What are your tips for getting hired after age 50?
Hi - I'm working on an article on how to get hired when you're past 50 for my syndicated newspaper column (Retire Smart) and thought it would be interesting to query the network. Obviously, this is a challenge for many people. I'm interested to hear success stories, tips and suggestions--from both the applicant and hiring sides of the desk. Please indicate if you're willing to be quoted by name in the column and I'll follow up via e-mail to confirm.
Answers (27)
My suggestion would be to take time off and get into the Health Care field. Get certified as a Nurse, Physician's Assistant, MRI Technologist, Diabetes Caregiver. Demand is very high in these areas and they do not bother about the age of the applicant.
Sally A
Freelance national magazine, web, and corporate writer on aging, health, work, and education
Mark,
I assume you mean people who are employed full-time. Is that correct? I have an expert you could speak with. I also have marketed my corporate ccommunications business to the 50+ market so employers don't expect me to be a young thing.
Mark, TBD has passed the 70,000-member mark, lots more activity than the last time we chatted, so feel free to post the question to our members.
Links:
Spend less of your time looking at open positions and more of your time creating a position. Look at the companies that need your expertise. Get a personal introduction to a leader using the extensive network you've built over your career. Schedule some face time to talk about what they're trying to accomplish. Listen a lot, but also tell them how you could help them. It worked for me and I love what I'm doing!
Jana C
Teacher, Pianist (Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10) Composer invite me quikscor@ix.netcom.com
I am describing the experience of my then-husband, who is in IT. The key for him was simply being extremely good at what he does (with references to back that up) and staying up to date with the technologies that the companies are currently using. He was 52 when he landed a job with an internationally-known clothing retailer, as a programmer analyst, working with gargantuan databases.
Make it clear that while you have experience, you are not resting on your laurels. Note that you are current with new thinking/tools/strategies in your field (whatever it may be) and how you would apply them on the job. If you are interviewing with large organizations, be aware of differences (real and perceived) in boomer/gen x/gen y work styles and emphasize that you are able to be flexible in working across generations to achieve a common end goal.
Joanne "JP" S
Joyologist (stress reduction expert), experienced Intuitive Success Coach focused on personal and leadership development
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (2), Freelancing and Contracting (1), Personnel Policies (1), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Change Management (1), Organizational Development (1), Career Management (1), Ethics (1)
Hi Mark,
I've been on both sides of the desk. I've hired people over the age of 50 and I was hired when I was 50.
Off the top of my head, here are some points for the job applicant to remember.
1. Everything changes so be open to continuously learning new skills.
2. Age is a state of mind -- if you act "old" others will see you as being old. If you're energetic, positive, professional and knowledgable, that's what the interviewer will see, not the amount of gray that's showing in your hair.
3. Don't assume that, because you are older than your peers, you know more than your peers. Everybody brings something of value to the table.
4. Focus on what problems you can solve for the employer, not on how much vacation you want or the size of the office that you "deserve". If there wasn't a problem, the company wouldn't be spending money to hire a new employee.
5. Show how you can hit the ground running, how your skills from one job apply to the current job and let the new employer know the specific accomplishments you achieved at your previous job.
6. Look professional and give the hiring manager every reason to say "yes".
7. Spell check your resume, have it done by a professional if necessary, 8. Find something that you're truly interested in an network to find a job/career in that area. That passion is contagious. If you like to fish, maybe you could work for a fishing pole manufacturer or you could rep a line of "wadders."
9. Don't whine about your last company, you finacial situation, your health, your children...etc. The employer really doesn't care. They are interested in earning more revenue, not in providing you with counseling. I know that sounds tough but that's the real world. Company's may have a mission statement that says employees are their most important assest, but when push comes to shove, the company's bottom line is how they determine if they are a successful company or not.
9. Lastly, know that the employer has budgeted for the open position. You may want to earn $1,000 an hour because you're in debt, but the position may only be worth $10 an hour to the employer. When there is a big gap between what you want to make and what is being offered, move on. You won't be happy their long-term.
