Jobs For Older People
Jobs for Older People: 5 Golden Rules
When the economic climate is rough, the number of jobs for older people is impacted. There is heavy competition for the existing opening in all kinds of industries. This is a time when anybody seen as not premium employee material is barely given a chance. Older job seekers often find themselves up against ageist prejudices about their being slower, less likely to adapt to change and being less technologically savvy. This makes a job search doubly difficult because it is not just a matter of finding a job that you are qualified for, it is also a matter of convincing the employer that you are still very much capable of doing it and doing it well!
It may be a good idea to keep certain basic principles in mind if you are an older person looking for jobs. Keep an open mind about the process and have a realistic assessment of the job market:
If you are an executive with years of experience and know your worth it is a great thing. However, if your industry is hit hard and there is no scope for a job there, consider looking at other industries where there are jobs for older people. So, rather than holding on to the familiar you may have to swim out into the ocean of the less familiar.
If you are switching industries, be willing to accept the possibility that your years of experience in another place may not be seen as relevant in the new industry. This will have implications for reporting structure and salary and you should prepare yourself for this. If you are fortunate, you may interview with a manager who appreciates the value you bring as an experienced employee and reflect that in the company’s job offer. If not, do not consider it a personal insult and invest time and effort in learning new skills that will allow you to approach your manager in a 3-6 month time frame and ask him or her to reconsider the original offer.
This tip about not taking things personally is a good general guideline because it will allow you to face things calmly. Whether it is a case of being replaced by someone fresh out of college or being interviewed by somebody you see as significantly less experienced, if you are in the market for jobs for older people, it is possible to feel irritated and unhappy about these situations. While your reaction is legitimate, it will be counter-productive to approach the situation with resentment.
Consider options of creating your own opportunities if you find that there are no attractive jobs for older people. You may be able to offer your services as a consultant and this may allow you to leverage your experience in a meaningful way. Sometimes, even moving to a new line of work, as say a realtor, may be a good way to use your networks and contacts to establish yourself in a new career path. Working for yourself will be a good way to move beyond the job search process.
Do not rule out getting a new certification or degree if you are in an industry that will look for that kind of updated qualification. Sometimes older people, who are looking for jobs, minimize the need to freshen their resume. While your years of experience are invaluable, if you are able to show initiative and demonstrate willingness to learn the attitude, as much as the degree or certification, will work wonders.
Statistics indicate that networking and use of resources such as agencies focusing on older employees are effective ways to find employment. While there are periods when a job search can feel like an uphill battle, older is a relative term and it is important that you do not start to believe that you are too old to be productive. The old adage that you are as old as you feel is particularly true in the context of a job search and interview and with this in mind it is important that you make an effort to project vitality and enthusiasm.