Keep up to date on articles and news and subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Market positioning key for job seekers ages 50 and up

While employability is often more of a challenge for professionals over 50, there are still opportunities for older job seekers willing to position themselves creatively and aggressively.

Out-of-work professionals 50 or older may have to work harder and smarter, but they can find comparable or even more senior-level new employment.

Regardless of age, there’s an undeniable need for job seekers to seem vital. While you can’t change your age, you can portray yourself as current, both in how you think and what you say. For instance, read and reference the latest business thinking, be conversant in new technologies, speak about pastimes and outside interests.

Develop a lifetime learning mind-set. People who show passion about business and life project a vibrant image.

Additional suggestions for over-50 job seekers:

# Older professionals need to “unbundle” their skills to emphasize those that are of use to potential employers.

Somebody who has worked in a single function or industry for a long time might have a narrow idea of what he or she’s capable of. If you look at all the skills and experiences accumulated throughout your career, however, you might find that they’re applicable to many different situations. And in fact you might find you have an advantage over others with less experience.

Job seekers should broaden their vision about what the workplace needs and what they can offer.

# People over 50 are sometimes held back in their job searches because they reach for titles. Recognize that titles this day aren’t as important as possessing the capability to influence people in your work environment … and to be able to do it up, down and across functional levels within an organization.

# Frequently workers over 50 are perceived as inflexible and less able to bounce back from adversity, so those job seekers have to work against the stereotype. Project energy, agility and a sense of urgency.

# Older professionals must pursue the “hidden” job market aggressively, even as they compete for announced positions. Job hunting nowadays is all about need creation. Things are always changing in companies, even after the budget is done.

Don’t ask whether a company needs someone or something. Instead, portray your own uniqueness … the value-added piece. Companies will deviate from a budget when the opportunity arises to hire the right talent. And it’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your flexibility and open-mindedness.

# Job seekers over 50 should avoid discussing their last job, assignment or work history unless asked in detail. Rather than looking back, demonstrate that you know the market, challenges and competitors of the company you are interviewing with. Instead of saying, “while at company X, I did …” reframe it as, “have you considered this possible solution?”

Even those whose 50th birthday is years away should begin thinking about how to position themselves in the job market when they’re older. Rather than having to play catch-up later, workers should stay active and engaged in the changing world of work.

Tom Sather is the owner of Career Works Fox Valley. If you have a question that you would like answered you can send it to Toms@cwfv.com or visit Career Works on the Web at www.cwfv.com.