I hope this helps and, if it does, you may use any of it that's relevant.
To your success,
JP
Mark
I would have to say that most folks don't realize that certain dates on their resume hint toward their age. Try to make your resume as "ageless" as possible. This will help guide the hiring manager into focusing on your abilities/skills for that particular position. For example, it's quite an accomplishment to mention that you've received a college degree....especially if it applies directly to your job. However, it's not really necessary to mention the year you graduated. Also, most employers don't really need or want to see much employment history prior to 10 years. This last tip also helps in keeping the resume "ageless" so to speak and gives the candidate a better chance of getting their foot in the door for an interivew.
My experience relates to the UK so may not be relevant to your enquiry but I'll give it to you anyway. My experience of job hunting from 50 onwards (from 1998) is that I wasted my time applying for advertised vacancies or going to recruitment agencies. Almost all the work I have undertaken (and apart from an initial 2-3 month gap I have been continuously employed on at least a part-time basis since then) I obtained through my own contacts without having to 'network' to obtain new ones. At 60 I am currently employed four days a week and have two part-time consultancy arrangements which mean that I am effectively working more than full-time. But the employment is temporary so I may get a bit of a break around Christmas before I start something new in the New Year. I've had a much better work-life balance over the last 10 years because the consultancy work can be largely done at times of my own choosing and I've enjoyed variety in what I've done. Above all, maintain a positive outlook and don't criticise your former employer(s). One of my clients is the company that made me redundant on my 50th birthday. We parted company on good terms and it has paid dividends ever since.
Susan Ayers W
Leadership in the Boomer/+50 Market -- Leveraging Technology to Foster Independance in Aging
Be aware of how to apply the latest technology to your prospective job.
For example, if you are applying for a sales job know about mobile technology such as how to use a smart phone and Web 2.0 applications, and how to find hotspots for your laptop.
If you are applying for a marketing position - then know how to use Powerpoint, Excel, Publisher and know how to start and/or post to a blog.
If you are applying for contract work as a consultant It is important to have a well equiped home office so you are flexable to work from home especially in stormy weather so you don't miss a day at work. That means laptop or desk top computer hooked to a broadband internet connections. The aplications on your computer should be compatible and up-to-date with software used at most companies and could be sync'd with your companies applications. Fax and VOIP capability are also handy to have.
Hi Mark,
Age is a number - I know that sounds cliche, but it's all how you frame it. Each of us, whatever our age, gender, race, occupation, personality, etc., has qualities that make us unique. We each have our strengths. Consider the advantages that "age" brings - experience, hopefully, maturity, responsibility, a more realistic perspective, dependability, a more well-rounded set of both technical and people skills, and more... Focus on what makes you special, what you have to offer, what you have accomplished, and then go out there, and let people know. I'm 52 years old, and I have a much better view of life, of the job market, of the world than I did at 25. I wish I knew then what I know now, but I couldn't because I had to live the extra 27 years!
Hello Mark-
Great question, and quite relevant in today's marketplace.
I'm a recruiter over 50 (luckily employed) but deal daily with people in the marketing, creative, advertising fields who have been let go and are struggling to find a new job at ANY salary, not to mention something close to what they were making. I was so frustrated I even created a networking/discussion group on Yahoo for Creatives over 50 so they chat, share ideas,get advice, and commiserate.
Sometimes the job seeker is sabotaging their own chances, sometimes it's our culture and obsession with youth that leads HR staff and hiring managers into having (often incorrect) notions about those over 50.
Here's what I tell over 50 job seekers:
--Unless you're going for a top executive level position, do not 'brag' that you have "over 30 years" of experience on your resume or in a cover letter. Remove the year you graduated from your resume. Remove the first 10 or more years of jobs, if you can, from your resume. Do not give anyone with a predisposition to ageism a reason to put your resume in the 'circular file.' Remember, the purpose of a resume is to get you an interview - not get you the job. Therefore you do NOT have to put everything on the resume.
