Wednesday, I told you how groaning and grimacing when you sit down can ruin your job search. There are companies that are supportive of 50+ workers and networking is an effective way to get a job. Today, I will continue with the last 4 tips and finish with the list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
Stay informed and current. Keep your skills and expertise up-to-date. Take relevant courses, watch how to videos, search out and join professional groups in LinkedIn and take part in the discussions. Know about current technology in your industry and in what is used today-iPhone, iPod’s, tablets, eBooks, Wi-Fi, etc. Talk to teens about what’s in. Nothing says old like a type written resume on soft pastel resume paper. There have been many changes in the job search process in recent years. Use latest job search strategies. Learn the age bias red flags and what you can do about them.
Use your age as your best asset in your résumé and cover letter. Limit your relevant experience to 10 to 15 years. Don’t include anything past 15 years. Don’t lie. Focus skills and experience relevant to the position. Highlight your achievements based on percentages and dollar figures instead of a list duties. Use the keywords throughout. Consider using a functional or combination resume instead of a chronological. Avoid terms, like mature, experienced, seasoned, etc. Rather than an objective statement, use a professional summary that highlights your skills and experience that best match the qualifications and requirements of the job.
Prove yourself at the interview. Prepare for the inevitable age questions. One good way is to point out your up-to-date skills. Be able to back up your skills and achievements with PAR (problem, action, results) stories. Emphasize how well you work in teams and alone. Express you interest in the position. Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Keep the salary issue out of the conversation as much as possible. If it does come up, concentrate on the opportunity not the dollar amount. Use examples of how you made money, saved money or saved time in your previous positions. Avoid the following: over selling, you run the risk of overwhelming or intimidating the interviewer; saying things like “back in my day” and using outdated jargon and terms; appearing desperate or depressed.
Update your appearance and stay healthy. This doesn’t mean you need to dye your hair to its original color. It means you need a flattering style that suits your face and a modern hair style. Gray isn’t all bad. Think Jamie Lee Curtis with her short, gray hair. When it comes to make up, less is more. Your wardrobe should be age appropriate but current as well as your glasses. Shoes need to be comfortable but stylish. Today there are many such styles to choose from in different price points. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising are the best ways to maintaining a natural healthy glow. If you have health issues, watch and take care of them.
You can fight ageism and win. It’s been done, and you can do it. I know you can!
How can I help you in your job search?
As I promised you yesterday the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 for 2013 are:
| Scripps Health |
First Horizon National Corporation
Bon Secours Richmond Health System
Massachusetts General Hospital
Pinnacol Assurance
Stanley Consultants
Central Florida Health Alliance
National Rural Electric Cooperative Assoc.
The Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Ctr.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Securian Financial Group, Inc.Lee County Electric Cooperative
Manheim
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
University of Massachusetts Medical School
University of Southern California
Cabell Huntington Hospital
Virginia Commonwealth University
Saint Barnabas Health Care System
ACUITY, a Mutual Insurance Company
West Virginia University Hospitals
Avera McKennan Hospital & Univ. Health Ctr.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind
Thanks for the update. I have used these tips and will continue to use them until I secure a position. The company names are helpful.
Greetings,
I really appreciate the list of employers that encourage hiring the over 50 worker. I am from Delaware and didn’t see an employer that was close to my location. Are there any employers in Delaware that are interested in hiring some over 50?
Hi Carol, I wish I knew, but I’m in Massachusetts. The list came from the AARP website. Look at the types of companies that are listed and see what companies in Delaware that do the same thing. Best wishes for success in your job search.
Thank you Arleen.I am 46, been on the market for 6 months and need all the help I can get. For me getting past the Employment Agency is the hard bit.
I am in South Africa and age matters here unfortunately..at least that what I think it is because I went to a few companies in 2013 and have not from them since. I have applied at so many companies and agencies online but the response is so bad that I think no one reads the online applications.
Hi Rabia,
Sorry for your trouble finding work. Have you tried networking? Through networking, you can look for people who work at the company and can walk you resume into the company. How is your resume? Are you tweaking your resume for each position by including keywords from the ad? Are you listing your unique selling proposition–what you can do better than anyone else? Such as ways you have made money, saved money or saved time for the company or are you listing your day-to-day duties as a list? Are you listing your honors and accomplishments?
Best wishes for your job search success.