Top 10 Job Search Tips for Professionals Over 50

If you’re having a hard time with your job search, read these top 10 job search tips for professionals over 50.

An increasing number of professionals today are trying to change careers or have found themselves let go later on in their careers. With budgets being cut everywhere and competition fierce due to the economy, companies can no longer support their staff.

Several negative factors continue to add unnecessary stress to the already difficult jobs that professionals perform. When job-searching in your industry after 50, things may be difficult, but with a little planning and research, it’s possible to get your career in the right direction.

Given below are the top 10 job search tips for professionals over 50:

1. Cast a Wide Net

Evaluate your skills and your experience to reinvent yourself and redirect your skills to the appropriate industry. Don’t limit yourself to the tried and tested fields when there are so many alternative career choices available for professionals today.

2. Focus on Smaller Companies and Organizations

When searching for a job after 50, you’ll have better chances of finding something if you approach smaller organizations or companies where they’ll value your knowledge and experience better than elsewhere.

3. Network

With everyone geared towards using technology, it’s important to network and knows all the right people. Join sites like LinkedIn and establish connections that will be helpful to you.

4. Get Help

Several companies offer career counseling and coaches to help older professionals. Accept all the help you can get and attend workshops, job fairs, and organizations to make job hunting easier for you.

5. Get Acquainted with the Latest Technology

It’s important for professionals today to work with laptops, desktops, and basic software applications on the job. Think web navigation, Twitter, and smartphones. Learn everything you can about technology. You’ll need to prove to companies that your age doesn’t mean you aren’t up on the latest technology.

6. Create an Exciting Resume

Ensure that your resume isn’t boring and generic. If you want a job, you’ll have to ensure that you create a resume that will attract employers’ attention. Update it regularly to make sure it’s always ready to send at a moment’s notice.

7. Portray Your Age as an Advantage

Professionals over the age of 50 tend to be experienced, are self-starters, and do not require much hand-holding. Be confident and portray your age as an advantage to your potential employers.

8. Practice Your Interview Skills

If it’s been quite some time since you went for an interview, it may be time for you to practice your skills and get back in the game. The interview is where a job is gained or lost. You want to ensure you shine your brightest.

9. Don’t Be Over Confident

Don’t try to present yourself to employers as a know-it-all. It will only backfire. Be ready to learn on the job, and answer all questions in a dignified, crisp manner.

10. Deal with Being Overqualified

Professionals over the age of 50 will often be overqualified and over experienced, but you may have to come to terms with it to get the job. It may also mean answering a boss who is much younger than you. These are all uncomfortable situations that you may need to get used to gain meaningful employment.

Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!