’t hurt to become part of a professional organization. Many times, these organizations offer job search help to members and you’ll have a built in set of people to network with who are in your field. 24. Expand your target companies. Since you’ve got a lot of younger competition, expand your job search to include more companies than you would have at a younger age so you’ll improve your chances of success.

25. Get help. If you’re floundering on your own, consider the services of a career coach or a recruiter to help you find work.

26. Consider starting your own business. For those who have always dreamed of owning their own business, unemployment can be a motivator to finally pursue those dreams. Look for investors and draw up a business plan and you could be on the road to being your own boss.

27. Explore a wide range of options. You may have your heart set on working in a particular field, but keep your options open. You may find a job that is ideal outside of where you would have looked had you stuck with your original plan.

28. Don’t focus on titles. Even if you were a high ranking manager before, titles are unimportant in a job search for an older worker. Focus on your passion, your drive and your love of the job instead.


Resumes

When was the last time you really updated your resume? If you can’t remember, check out these tips that can help you build a better resume and get hired.

29. Don’t provide your complete work history. If you’ve been working for 20 years, it may not be wise to include every job you’ve ever had. Many resume experts advise only adding the last 10 or so years to your resume.

30. Avoid clichés and tired language. Young or old, this rule holds true. Avoid using common resume phrases that will make you blend into the crowd instead of stand out.

31. Go back to school. Check out low-cost classes and degree programs at www.onlinecolleges.net.

32. Update everything. Go through your resume and make sure everything on there is current. Names of institutions and businesses may have changed and you want them to be appropriate for today, not years ago when you were working for them.

33. Show a commitment to learning. Take graduate classes or emphasize any current training you’ve had to show you want to keep up and learn new things.

34. Emphasize your experience. Experience is not a bad thing. Play up what you know about the field as this is one serious advantage you have over younger workers.

35. Avoid functional resumes. Functional resumes list your skills in clusters rather than in chronological order like a traditional resume. While this format may work well for those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history, it can sometimes seem like a way to avoid indicating your age to employers. Many resume experts advise using a combination of a chronological and functional resume instead.

36. Use current terminology. One quick way to date yourself is by using old business terminology that’s been replaced by newer lingo, so try to learn what the latest terminology is for your field.

37. Look at other resumes for current models. If you want your resume to reflect current trends, try using online resources and free models to figure out how you should be laying things out.

38. De-emphasize dates. While you shouldn’t omit dates altogether, that doesn’t mean you have to flash them around either.

39. Create a great cover letter. No matter what you have on your resume, your cover letter can be a great way to introduce yourself to an employer. Just make sure it isn’t a review of your employment history and offers information your resume doesn’t.

40. Look at it from an employer’s perspective. if you were hiring for the position and received your resume would you hire yourself? Try to create a resume that shows your best assets and makes a great first impression.

41. Keep it short. While you may have an employment history that goes on for several pages, try to limit your resume to just a few pages. No one wants to go through loads of resume pages anyway.


Interviews

There’s no hiding your age in an interview, but these tips can help you score big in the process no matter how old you are.

42. Don’t be unnerved by younger interviewers. You may be interviewed by someone significantly younger than yourself. don’t let this throw you off of your game. Treat this younger individual as you would anyone who is interested in hiring you.
43. Make it clear you can work with younger employees. Age can become an issue in the workplace, especially if you’ll be managed by someone younger and possibly less experienced than yourself. Make it clear in the interview that you have no problem deferring to authority, even if that authority is young.
44. Go the extra mile. If you’re really gunning for a certain position, make sure to do everything you can to make the best impression. In fact, it may not even hurt to ask what would make a person successful in their organization.
45. Make sure they understand you can keep up. Many workplaces today are fast-paced and rely heavily on technology. You need to reassure employers that you can roll with the punches and keep up in this kind of environment.
46. Stress a willingness to learn. Even if you aren’t familiar with every type of technology out there, you may be able to get by with stressing how much you’d like to learn about these new things and how willing you are to keep up.
47. Make sure questions are legal. In any interview it’s important to ensure that everything being asked is actually a valid, legal interview question. Age discrimination is a crime, so if you feel a question is hinting at this find a polite way to answer or move on to the next question.
48. Use your maturity to your advantage. In many cases, age can be a great asset. With it comes experience, wisdom and maturity that can make great assets to any job.
49. Promote your work effort and loyalty. if you’re like many other older workers, you likely spent several years working for one company. Emphasize your loyalty and commitment as a big asset.
50. Make sure you look up-to-date. Appearance, however superficial, can be a big deal in making a good first impression. It may be time to pick out a new suit or get some clothes that are up-to-date so you look fresh and able.
51. Plan ahead. You don’t have to go into your interview blind. Review lists of common interview questions and think about how you would answer ahead of time.
52. Aim to break stereotypes. As an older worker you are probably keenly aware of many of the preconceived ideas held about you. Do your best in the interview to dispel these myths and show that you are a valuable player.
53. Spin it. No one is perfect, but part of success comes from being able to spin even your negative characteristics into something that isn’t so bad after all.
54. Identify your benefits in monetary terms. Businesses, at the heart, are about making money. If you can identify a concrete benefit you offered former employers or ways you can do the same at this employer you’ll have some great bonus points when it comes to hiring.
55. Focus on where you excel. There may be areas of your resume where you are weak, but try to steer the conversation towards areas where you are particularly strong.

Helpful Books

Check these books out at the library or purchase them online for some helpful job search advice.