--If you get the interview, watch how you dress and even how you wear your hair. Some (far too many) people make snap judgments based on how you look, and if (in their eyes) you look old-fashioned, you may lose the job on that basis alone. Go out and buy a new dress or suit, get a new hairstyle, cover that gray, and invest in new, stylish eyeglasses. Perception is often everything and you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
--Don't rest on your laurels! Be open to learning new things whether it be technology or new business processes. The world continues to evolve and move forward - so must you.
--Never, ever, bash anybody or anything during an interview.
--Watch out for giving out the 'been there, done that' vibe. I see this all the time in experienced people. You need to appear excited about everything, no matter that you've been doing it for 30 years and can now do it with your eyes closed.
There's more but this will suffice for now. I am acutely aware of how our culture devalues people over a certain age and ageism DOES exist, but then again I also see how some job seekers ruin their own chances for a good job.
Richard K
World’s first (used to be only) marketing sociologist. Background in marketing, public relations, and journalism.
Best Answers in: Public Relations (11), Regulation and Compliance (1), Corporate Taxes (1), Economics (1), Employment and Labor Law (1), Guerrilla Marketing (1), Professional Networking (1), Blogging (1), Enterprise Software (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
Mr. Miller:
As for the advice of "Try to make your resume as "ageless" as possible." It doesn't work. I've walked in the door and have been told the person had an emergency and couldn't make the meeting. I've had 5 minute interviews. There is DEFINITELY age discrimination out there, and EEOC, plus the media, looks the other way.
Hello Mark
It depends on the position level. My firm, Rose Porterfield Group, does a great deal of pre-hire assessment and we view over 50 as a positive sign because we are almost always doing our work at the executive level. In fact, late 30 early 40 has some work to do to convince us they have enough life experience.
In any case do NOT make your resume 'ageless.' If you have an BBA and 25 years of work experience don't you think your age within plus minus three years is obvious? Do you look 30 when you come into the interview? Yes, some employers are concerned about your age -- don't compound the problem by being worried about it yourself. And yes you can quote me.
Bob
Mark-
I am in the online media side of things and 40 is an old war horse. But what I find interesting is that many in this industry just don't yet have management chops because, well, they haven't had enough time to get it.
In this industry, if you can present the life experience and have the online experience in hand, you can succeed. BTW, look at the Tribune's newest infusion of talent and it mostly are well seasoned media executives. If this is an industry the over 50 set wants to be in, you can if you know the ropes from a web perspective.
someone said ditch the dockers, and/or button down shirts earlier: yes to that and at least try to look the part. I would agree that that is the case in this industry segment, but don't go too far.
Sheila E
Strategic Biz Dev Consultant; [LION] Sr. Sourcer; Researcher; Compet. Intelligence; Virtual; bizdivase@zoho.com
Are you FUN? Do people like working with you? Your resume is half the game. If no one but your mother wants anything to do with you, it doesn't matter how ageless your resume is...you're toast. Be someone that people enjoy having around.
Remain current. Know what Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and the like are and if you like, use them. Ask your children and grandchildren to help you if you're afraid. Kids are fearless about this kind of thing. They know the ropes. The key? Get involved in life as it is TODAY.
And btw, I took dates off of my resume awhile back. But, I was told that it's a Red Flag so??? It's a toss of the dice. But, if your resume starts when Noah built the Ark, you may want to omit that...
Play to your strengths. If you're a home-maker returning to the work-force. You have years of corporate management at the executive level, You have been the head of accounting, the social coordinator and you have experience in conflict management.
When you have been away from the job market for awhile, you have still maintained a living somehow. Rephrase what you have done. You were a free lancer.
50 is the new 30 they say, so we can act like it without guilt. Spruce up your wardrobe with the help of an in-store retail stylist. There is no charge for this service. Look the part of the job you are seeking. And if need be, get a make-over. Ladies can have their makeup done for free at most upper-tier retail stores. I recommend MAC. And perhaps consider lightening your teeth. It takes years off of your face. There are over-the-counter versions but the in-office one is more powerful and faster albeit more expensive.
