- Why can't you easily find a job when you have fifteen or more years of experience? Why is it so difficult in some professions? Let's be honest: employers sometimes discriminate - not because they don't like older workers, but because some hiring managers make assumptions about middle aged or older employees.
Right off the bat, they may think you are overqualified and not consider you for the position. It is what overqualified means to the hiring manager that is the real problem.
It may mean you will not be happy in the job or that you are expecting more money. They may believe you are not up on the latest technology. It could be that you would not fit in with the existing staff or that you would not relate to their client base. They may think you would take the job until you find what you really want. Sometimes it is based on the actual experiences of the employer and sometimes on prejudices. Unfortunately, some human resource managers are conditioned to look for reasons not to hire potential employees rather than reasons to hire since they review so many resumes and applications.
So how do you get around these issues and land the job? By determining your strengths, creating advantages and projecting a positive, focused image.
The biggest advantage you may have over younger employees is your network of contacts and friends developed during your career. Many may be in high management levels and aware of opportunities. Use them to locate potential positions and to further expand your network. Most positions, up to 80 percent, are found through networking.
Next, update your resume. Review the new employment publications for resume examples. Incorporate new formats, action words and key words. Set up an e-resume for Internet use.
If you are concerned about your older employment record or dates, concentrate more on your skills and more recent accomplishments. Consider listing only your most recent jobs. Then concentrate on your overall skills and accomplishments. Provide schools and degrees received, but don't provide dates. You may want to use skills and accomplishments as your structural framework and just list your more recent jobs.
If you have a target company, find out what their hiring needs are now and in the near future. Set up your background, skills and education to fit those needs. Emphasize the most relevant information.
Consider using a summary at the beginning of your resume. Determine a focus and stick to it. This way you can highlight your strengths and persuade the recruiter why you're the right one for the job. Use a cover letter to complement your resume.
Not all human resource managers' agree with the strategy of not providing your entire job history. Just in case, have a chronological resume available for those occasions.
If you cannot find the job you want, consider placing yourself in a strategic position in your target company or agency. The experience you receive in the new job combined with your past employment may put you in a situation to get the job you really want.
Being a little older can have advantages when looking for employment. Many employers prefer seasoned employees with lots of varying experience. No matter what, make sure use your strengths to your advantage. There are lots of jobs waiting.
Older job hunters not necessarily out of luck<br>
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