Five Keys to Success for Older Workers (Part 2)

Last week I wrote about a report from the MetLife Mature Market Institute® that said there are several assumptions that the older job seeker has about the job search. They call them the Significant Seven, or “Seven Mistakes That Keep Aging Boomers Unemployed”. The same report says that there are five “keys” to success for older workers. They are:

1. Acknowledge the new realities of the job market: Yes, there is age discrimination but deal with it. Realistically assess the local employment market and go from there. Identify the growing or stable industries (food, transportation, energy, healthcare, and accounting do well during difficult times). Look for organizations that are respectful (check retirementjobs.com and ARRP Best Employers for Workers Over 50). Research small and medium sized companies as these will value your experience and skill set.

2. Reframe your expectations to demonstrate your future value: Identify and articulate the specific value you can bring to the workplace while simultaneously recognizing that your underlying skill set must be constantly evolving. Most importantly, be aware of your skills, values and passions and be able to articulate how these can have an impact on the future of the company.

3. Nurture your network: Nurture your network to cut through the electronic application process and the age bias. Align your passions and skills to similar people, volunteer, or speak at various events in your field. Realize that networking isn’t always about finding a job; it is about developing relationships. Spend time with people in their twenties and thirties.

4. Update your computer/technical skills: Catch up on technology and update your relevant skills. Not doing so gives hiring managers another reason to screen you out and supports the fact that you will not fit into the culture.

5. Do the Math then manage your ambivalence: Consider your future financial needs and as they relate to your “need” vs. “want” to work. Some people in this age group have a waning urge or ambivalence to work but this must be balanced by understanding and seriously planning for the future. The article states that older job seekers may be more successful if they are absolutely clear about their financial needs.

You can read more of the study at Buddy, Can You Spare a Job?