Job Search Tips for Older Candidates

We all know that ageism is illegal – and that it exists. Workers as young as 40 may be considered old by hiring managers. In certain fields, like high tech, even mid-thirties can be considered old. One’s age is one’s age and that cannot be changed. Older workers must be able to demonstrate that they keep current and can keep up.

• Demonstrate a high-energy level in the way you speak and carry yourself from the moment you enter the parking lot. Believe in your value in terms of the experience, skills, and work-ethic you bring to the table. Don’t talk about children/grandchildren or make references to outdated television shows, movies, or music. Don’t talk about “years ago, when I first started out…”, or about retirement.
• On your resume: Do not go back more than 15 years in job experience. Include only the information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Do not list dates along with your degrees and certifications.
• Be able to demonstrate your comfort level with technology. Update your computer skills if necessary. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point is a minimum requirement for many positions. Upgrade your smartphone and know how to use it.
• Demonstrate comfort with social media and be sure to have a complete Linkedin profile. Be sure to include a professional photo, not a cropped personal photo. If you have a facebook profile, make sure it has privacy settings that prevent those whom you do not wish to share your info/photos with from seeing them.
• Update your appearance. This is not about looking younger - it’s about keeping current:

Ladies: Update your haircut and color. Go to a reputable salon and consult with a stylist. Have your teeth cleaned and whiten them. Update makeup, too. Most department stores offer free makeovers. If you haven’t updated your handbag in several years, it’s time for new one. Look online or in a store/catalog that targets young professionals, like Banana Republic. If Banana Republic is a bit too youthful/trendy, Soft Surroundings offers beautiful current style for older women (www.softsurroundings.com). Professional style has moved away from perfectly matched suits, and moved toward mix and match separates. Colorful scarves, cardigans, and necklaces complete the look. (Watch videos to learn how to tie scarves in trendy ways and look at trendy jewelry online or in stores/catalogs). Be sure to choose dresses and skirts that compliment your body type. Comfortable shoes are important to most older job seekers and style needn’t be sacrificed. Rockport offers many styles of comfortable boots and shoes. For the more frugal shopper, try Fitzwell, available at Zappos.com or Easy Spirit available at DSW.com.

Men: Haircut, shave and well-manicured nails are a must. Have your teeth cleaned and whiten them. Eyebrows should be well-groomed and there should be no visible nose hair. Keep any cologne subtle. Suits should have been purchased within the past year, cleaned, well-pressed and well-tailored. Tie should be tied properly (watch a video if necessary). Pant legs should reach the top of the heel when standing. Socks should be one shade darker than the pants. Colors of the suit, tie, shirt should be understated and not clash. You don’t want to be remembered for your tie – in a bad way. Overcoats and trench coats must also be clean and in excellent condition. Tie, rather than buckle, trench coat belts. Shoes should not be noticeably scuffed or worn and they should be shined. Carry a briefcase that is clean and in good condition. Purchase a new one if necessary.

I just want to re-state: This is not about looking young. No one is fooling anyone about their age. It’s about keeping up, keeping current. A low-energy person with an outdated look, or outlook, is unlikely to be a good fit and get hired.

Older workers can position themselves as mentors to younger workers.

They can also ask the hiring manager at the interview: What is the greatest challenge management has with the current workforce? That might give them the opportunity to talk about qualities they bring that is lacking in the current work force. I want to be clear: Older workers positioning themselves in opposition to the younger workers, or making negative assumptions about younger workers and demonstrating those assumptions in an interview, are making a mistake. The candidate should always demonstrate a spirit of service and cooperation.

One of the things that hiring managers are asking themselves is: How well will the candidate fit in? Will the current team like, accept, and want to work with this person? That’s why the emphasis on the energy the candidate brings into the interview is so important. They have to be positive, optimistic, energetic, and, most of all, likeable.

The bottom line is:

Most older workers have a great deal of experience and a good work ethic. It’s the ones who have also kept current in terms of skills – and, like it or not, appearance – that are most likely to get hired.