2012 April :: Ascend Career and Life Strategies Blog

Finding a job after 40 can take longer but don’t get discouraged. Anyone over 40 can have success if they incorporate some alternative search methods, revise their resume, refine their skills, and employ some new interview techniques. Here are four job search tips for success after 40:

1- Revise your résumé to be “age-friendly” by emphasizing skills, technology, achievements, and ongoing training, over longevity and length of experience.

Downplay your age on your resume by eliminating dates of graduation and only going back 10 years for your work experience. Limit the résumé to 2 pages.
Position yourself as an ideal fit for the job you’re applying to by creating a Branded Résumé. This is a resume style that is focused for a particular type of job as opposed to a generic catch-all type document.
Emphasize your experience with technology by listing all computer and software programs you are familiar with, and especially list your social media URLs (or add buttons) to you résumé. This conveys that you are up-to-speed with Web 2.0 tools and have kept up with technology—BIG.
List key skills, accomplishments, and problems solved—giving concrete examples—as they relate to a certain type of position. Show how you contributed to the bottom line. Add an Ongoing Training section to the resume and show current and recent classes. This shows you’re keeping your skills up-to-date.

2- Employ new methods for uncovering positions.

Most jobs go unadvertised, so utilize your network to arrange coffees, lunches, phone calls or meetings, so you can convey what your job search goals are.
Be specific and able to explain precisely how you can help an organization (create a 30 second branding statement).
By contacting companies of interest proactively and utilizing you network to uncover unadvertised positions, you can greatly reduce the level of competition and increase your chances of reaching a hiring manager.

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3- Project a contemporary image, speak with confidence and energy, and emphasize modern skills during the job interview.

Image is everything. Dress for success and wear something contemporary. A look through the Macy’s or Nordstrom’s web site will give an idea on what’s “in” in terms of business fashion.
Show energy and enthusiasm and be aware of body language.
Describe situations when you worked with or for a younger leader, mention your attendance record and tenure with certain companies.
Discuss how you use technology professionally (Mac, MS Office programs, etc.) and even personally (Facebook, smartphone, iPhone) and what bloggers you like to follow for up to date industry and occupation information. Mentioning familiarity with social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook will have a major positive impact.

4- Focus on industries and occupations that welcome older workers.

Healthcare, higher education, and government agencies all have higher-than-average percentages of older workers.

Other Considerations:

Niche web sites: WorkForce50.com (over 50 job seekers), Jobs4Point0.com (over 40 job seekers).
Volunteering can go a long way in keeping skills sharp, staying positive, and networking. Can use volunteer and professional development activities as answer to the common interview question, “What have you been doing since your last job?”
Start your own business!

According the U.S. Department of Labor, 70-80 percent of all available jobs are never advertised. Companies will almost always try to fill a position by looking internally or by word-of-mouth before placing an ad online or even contacting a recruiter. By following a few simple steps for success, any job seeker can effectively assemble an action plan for mining the hidden job market.

1- Assemble a target list of companies you are interested in working for.

You’ll simply do a better job and be in a more fulfilling career if you are working for an organization that you truly believe in. There are many resources one can utilize in assembling a target list of organizations including business databases such as Hoover’s, Reference USA, Dun and Bradstreet, and LexisNexis. All you need is a library card to access. Another solid resource is the Denver Business Journal Book of Lists. Most any business today has a web site, so conducting a general internet search can also give you some solid leads.

2- Develop a 30-Second Commercial.

Prepare in advance for situations where you’ll need to introduce yourself to a hiring manager, business owner, or networking contact that can assist you. Your 30-Second Commercial should include information regarding your job search target, experience, and most importantly how you can help an organization. I would recommend writing it out to organize your thoughts, however, the delivery should be conversational and not sound scripted, rehearsed, or memorized.

See Don’s interview on Uncovering the Hidden Job Market on KDVR FOX 31 Denver

3- Network it!

More people are hired through networking than any other job search technique, so start reaching out to people for coffee, lunch, or even a short phone call. Emailing is not networking. Rather than asking for a job, discuss you job search target with your networking contact and then ask if they have any tips, advice or recommendations (TAR). People generally love to help other people, so even though you may not get a solid job lead, so may gain an introduction to someone what can make things happen for you.

Also, attending networking events both inside and outside your target industry are extremely beneficial. Use these events to try out your 30-Second Commercial and see how many leads or contacts you can gain. Before adjourning any networking conversation, always remember to ask how you can help them as networking is a two-way street.

4- Use social media.

Uncovering the hidden job market has gotten much easier with the advent of social media, with LinkedIn being the best resource. On LinkedIn, you can research your target companies and find people who may be in a position to hire you or offer some solid information on getting hired. LinkedIn also has an InMail feature which allows you to send a direct message to someone at a target organization. Assemble a brief introductory email and ask the person for 10 minutes of their time via phone to discuss the industry, outlook, etc. Remember you’re not soliciting for a job, but simply gaining information. Follow companies of interest on Twitter to gain up-to-date information regarding company and industry news and potential openings.

5- The “direct approach” still works in certain instances.

Contacting a hiring manger in-person still works for certain types of businesses like retail, restaurants, and other organizations that deal with the general public. Dressing up, showing up, and asking for a hiring manger can still garner outstanding results in a few target industries.