Depending on where you stay, getting a job might be very difficult. Your age also might it more challenging to land your dream job. Some of the job opportunities you will come across will possibly not be what you expected.
Even though you might possess a lot of experience because of your age, your age might put you at a disadvantage in this case. Some employer will even tell you that you are overqualified, all this will contribute in making it difficult to get a good job.
Although the odds are against you when trying to get a good job after 50, it is still possible to get a job that suits your age. This post is aimed at equipping you with the right information to help you land a good job even if you are above 50 years of age.
Stay active in your chosen field
If you are not employed at the age of 50, it will be difficult for you to continue to development and acquire more knowledge in your field. But if you are looking to get a job at 50, it is very important for you to remain an authority in your filed.
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This will involve attending professional conferences and taking continual education classes to ensure you remain current and on top of your industry knowledge. This here is that you should never stop learning, the fact that you are getting old does not mean you should slow down. This will increase your chances of land a good job.
Show that you are tech savvy
In almost all sector of the economy, tech skills are on high demand. Make sure that you have the necessary tech skills needed for your industry. Also social media provides a wonderful opportunity for you to put yourself out there.
Your tech skills should include Microsoft Office and other software as well. Art Koff, founder of RetiredBrains.com, which provides a variety of job-seeking resources, such as interviewing tips, résumé writing assistance and tips for your job search. suggested listing the hardware, software, devices and platforms on which you have worked.
Beck, the career development specialist, also said it’s key to link your social media platforms to your resume and incorporate your tech skills throughout your resume.
Focus on Companies Who Seem to Hire People of Your Age
Some companies are known for not hiring above a certain age group, it will be unwise for you to waste your time trying to get a job there. Some of these companies make it clear in the vacancy adverts, so as to get the right candidates.
In view of the above, it is important for you to do your research so as to know which companies to pitch to. Try to look out for companies that seem to have other people in their 40’s and 50’s, and apply there.
Network as much as you can
Whether you are below or above 50, you will agree with me that Networking is a very powerful way of getting a job. It also helps to fasten you job search process. Your age provides you with a lot of connections, which you will need when trying to land a job.
Your network could include former bosses, coworkers, colleagues, and even people you’ve supervised/mentored in the past. Meeting with them to discuss about your goals and objectives will help improve your chances of getting a job.
Make good use of Linkedin
Linkedin has more than 15 million jobs posted on the site and over 350,000 using LinkedIn recruiting tools to discover and hire talent. The facts above makes one of the biggest platforms for finding a job and the perfect place to build your network and brand yourself.
Create a professional profile on the platform, include a photo that indicates you’re “not afraid to show your seniority. This will tell hiring managers that you’re engaged in the modern hiring process.
Consider temporary employment
Indicate you’re amenable to starting on a part-time or project basis and then being hired full time when you demonstrate your capabilities.
This gives older workers an advantage over their younger counterparts who need the benefits that come from full-time employment, while providing the employer with the opportunity to check out their work ethic and abilities.
A tools that could help is LinkedIn’s ProFinder. It helps workers find project-based work in place of the typical 9-to-5 profession. A LinkedIn survey found that nearly 50 percent of those on ProFinder are older than 50.
Don’t Be Too Choosy
As i mentioned earlier, your age put you at a disadvantage when it comes to landing a good job. As a result of this, you do not have the luxury of being choosy when it comes to the jobs available.
Declining job offers/interviews, and being too picky, can extend your job search and stop you from finding work after 50. At the very least, take interviews even if you’re not sure it’s the right fit.
You’ll learn more in the interview (in fact that’s the whole point of interviewing – to find out more info and see if it’s a good potential match for both sides).
And if you’re offered a position that has some interesting aspects and you think you can perform well in, take it. You can always change in a year if you want.
Put young managers at ease
Some young managers might find it challenging to supervise someone your age, you will discover this during the interview process. To put such ones at ease, try these.
Let them know you’re fine with the role you’re applying for and not looking to take their responsibilities or leadership. Make it clear you do not want their job and are expecting to take directions from them and follow their leadership.
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This will make you seem like less of a threat, and increase the number of job offers you get.
Control Your Mindset and Avoid Negativity
Whether you like it or not, no matter the efforts you out into getting a job, it will take a while before you can get a good job. So a negative mindset, complaining, feeling jealous or anything like that will definitely not help you.
It’s okay to feel those emotions occasionally. Everyone does. But move past it. Get back to putting in effort and focusing on what YOU need to do.
And when you talk to employers, whether it’s verbal communication or emails like a follow-up after the interview, never sound angry, discouraged or bitter, or you won’t get hired.
Stay positive, show employers you’re optimistic and confident in the value you bring, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at finding a good job after age 50!
