Beware looking old when you interview for that next job.
“Career derailments, job declines, industry and fields disappearing, stereotypes on ‘aging workers’ all can make the current job search the most difficult anyone over 40 has every faced—if they let it,” said career expert Robin Ryan. “Baby boomers can definitely land a great job, but they have to approach the entire job search process—resumes, cover letters, interviews, and how you look for openings—differently from how they have before.”
Ryan, America’s top career coach, has offered job seekers advice on “Oprah,” “Dr. Phil,” and more than 1,000 other TV & radio shows. The bestselling author and speaker motivates people to enhance their skills, improve their professional lives and succeed in today’s economy—especially those over 40 job-seekers.
Ryan said her travels across America have given her perspective on the tough times for those who are over 40 and need a new or better job.
Her latest book, “Over 40 & You’re Hired!” quickly became the number one business bestseller on Amazon.com. Drawn from a successful 20 year track record, Ryan has shared her market-tested plan and set of tools she uses to transform the lives of the thousands of 40+ job candidate clients she has coached in her one-on-one counseling practice.
“A book like this just had to be written,” said Ryan. “Double-digit unemployment and my own conscience literally forced me to write it now. I felt that too many people really need the help”
Ryan said she recognizes all of the obstacles that experienced executives and managers face—but sees these as a psychological barrier that can be overcome—and actually turned into what she calls “an age advantage.”
What’s the secret? An innovative new “40+ strategy,” that includes packaging, pricing and distribution techniques that experienced job candidates must employ. Ryan shared five quick tips for those past 40 who are in job search mode:
- Don’t “look old” to employers. This doesn’t mean you have to dye your hair or buy expensive skin creams. You look old by not knowing how to use technology. Instead, get familiar with computer tools like MS Outlook, PDFs and blogsites. Don’t make fun of Facebook, smartphones and Twitter because that makes you sound out of touch.
- Tap into the “hidden job market.” Seek out the secret openings in order to find better job opportunities. According to the Department of Labor, 63 percent of jobs found last year were through contacts. The majority of jobs are probably never advertised.
- Get off the computer and start promoting. Use proven ways of better self-promotion that will get a prospective employers’ attention. Networking is a must-use component for success.
- Cultivate your network. Join LinkedIn and post your professional profile. Attend professional meetings and conferences.
- Discuss results. Employers care most about the results you’ve achieved in your most recent positions. Use some enthusiasm in your voice when you discuss your skills and accomplishments. Be sure your resume is loaded with past results, system improvements and ways you may have saved time or made money for past employers.