56. Age Discrimination in the American Workplace: Old at a Young Age, by Raymond F. Gregory: Learn about the role age discrimination plays in the workplace in America and abroad.
57. The Third Age: Six Principles of Growth and Renewal After Forty, by William Sadler: Learn how to make the most of your "third age" in this book that offers career and personal advice.
58. Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, by Marc Freedman: If you’re looking for a second career later in life, this book can be a great source of inspiration and advice.
59. Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D: Learn how ideas about aging are changing as health care advances and people are staying younger longer.
60. Age Works: What Corporate America Must Do to Survive the Graying of the Workforce, by Beverly Goldberg: Learn why your role as an older worker could actually be pretty important from this book focused on the aging workforce.
61. Happy About Working to Stay Young: Expanded Careers for Boomers and Seniors, by Jacky Hood: This book focuses on making your career matter later in life and how you can keep working and stay strong in a society focused on youth.
62. The Power Years: A User’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. and Daniel J. Kadlec: Read this book to learn how to make the years after 40 the best and most empowered of your life.
63. Resumes for the 50+ Job Hunter: This book offers a wide range of sample resumes that can be great reference material for older job seekers.
64. What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles: This book can be a good read for those looking for work or planning to work in another field regardless of age.
65. The Executive Job Search: A Comprehensive Handbook for Seasoned Professionals by Orrin Wood: If you were pretty high up in the ranks in your former job, this book offers you some advice on how to be competitive in the job market, create good resumes and more.

Networking Tools

One stereotype about older workers is that they aren’t tech savvy. Break down that misconception by using technology to further your job search through these networking tools.

66. Ning: This social networking tool lets you create your own customized network, an ideal way to connect with other businesspeople or older workers on the hunt for jobs.
67. LinkedIn: As one of the most popular business networking sites, LinkedIn can offer you a great way to get connected with those in your field.
68. Ryze: Through this network you can create a profile and connect with old friends while making new connections.
69. Xing: With over 7 million members, this site offers a wide range of individuals and opportunities for job hunters.
70. Ecademy: This site allows users to market a business, get in touch with others, and even find jobs.
71. APSense: Give your resume or business new life by creating a profile on this site and getting in touch with others in your field.
72. Networking for Professionals: Create a profile on this site to get in touch with numerous individuals and businesses.
73. Ziggs: With Ziggs you can learn how to create an online image for yourself, connect with other businesses and even find job listings that may interest you.
74. FastPitch: If you’re planning on starting your own business, this site can be a great place to pitch your ideas.
75. Social Networking Goes Professional: For those who don’t know a thing about social networking, this article from the Wall Street Journal provides some background and offers some advice on what to do.

Tutorials, How-Tos and Guides

These sites offer guidance, tips and information on making your job search more successful.

76. Interview Tips for Older Job Seekers: Check out this article to learn some big things to do in an interview or things you should avoid at all costs.
77. Resume Tutorials for All Job Seekers: If your resume is lacking, go through this tutorial to learn how to revamp it.
78. Older Job Seekers Must Disprove Prejudices: Learn how you can fight some of the biggest myths that surround older workers in this article.
79. Job Search Tips for Older Workers: Are you going about looking for a job in the right way? Here you’ll find advice and instruction on job hunting.
80. Older Job Seekers and Job Interviews: Don’t Let Age be a Detriment: Here you can learn how to ace the interview process.
81. Four Survival Tips for Older Job Seekers: Looking for a job can be especially tough on older workers. This article provides some advice on hanging in there.
82. New Tactics for Older Job Seekers: Looking for some fresh ideas on how to be more successful in job hunting? Give this article a read.
83. How to Make Age an Asset When Job Searching: You age doesn’t have to be an obstacle to finding a job. Learn how to make it your biggest asset from this site.
84. Top 10 Things for Older Job Seekers to Keep in Mind: Learn what you should be considering in your job search from this article.
85. Advice for Older Jobseekers Facing Negative Stereotypes: Read this article to learn how to fight ageism.
86. 40 Tips for Job Seekers Over 40: This is a great collection of tips designed to help you prevent making major bungles and get you the job you deserve.
87. Top 3 Job Hunting Tips for Job Seekers Over 40: Check out this article to learn some basic ways you can help yourself in your job search.
88. Jobs For Grown-Ups: This Forbes article provides some great advice for job seekers who are over 40, from resume tweaks to interview advice.

Career Help

If you’re looking for targeted career help, these specialty job search engines can assist you in finding the perfect job for you at any age.

89. AARP Work: Members of the AARP should give their website’s job section a look for advice on finding work and dealing with ageism.
90. 50Plus.com: On this site you’ll advice on life, health, money, travel and of course, work.
91. Experience Works: This community organization is designed to help older workers like yourself get the training they need to be competitive in the workplace.
92. RebootYou: Those looking to start a new career later in life can take advantage of the articles, advice and other resources on this site.
93. RetiredBrains: Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time or temp work this site can help you find a job.
94. RetiredWorker: For those who are fast approaching retirement age but aren’t ready or willing to spend their days hanging out around the house, this site offers a wealth of job opportunities.
95. Senior Job Bank: Check out this site to find job listings geared towards the Boomer generation.
96. WiserWorker: This site believes that with age comes wisdom in the workplace. On it, you’ll find job search resources as well as listings for career fairs and more.
97. Seniors4Hire: If you’re 50 or older this site is a great resource for employment opportunities.
98. Senior Service America: If you’re an older adult looking to work in your community, this site can help provide you with information and ideas on how to do so.
99. Jobs 4.0: Here you’ll find a great resources for job searchers who are forty and over, with listings in a wide range of fields and geographical locations.
100. Simply Hired 50+: The jobs on this site are geared towards older workers who are nearing retirement age but aren’t ready to retire.
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