Good Grief! Snoopy was just let go as the long time mascot
of MetLife. They said that they are leaving Snoopy in the dust as they look
ahead to a “clean, modern aesthetic that will fit the brand for a new company
that they are creating; Brighthouse Financial.
CNN Money quotes Esther Lee,
global chief marketing officer of MetLife, saying that the decision to dump Snoopy
after 30 years reflects this shift in business. She said, “We brought in Snoopy
over 30 years ago to make our company more friendly and approachable during a
time when insurance companies were seen as cold and distant. Snoopy helped
drive our business and served an important role at the time.” She added that
"we have great respect for these iconic characters" but that
"it's important that we associate our brand directly with the work we do
and the partnership we have with our customers."
Snoopy can now join the ranks of our country’s older job
seekers. Businesses are in business to make money and today, everything
revolves around “youth” including profit, salaries, tenacity,
branding/marketing and company face. We live in a youth-focused world and frankly,
anyone over the age of 40 is viewed as out of touch,
What can older job seekers do to possibly be considered for
a job opportunity? First off, you may have to lower your expectations. Here are
a few more things to think about.
1. Many
businesses may not consider you because they are afraid that once they have
invested in you, you will leave for something better. Will you? Can you articulate why you will
stay?
2. Expect
a lower salary. Younger applicants are cheaper. Do you want a position badly
enough to accept the salary that comes with it? Think about the other benefits
of the position; work-life balance, flexibility, health benefits, etc.
3.
Technology continues to change. Identify
your strengths and your skill gaps.
Learn something new. Look for opportunities for free or low cost
training. Stop using your dated email
addresses (Yahoo, AOL, etc.) and get a Gmail account.
4. Get
social. Get a LinkedIn account and learn how to use it. Be visible, be found.
It shows that you are technically savvy.
5. Network.
Use your contacts and stop sending resume after resume into the black hole of
no return. Let your Facebook contacts know that you are looking. Spread the
word; up to 80% of jobs are found through networking.
6. Do
something. Volunteer, consult, take classes, blog, become a subject matter
expert on LinkedIn.
7. Don’t
expect that your experience speaks for itself because if you do you are going
to bruise your ego. Don’t be offended if you are offered a lower or different
position.
8. Take a
look in the mirror and ask yourself if you need to refresh your appearance. Get
new interviewing clothes and make sure your hair/makeup is current.
9. Look
for companies that have a history of hiring older workers.
10. Learn
about the new resume formats and styles and use them. Tailor your resume to
each position. Don’t expect that one size fits all.
We can all learn from Snoopy because let’s face it, except
for the occasional air show, there is no need for a WWI Flying Ace.
