It often feels like it’s harder to get a job when you’re older. Many fields get more crowded with qualified applicants as the positions get fewer and farther between, while the business world’s requirements tend to change almost moment to moment. There are, however, ways for older individuals to improve their odds when they apply for jobs. Below are just a handful of methods they can use to help them get an edge in their job searches.
Emphasize Experience
One thing that older candidates tend to have in excess is experience. If you are an older person searching for a job, it’s important to leverage this factor when you can. Don’t just talk about what you did in your last job – talk about the experience you have in wide-ranging fields. Qualities like leadership and work ethic are incredibly hard to find in any worker, so pointing out your own experience with these qualities can make you an incredibly attractive candidate.
Utilize Practiced Interview Skills
While the information might have changed over the years, the basic format of most interviews has largely stayed the same. As such, older workers can be at an advantage if they’re willing to put those practiced interview skills to work. Simply going in and knowing what to expect can be particularly advantageous, especially if the interviewee can pair that with real-world knowledge. It’s also a good idea to use the skills that have been learned in terms of follow-up communication, including how to write a thank you note.
Work with a Consultant
It’s also a good idea for many to work with a consultant to make sure that their CVs are in order. The expected information and language on resumes have changed quite a bit even over the last few years, so getting this document touched up can be helpful. Concentrating on the right key terms and using the right format is more important than ever, so reaching out for help is a must.
Work with a Discrimination Attorney
It’s also important to remember that discriminating on the basis of age is illegal. If an individual encounters a company that is unwilling to hire him or her because of his or her age, an age discrimination attorney may be able to help. Though attorneys cannot guarantee a job, they can help to remove illegal obstacles from the job seeker’s path.
It’s still very possible for older generations to get jobs in today’s market. Leveraging their existing skills is important, as is adapting to new circumstances. By combining the two, most can continue to be valuable parts of the modern workforce.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
