Tips for Job Seekers over 40

"Hunting for a job is not a task, it's a lifestyle."***

There have been a lot of benefits being part of the baby boomer generation but when it has come to finding work, our timing has sucked. When we first came out of college because people changed jobs so less frequently there were only entry level jobs available. We also faced the conundrum of getting that first job without experience. Being young was a disadvantage what could only be overcome with the passage of time.

Then a funny thing happened over the next few decades. Youth became an on-the-job asset and after the Internet revolution being old was a disadvantage. It was also an issue that got only worsened with the passage of time. Today, when we go up against someone younger we are in the position of having to prove that we can still work hard, won't be pulled away for family issues, won't be at the doctor all of the time complaining about our bad back, are capable of learning new tasks, and understand a thing or two about technology. Complicating this is that job security and long-term career paths are distant memories so it is almost certain that we will be out looking for a new job in our 40's, 50's and possibly even 60's.

While the Internet created (or at least added to) some of these issues, it is also a big part of the solution. The web is phenomenal for finding new jobs, keeping skills up-to-date, preparing for interviews, and finding tips like the ones below that I found at a relatively new site called JobMob.

Here are what I consider to be the 7 most relevant lessons culled from their post "40 Tips for Job Seekers Over 40" with some of our thoughts added in:

4. Age stereotypes exist no matter how old you are, so get over it. According to the article, “the worst thing a job seeker could do is try and emphasize the positive qualities which employers associate” with your age.

This is so obvious yet it is the one that is so easy to commit. Other don'ts: don't stereotype yourself (no grandpa glasses or ties), don't apologize for your age or things like staying at a company too long, and don't think new technologies are beyond or beneath you.

11. Stay healthy by exercising and eating a balanced diet. This is always important, more so when you’re in a difficult transition period between jobs.

Of course you should do this anyway but when undertaking as big of a change in your life as a job/career change is a great time to alter other things in your life. For example now is the time to improve your diet and start an exercise regimen. It's also a nice ice breaker during an interview when they asked you what you've been up to and you say that you just completed your first marathon, etc. Employers like to hire healthy people so the best way to come across as healthy is to be healthy.

15. Limit your resume to two pages, and focus on the past positions that are most relevant and impressive with regards to the job you are applying for.

Most of the books I read say that the resume should be kept to 1-page not two, but the point is that the resume is there to get you the interview. You won't be hired off of a resume and too lengthy of a resume might keep you away from having an in-person shot.

19. If your children have already moved away, offer to put in hours that are difficult for younger people who have family obligations to manage.

I've never heard this one but I like it. The reality is that office hours are generally set but by making this offer you are dispelling a number of possible biases against you. Of course you need to be prepared to do it if they say yes.

32. Prevent yourself from feeling that you missed an opportunity solely because of your age. Most of the time it simply isn’t the case, so avoid clouding your understanding of what the issue really was and focus on any potential improvements for the next interview.

I don't think this can be said any better. If you don't get the job, and most of the time you won't, ask why and/or what you can have done better. While they will likely fudge the answer saying that the other candidate had more of what they were looking for you still might gleam something to make your next interview go better.

37. Network, network, network. Many contacts accompany much experience over a long career, and you should use that broad reach to find the people that can help you most.

If you are one of those people who says that they are a bad networker, then you need to change that first. Here's a link to great book to get started, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.

39. Consider boomeranging- returning to work for a former employer. You may still know people on the inside who can vouch for you.

So obvious that it's almost always overlooked.

Good luck and try and enjoy the process as you'll probably have to do it again in a few years.

***Penelope Trunk, The Brazen Careerist