Most of the clients I serve are senior-level professionals and executives and by the time they have reached out to me for help, they are quite disillusioned with the job search and very concerned about age discrimination.
We can all agree that today's job search especially in the midst of an economic turmoil requires a lot more patience, perseverance and dedication. More importantly, being qualified for the job is no longer a differentiator in a market where millions of qualified candidates are in active job search.
So if the job search process different when you are a 50+ job hunter?
A recent response to a job seeker's question in the Careers Section of the Wall Street Journal offered some pretty sage advice. The author, Toddi Gutner suggests that while the market is flooded with senior professionals, there are ways you can stand out and increase your odds of success.
Diversify Your Job Search Tactics
If you are primarily depending on job boards and online postings to generate interviews, remember that the success rate is less than 2%. Consider other avenues like executive recruiters, local networking events, conferences and trade shows, association events and even alumni activities
Identify Target Companies
This is an area where a lot of jobseekers overlook - you don't have to become a victim to job postings and available job openings - identify a list of companies that would more likely hire someone with your experience and qualifications and especially focus on companies that are more senior friendly.
Expand Your Scope
You may have built a successful career in one industry or sector, but consider expanding your search to include other growing industries like green, energy, healthcare, education and even the federal government. Also consider short-term assignments and consulting projects are avenues to get your foot in the door.
Maximize Networking Connections
I have a 50+ client who was highly experienced in her profession, and diligently spent a year job searching, but in the end her job offer came through a friend and she had to be open to relocation. Take a close look at your personal and professional contacts - we often know more people than we realize - think about friends, neighbors, relatives, church members, professional organizations, etc.
Create A Targeted, Relevant Resume
Your executive resume is a career marketing tool - including a wealth of non-relevant information and every position you held since high school will land your resume directly in the trash. While it is customary to only emphasize the last 15 to 20 years of your experience, make sure that you are effectively highlighting your experience and qualifications that directly correlate with your target positions.
Check out examples of executive resumes for 50+ job hunters
Research Salary Ranges
This current economic climate have forced companies to cut back on budget and trim salaries for key positions, conduct extensive research to make sure that your salary expectations are in line with current industry standards. Consider whether you can afford a lower salary if it means a great job opportunity and a solid package of benefits.
Consider Interview Practice
Recently, I had a conversation with a frustrated job hunter who had been repeatedly securing interviews with her target companies, but none had generated job offers. Because employers have the advantage in this distressed market, you need to be very prepared for every interview; expect to be asked to provide specific experience examples for behavioral style questions.
Is The Job Search Harder When You Are A 50+ Executive?
Don't Lose The Interviewer In Your Long-Winded Answers
