Sure, several economists say the recession is over. But, with the unemployment rate topping 10 percent in some areas of the United States, who are they kidding?
The rate is even higher for those older than age 50, partly due to the discrimination many mature job-seekers experience. Here is help getting these senior workers back on the job.
*Everyone likes a bargain*
• *Prepare undated r’ ©sum’ ©*
The goal for silver-haired job-hunters is to appear versatile, flexible, current and valuable, but not too expensive. They should rid their r’ ©sum’ © of jobs they held more than 15 years ago, along with graduation dates that give the hiring manager a good idea of how old they are.
The r’ ©sum’ © should be error-free, and a combination of chronological and functional information that outlines recent career accomplishments. Show performance in dollars added or saved, revenue growth and percent of improvements, when possible. A cover letter should follow the same rules.
• *Threading the interview minefield*
So, when that undated r’ ©sum’ © and cover letter land candidates a personal interview, how will they handle meeting the hiring manager in person?
First impressions always last; They should watch the hiring manager’s facial expressions to know what answers to provide in the interview.
They will want to say how eager they are to contribute to the company’s success; they should point out that they can relate well with the company’s more senior customers, if applicable, as well as set a good work ethic and team attitude for colleagues.
• *Be energetic, outgoing and friendly*
Despite interviewers’ intentions to ask appropriate questions, be prepared for those probing for a senior applicant’s age.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the job-hunter’s answer to an age-related inquiry should be, “How do you see my age affecting my ability to do the job?” Or, “It seems to me you have concerns about how old I am. Unless there is something you haven’t shared with me, I can only guarantee there are no duties of this position I can’t handle, and I bring a treasure trove of education, training and experience to your company.” Always answer tactfully. But, if uncomfortable with the interviewer or interview’s tone or direction, check that company off your list.
Above all, stress that years of experience in the field are far more valuable than a recent college degree. You know what ideas have been successes over the years. So, emphasize that your experience can help the company avoid failures, as well as bring strategies to boost revenue and efficiency.
*Promote smart and hardworking*
• *Be up-to-date*
One myth that mature workers must overcome is that they don’t want to learn new skills. I had a boss in the newspaper business who joked, “They’ll have to pry my cold dead fingers off my typewriter before I learn to use a computer.” However, even before he retired, he learned to use a word processor to write his articles.
Speaking of computers, stay current with the latest operating systems (the new Windows 7 software is about to be released) and appropriate software for your industry, as that competency is one of the most valuable sought by hiring managers.
Take a look in the mirror to be sure to project the appearance of a contemporary employee. Update clothes, hair, beard or briefcase to fit in with today’s work crowd. Check out the company’s employees by unobtrusively visiting the office or observing workers on break in a nearby park, for example.
• *Flaunt golden work ethic*
Baby boomer-age workers are known for their longtime service and company loyalty, punctuality and dedication to the job, so consider stressing them in the interview.
Hiring managers want team players, no matter what age. So, show prospective employers why having snow on the roof is their best bet.
_Tim Coy, 51, is a graphic designer/writer in the Creative Services Department of The Denver Post._