An Article for Those Over 50 – and Those Under
Last weekend, there was an interesting article the NY Times profiling five older jobseekers as they searched for new jobs. The article highlighted five very different approaches and thought processes to job searching – not to mention the comments shared by readers, which were also all over the map.
I wanted to share my thoughts on the article and what I saw as some key take-away points:
First and foremost, everyone (whether you are now 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80) needs to recognize and appreciate that what most of us got educated in during school most likely needs upgrading.
Second, most of us recast ourselves in every new position we take. For one employer, I might be the go-to team player. In another, I am the dependable boss. In yet another, I am the subject matter expert on XYZ. Reinventing ourselves is something we do all the time – but it seems really hard when we are unemployed and looking to do that while pitching for a job. If you are constantly thinking about the roles you play well and what you enjoy, it might make transitions easier.
Third and lastly, I enjoyed reading the diversity and creativity that the five profiled jobseekers showed. Whether it is taking up a hobby as a money-making enterprise, or moving abroad, there was a spirit of making a break from the past in order to find a new path. This is certainly not the strategy for everyone – but it is worth thinking through your own version of what this could look like.
Angie Kamath
Angie Kamath, who oversees Workforce1 as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, shares her perspective on Workforce1 and the New York City job market in her weekly Jobs in New York City column.
Have a response to Angie’s column? Drop her a note in the comment section below! And, if you found this helpful, please share it with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and email!
I always see my career coach tell people who are 50 and over to notget caught up in the negatives. This will only sabotage your immediate future. Here are some tips for moving forward:
Release Your Anger. It’s OK to be angry at the unfairness of the boss, the company or the world. But don’t stay there. While you may have been treated unfairly, sharing that will only make potential new employers uneasy and prevent them from wanting you on their team.
Evaluate Your Life. Take advantage of these transitions to take a fresh look at your life. What is unique about you? How important is time flexibility? What income do you want? See this as a time to move up and forward; not down.
Network Constantly. Start each day with an action plan. Get out there and meet people. Talk to anyone you can who might offer suggestions on how to improve your job search.
Don’t be embarrassed to let people know you are looking for work. You are selling a product, and that product is YOU.
Don’t Make Excuses. You are not too old, too short or missing a degree. Excuses tend to become self-fulfilling after a while, and mentally you can become your own worst enemy in the job-search process.
Stay Balanced. Our success tends to spiral up or down together. Career success leads to financial success, more social and family success, etc. The opposite is also true. Don’t allow a job loss to turn you into a couch potato. Stay sharp physically and mentally. Keep developing your important relationships.
Look for new and innovative ways to be in the game. Just having a great resume is not enough.
Hi, I am 50 years old and unemployed. I have a masters and working on another degree.
Everyday I fill out about ten to 15 applications. unlike the past when I was younger and looking. My phone does not ring at all. I have been on 3 interviews in 5 months. I keep revamping my resume to add new skills according to what employers want. I feel as if I have been black balled or aged out of the market and I am the primary bread winner. I have begun applying to other states in fear I may become homeless. I am on every employment engine there is. Is it this hard at 50 and over?
B. Randolph
New York
Hi B. Randolph, Wow – it sounds like you are really working hard on the job search. One issue might be that you are sending out so MANY resumes that you don’t have time to target any one resume to the job – and to network your way into the position. Rather than focusing on quantity of resumes, you may want to try a different strategy for a few days. Pick one or two places where you really think you’d be a great fit and then see if you can find any connection to that company. If you can get a referral to the hiring manager, you’re going to be in a much better spot. So, while it may take some time to find a connection, it’ll be time well spent. You may also want to look at smaller companies that are going to have a less structured hiring process – see point #5 in this blog post from Angie Kamath.
I am 59 years old and I feel that is over for me. I did not finish college, and I have done different types of work. I want to apply now for Medical secretary, or Medical receptionist, since I have a certificate in Medical Administrative training, but since it was 7 years ago, I feel that I need to refresh myself on the medical terminology, so, I am so confused. Should I go for another training on the medical field? Since I am over 50, I don’t know if I should go back to school.
I need help!
Yvelisse Medina
Hi Yvelisse Medina, It sounds like you are in a really tough spot. Please know that you are not alone. As a good first step, please meet with a Career Advisor at one of the Workforce1 Career Centers. They can help direct you into training or a job opportunity.