Over 50 and Intimidated By a Job Search?

Finding a job over 50 is an "individual" process, not a group one. If you are a job-seeking boomer, quit paying attention to all the surveys and statistics! Instead, focus on your attitude, put a smile on your face, and build those critical business relationships. Sure, polishing your appearance can help with your face-to-face encounters, e.g., a professional hair style, fashionable clothes, weight loss, etc. And projecting your self-confidence with technology is important. But otherwise, it's still about the unique value you have in order to solve a potential employer's problems - what employers seek from every job candidate regardless of age.

After reading "4 Ways to Stay Employed After Age 50" (US News & World Report, 1-13-11), I once again felt annoyed by all the statistics. When job seekers' lives are boiled down into numbers, hope drains from the collective psyche of boomer readers everywhere. I see here another reason to turn off the tube and dial back the volume of media. Statistics are only numbers - numbers that include EVERYONE in a certain class, not reflective of individuals.

Each person is unique in who they are and what they offer to a potential employer. Become an expert at selling your potential as well as your experience. Research business trends and get comfortable discussing them in terms of your career target. Know that we exist in a rapidly changing world and embrace that fact! The over 50 job seekers who refuse to change, insisting that their way is always the right way, will NOT get where they want to go. They will be labeled as dinosaurs as they live up to their stereotype.

A great resource to help you, the boomer job seeker, is a book by Jean Erickson Walker, The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Mid-life Career Transition. Buy it or get it from your library. This is a must-read to help you clearly see all your options for finding a job, the right job for you.

Wishing you career success in 2011!

Meg

Comments

[Zoe]

I've had good luck searching on Trovit (http://jobs.trovit.com) if anyone else is looking.

[John Groth]

Also, to often friends and co-workers tell the 50+ job hunter that there is so much discrimination against those over 50 that they should dial back their job hunt so they have a better chance in finding a job. Or lie about their age. Or dumb down their qualifiactions.

All bad advice. If a prospective employer is discriminating due to age you don't want to work there. Good jobs and opportunities are everywhere, you just have to work hard in making yourself through experience and achievements the exact employee to solve the employers problems.

Plan your dream and work your career plan and good things will happen.

[HCG Diet]

I have known great bloggers and the one thing that distinguish them from other bloggers are their abilities to catch reader's attention. This, you're able to do effectively. Nice post!

[Felon Job Finder]

Age does matter when applying for a job. I like your post that boost the confidence and gives hope and tips for those who want to apply for a job at their fifties.