20 Job-Hunting Tips for the 'Older' Worker

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Their is a disadvantage for older workers when it comes to getting employment, however, with all the technology and tools available today you can succeed. I would encourage older job seekers to become fans of social networking. Young people are taking advantage of this new technology in ways that are not even imaginable. People are meeting each other and getting married, all thanks to social networking sites.
The older job seeker should create a facebook and LinkedIn account and start networking, the key is not to give up and keep working at it. You could also get in touch with a certified career coach who will help you with the job search as well as create a winning resume.. My firm works with young, middle aged and older job seekers.. We have seen success and fascinating results with all ages.
Hope this helps!
Y. Kraynov
togoresume.com

Yuriy of CA 5:45AM October 01, 2009

I am 51 years old. I have a Master's degree in Sociology and "all-but-dissertation" towards a Ph.D. I left the doctoral program and got into the photography business in 1985. I worked as a cross-country family portrait photographer and sales respresentative for 20 years. In 2005, I left the business and have been working as a private duty companion since that time. I have one client and she is 103 years of age. I am facing the real possibility of being out of work before long. I have put in several applications this year, hoping to line something up. At this point in my life, I'm mainly looking for work that will help me with my $600 a month health insurance premium. All of the positions to which I have applied are well below my educational level, yet I have still not been called for any interviews. I cannot help but wonder if my being over 50 years of age is playing some part in this. And I am now daily facing a sense of panic that I will not be able to afford my health insurance premium should I lose my current position, which is paying me $17.00 an hour.

Debbie Metcalf of NC 12:16PM September 19, 2009

At the age of 60 I was laid off of a job that I ASSUMED would carry me until I got closer to retirement. SURPRISE!!!
I am now taking on-line classes in the Hospitality industry.
The area colloges do not offer any classes on campus.
Also the area motels/hotels do not offer any type of internship programs. I would gladly take a job to learn!
I really want a change but have no experince in a motel/hotel/resort facility except as a guest.
The 20 Tips are really aboost to my morale if I could just find a way to put them to work for me.
It's hard to just pick up and leave a town that has family needing you.
I guess I'm not as ready for a change as I need to be to move on! But this is something I really want.
I think as an older worker we have so much to offer the work force if just given the chance.

marjorie gilbreth of TX 8:35PM August 16, 2009

I am an older worker (52) who just successfully landed a top notch job as Executive Assistant to a prominant manager of a country club.
The item that got me in the door -
An outstanding cover letter, referencing the new place of employment, and information regarding the company - and why I wanted to work there, as well as how I could be an asset. I learned later that other candidates did not have a cover letter.
At my interview, I complimented a picture in the HR directors office, and we had a lively discussion of the ins and outs of the hospitality industry - which is what the position entailed.
At my interview with the General Manager - I noted that he graduated from the same college for which I am a fan, and that my daughter graduated from. I complimented him on this, and also remarked on the beautiful view from his office.
In this case, I showed that I was comfortable speaking with upper management, was able to smile and carry on a good coversation, and when he asked me questions about my skill set for the job, I focused on my customer service skills - he had my resume so he was aware of any technical things that may have been needed.
A good smile, a good letter, and research into the company, got me the job - and now it is my job to keep it by truly being that asset.

Judy Mitchell of FL 9:46AM August 13, 2009

I've been self employed practially my whole life. Free lance workers play with a whole different set of rules and cards. Every jobs is different and some only last 1-6 months but the work performed based on merit alone speak louder than most 40 year gold watch jobs. So over a period of years you may have as many as 40 or 50 different jobs on a resume. Are we unstable workers? Quite the contrary, we've had to go find that good paying job some times 5 or 6 times a year. Dedicated? You betcha. To stay on top you have to be. But in this economy when employers are pulling everthing in house and the houses all have locked doors to the free lance market, talking your skills to an intern or entry level just isn't going to cut it. Suddenly the employer is reaping the benefits of your skills for what, minimum wage or 10 bucks and hour? Then after the recession ends where do you go? Back to free lancing or wait for that dead end gold watch. So who wins? The eager newbie out of college ready to set the world on fire, or the seasoned vet, experienced, tenured with a world of knowledge?

david Neesley of IL 8:07AM August 10, 2009

Although I know I am 58, almost 59, I have often been told I look as much as 15 to 20 years younger in person. So, for me to be able to delete college dates (graduated, by the way, when I was 34!), is a plus. It is also a plus, as a woman, to be able to have gaps in my resume because of staying home -- to raise my family, to care for my terminally ill husband, etc. I've been in the same industry for the past 15 years, and worked for a government agency before that. I actually WANT a change -- so have just made arrangements to relocate to a "new" place -- back to my hometown, and am picking out the specific things I love most about the jobs I have done and hoping to carve out a whole new niche that just focuses on doing those things. So, altogether now, with my big move within the next month -- here's to finding that next big job!!

kag of MI 7:24AM August 10, 2009

I think that the info on your resume should have a direct relationship to the job you're applying for. Each resume should in fact be customized for a specific job.
If you research resume writing you'll find most experts do not feel that failing to list every job you've ever had or omitting your graduation date is "lying."
Anyway, a graduation date is not a reliable indicator of age. I graduated from college when I was 34. So my graduation date makes me look much younger than I am!
And most people nowadays feel that jobs from more than 15 years ago aren't relevant. They're too long ago.
Older workers don't need to try "to make themselves look younger" on paper or anywhere. They should make themselves look capable of doing the jobs they're seeking. Showing that they're up to date, flexible, energetic, and with the needed skill set is the way to do that.

Working Girl of WA 9:50PM August 05, 2009

I read an article recently that addressed lying on your resume, and two of the things that were considered lying were: not listing all of your jobs and not including your graduation date. The basic comment by the author on this was "By showing fewer jobs and not putting down your year of graduation, you are trying to make yourself look younger on paper. However, they're going to know the truth when you come for an interview."
What are your thoughts on that POV?

Rodney Cooley of WI 9:20PM August 05, 2009