Lastly, we all know that the little 25 year old whipper-snapper who is the hiring manager, doesn't know half of what we've already forgotten. You will have to use your reverse psychology and BEFRIEND them.
This is war. Your mission? To get hired. Artillery: Your vast experience! Method of Operation: Put them at ease. They get points for a good hire. Let them know that you will make them look good. We are truly an asset but the person that needs to know this most of all is...US.
Links:
Sheila E also suggests this expert on this topic:
To add to the other good advice here:
--seek the best advice out there (see my recommended Web resources)
--create a plan and follow it closely
--consider getting support. Beware of woo-woo career coaches. Get recommendations. And look at nonprofit career centers in your town or city. Or career coaching from your alumni group.
--tell everyone you know that you are job hunting
--ask them if they know of people in your field
--ask them if they know of companies that are open to older employees
--ask older friends who recently found jobs how they did it
Links:
Celeste W also suggests these experts on this topic:
Clarification added 10 months ago:
I posted before finishing. I also recommend that you interview Nella Barkley of Crystal Barkley. Crystal was one of the co-originators of life/work planning with Dick Bolles. Tell Nella I referred you. (You can call their New York office if she doesn't respond to email via linked in.) Also, I like Marty Nemko's advice (web resources, below) but disagree strongly with some of his views on sexism and race.
Liz Ryan, another expert, is also very good. I also know Liz personally.
Clarification added 10 months ago:
One more note--though I think much of the job-search and career-planning advice that Marty Nemko gives is very good, I do not agree with many of his views on race and gender, affirmative action, etc.
Jim S
Retained Executive Search - Listening and responding to client needs. TopLinked.com
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (1), Career Management (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
1. Be brutally honest with yourself. Understand how you are pereceived by others - the way you look, the words you use, the attitudes you hold (too tightly). Bottom line - clean up your act before you enter the market.
2. It is harder when you're past 50. So, enlarge your network and geographic preferences (if at all possible). Write more approach letters, make more phone calls and become energized by what you're accomplishing day-to-day. BY ALL MEANS, KEEP MOVING FORWARD.
3. Make NO assumptions about how hard or easy this will be. Sometimes the solution is next store or at least in the next zip code or area code.
4. Have strategies for each unique channel: friends, past employers, advertisements, Internet, network meetings, recruiters.
5. Refresh with recruiters and third parties monthly. Be creative with this - an article or an idea they may use is helpful to differentiate yourself.
6. Don't be hurt when you don't get a response. Most companies and recruiters receive many more overtures than they can handle. The responses you receive will be important so treat them as such and with urgency.
7. Do whatever you need to do to keep yourself in top form. Whether Starbucks and caffeine or an hour of meditation - do what you need and do it with presense.
Jim Stranberg
Stranberg Resource Group
847-816-1775
Marika S
Co-founder 2young2retire.com, co-author TOO YOUNG TO RETIRE: 101 WAYS TO START THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Age is just a number, but in this case 50 it is THE point in one's life to look inward before looking for your next job; taking the time (unless you're in a financial crunch) to discover what really makes you excited, what gets you up in the morning. Too many of us settle for something, then settle in to it, whether it is a good fit or not. Finding out what you truly want to do often opens doors to employment you didn't know were there. And when that happens, your passion for the work itself will make you a strong candidate.
Links:
I had the foresight to maintain a good external network throughout my 25 years at one institution. When I hit 60 last year and decided to try freelance work in a semi-retired life, the result was that I knew -- and knew pretty well, at that -- some key people at several organizations who were willing to toss some work in my direction. Is it enough? Well, not yet. But it's a start.
