Has Your Job Search Left You Feeling Old?

Do you feel passed over by employers looking for younger talent? We can show you how to familiarize yourself with what’s hip, and then use your age and experience as an asset.

The job search process can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. In a changing society, it can become even more stressful for the more mature and experienced job seeker as you begin to realize that your prior approach to getting a job seems to not be working at all today. After sending out tons of résumés and sitting through countless interviews, you still haven’t landed that job. It is easy to get discouraged and even to begin to think “what am I doing wrong?”

Well, it’s not necessarily your fault. Employers may assume that you may be more expensive to hire or are planning to retire soon. You may have to change your approach to job searching. Here are some tips that will allow you to be more successful in your job search.

• Let employers know you are interested not only in getting the job, but also in staying at that particular company for a long time by expressing your desire to grow and contribute to the company over time.
• Research current wages to confirm that your salary requirements are appropriate, and be ready to communicate your enthusiasm to tackle the position offered, rather than a higher-paying position.
• Cite your attendance history in prior jobs if it’s strong, and communicate with energy and engagement during your phone interviews.
• In your résumé and interviews, note technology training and skills. If this is not a strong suit of yours, explore resources to help you expand your skills and get up-to-date for the positions you seek.
• Make it clear that you are comfortable with change and will follow protocol.
• Limit your résumé to two pages and your work history to the last 10-15 years.
• Make sure your email address is up to date and professional.
• Have an active and robust LinkedIn account and include your professional LinkedIn URL on your résumé.
• Treat each job posting like the ideal opportunity without trying to replace everything about the job you had before. Employers will include detailed job functions and their “wish list” of a candidate for a certain position. If you have experience doing most of the job functions, and you meet the “requirements,” then go for it —even if you may not have what’s asked for under the “preferred” column.
• Remove work experience that happened more than two decades ago from your resume, and list your college/university education without the corresponding education dates.
• Highlight your skills and use current terminology.
• Use a font no larger than 12 point on your résumé.
• Decide whether to keep your glasses on or off during the interview. Constantly putting on and taking off your glasses to read something may date you. Opting to wear contacts instead of glasses during an interview may give you a younger look.
• Stay away from saying “when I was your age,” or, “back then” during an interview.
• Stay positive! If you keep these tips in mind and are persistent, the right opportunity will find you.

To contact JVS Careers, please call (513) 936-9675, email [email protected], or use the Contact page.