Jon Ziomek
Evanston, IL
Hi Mark,
Good to hear from you. Maybe premature to advise on how to get hired after 50, as I am currently in transition and have not achieved that status yet. However, the approach I am using is to keep active and expand my network. I have been using LinkedIn to reconnect with many people of my past. I have gone to meetings and conferences including those put on by Kellogg, FEI, Illinois CPA Society, Crain's, Merrill Lynch, etc. At each one, I have successfully added to my network. I have been doing some consulting, which may lead to a permanent job or at the minimum has kept my mind active and engaged while also expanding my network. I have attended my 8th grade reunion- again a great resource for network expansion. In addition, i respond to opportunities posted on various websites on the internet. I have generated some activity, but haven't closed the deal yet. I'll have to keep you posted.
You are welcome to quote me if anything I've written is of interest.
See you soon.
Rick Lopatin
Tom M
TR Mann Consulting - Specializing in marketing/advertising for Boomers and beyond.
Mark,
As someone who has hired a LOT of people, I’d say there are three key pieces of advice I would give the 50+ set to getting hired:
1. Flexibility – the world, thanks to technology, is changing at record speed. By showing the hiring manager that you are up to date with technology, you are showing you are still in the game.
2. Listen – many more experienced workers are so eager to show their skills off that they do a “history dump.” While it’s important to share your relevant skills, how you present is equally important. Show that, while being brilliant you are also fun. Remember, Gen Y doesn’t want to feel like they’re working with their Mom or Dad. For a great Harvard Business article on this see: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/sep2008/ca2008099_258565.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily
3. Network – getting hired today is very different then it was just ten short years ago. Every job is posted online. Thanks to new networking tools like LinkedIn, Plaxo, and Facebook, there is a good chance that you are just six degrees of separation away from your dream job. Make sure you are maximizing your connections.
Good luck job seekers,
Tom Mann
TR Mann Consulting, Managing Partner (www.TRMann.com)
Mature Market Experts, Founder (http://maturemarketexperts.wordpress.com/)
PS Feel free to quote me.
Steve P
Mature Market & Online Strategist, eHealth and Healthcare Administration Professional, Director at SRA and Adj Professor
Mark,
On the hiring side: AARP has a great report on “The Business Case for Workers Age 50+” at link below in their Employer Resource Center. In sum, this study reveals why employers should see 50+ workers as “valuable contributors” as it is becoming a business imperative as we move into the demographic changes related to our aging population.
On the being hired side: Social networks such as LinkedIn play a part in today’s hiring process, but I believe it’s still vital to connect in your real, physical world. I worked for a health care organization as a senior health care market specialist for many years. They had to make some difficult financial decisions and had a change of market focus to a non-Medicare commercial payer audience so my position was one of many eliminated. It was easy for me to locate work as I was actively involved in community boards and programs, so people knew me and what skills sets I brought to the table that would benefit their organizations. Age was not a factor—knowledge of the community and needs of the agency were important. So my hiring tip would be: “Get involved with the prospective companies and its related communities and get known by them.” LinkedIn may be useful for this as they have a Company section.
As a last thought, why not break "out of the box" with an Encore career?
I see many other great tips from the contributors. I look forward to reading your article.
If you wish, you can quote me or take from my answer what you need.
Steve Paquet
Senior Resource Alliance
www.sraflorida.org
Links:
Mark,
Thanks for the note. Here are a couple of things that can help the 50+ crowd:
Make sure your business attire is up to date! No old ties and worn belts and make sure your shoes are in style and shined!
You need to approach your interview with much energy and passion. I always say that the interview is a performance and your resume is your script. For alot of people who haven't been in the market for awhile, they have a tendency to approach an interview like it was a "coffee chat". The last thing you need is to come across tired and/or boring!
So much of being 50+ is "in your head". In a book by Gail Sheehy, she says boomers see themselves maybe 10 to 15 years younger than they really are. Once you think everyone is looking at you as old, the games over. It's just an excuse or crutch for not getting an interview or hired. Realize and accept that there is discrimination in the marketplace, there always was and always will be, but don't lwt it bother you. Take the offensive and project an energized, confident self....................we all like to be around people like that!
Lastly (for now), don't rely on the internet for your next job at all unless you're a masochist and love rejection or worse, dead silence! Too many people try to "job search in their jammies" and quickly become discouraged, lazy (not getting out of the house) and depressed. The best way to use the internet is find out where jobs are (but not to apply through the internet but apply through using your network) and doing research on companies.
The best way for a 50+ to find a job right for them is through, drum roll please...............................NETWORKING. Everybody either knows it or has heard about it but so few really go after it. It's not just to find a job but it's also related directly to building a future. I'll end with a quote from Dick Bolles, the auther of the job search bible called, What Color is Your Parachute. He says, "You're going to meet two types of people in a job search; those who are interested in you and those who are not! Your job is that when you meet the people who are not interested in you, you need to get names form them of people who might be interested in you!"
Lesson: With networking, there is never a dead end!
Mark, Hope that helps out. Feel free to call or quote me.
Jeff
No question, this is a challenge, because even though you bring years of relevant experience and seasoned skills to the table, you also bring the (assumed) baggage of a higher salary expectation, less flexibility, more "set ways" of doing things, and perhaps less willingness to take orders from someone younger than yourself.
It is vital to know your potential employer's business and goals and the company's culture, so you can demonstrate how you can be a key part of their continued success. That means knowing how your skills apply to the particular job, showing that you are on top of the latest trends or technologies that impact the new position, in short, making it clear you are such a good match that age makes no difference.
Hi, Mark,
Teaching is one way that retired people can get back into the market. Deep into my retirement I started teaching at DePaul University. Most institutions have a high regard for those who have had actual experience in their fields. One advanatage is that you can start by being an adjunct professor, teaching one or two courses. If you like the experience (I did) you can try to get into a tenure-tack position.
The job is psychically rewarding, not necessarily competitive and pays a modest income. It also is not like a 9-to-5 job.
You may need certain academic background, but life experience also counts toward your qualifications. Also, these requirements differ from one institution to another.
Another advantage of teaching is that it forces you to keep up with developments in your field and to continue networking with former colleagues.
Joe Cappo
Cliff F
Resume Writer & Career Counselor
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (2), Job Search (1)
I'm getting tons of clients coming to me with this very question.
The key is recognizing and remembering that your work experience can play a *supportive* role as well as a leadership role with organizations. The two need not be mutually exclusive.
If you're over 50, you've probably had the experience of being labeled as overqualified. And in response to this unwanted job-search slur, you've probably done what any intelligent, ambitious individual would do: Dumb yourself down (on your résumé, at the very least).
A good move but what's this do to your career confidence?
If today's market is telling you repeatedly via carefully worded form-letter rejection emails, "We don't care about your lifetime achievements or your obsolete business management model", it's no wonder a breech in your armor develops.
As an "over 50" job candidate, you have a unique challenge to grapple with--and unfortunately this wrestling match often occurs in a very public arena: The Interview.
The main event?: A paradoxical tug of war which stems out of your being told you're overqualified but feeling dramatically underqualified.
You're overqualified because of the simple length of your resume, the style of your suit, color of your hair, and lingo in your business repertoire--or so they tell you.
You're underqualified because you may lack some understanding of today's rapidly evolving technologies, flattened infrastructure, and business culture.
As you sit there in the interview staring back at your Gen X boss-to-be in his hybrid sneaker-sandals and ironic T-shirt, you're torn between standing up and screaming "I could do your job in my sleep" and humbly whispering "I don't know what you're talking about."
Coming to terms with this paradox (before you enter the interview) is an essential component to building back your career confidence.
The next step--and no small feat--is to figure out how your strengths (i.e. what you can teach) *as well as* your weaknesses (i.e. what you can learn) match up with your targeted companies. It's important to know both of these aspects of your professional self prior to your job search, and it's important to know how to present them to your next employer—on paper and in person.
