There is a demographic out there that often gets overlooked, over shadowed and passed simply because they are ‘older’.
It is difficult to fight this unfortunate reality, as so much of our culture is label conscious and age is nothing more than that – a label.
When looking for employment, one of the most difficult questions from clients, at seminars, at workshops and in the universities is, ‘how do I deal with my age?’
No easy answer and for sure, no one size fits all. With that said, I try and get people to focus on the substance behind the individual. The substance behind who you are is what we want the hiring community to see so they can recognize it’s also in front of you. It’s not about age. It’s about EXPERIENCE and what is the added value you can provide. Remember, this is not about you – it’s about them and their needs. Presenting your brand in a way that exhibits transferrable skills that will accommodate ‘them’ is how you market yourself. Compare their needs to your experience and your skills.
Statistics show that an older job hunter, with exception, is actively on the hunt longer than someone that has youth on a resume. Many times, as I present an experienced candidate, the response is, ‘good resume – but maybe over qualified’.
This, of course, can be a veiled and disguised way of saying – too old.
To that I say – why is that a problem? You want someone with experience and the added value they bring only makes everyone’s job easier. They arrive with what I call the LLC. Low Learning Curve.
They reduce (sometimes eliminate) the strain of transition and once they get their head around the new environment – they are up and running. It benefits all involved. That kind of hire can only make the hiring mangers look good.
Youth, although it might represent a better price point, doesn’t always have the experience necessary to get the job done. It shouldn’t be viewed as ‘over-qualified’, but rather – just QUALIFIED. The job description has ‘Qualifications’ detailed. Good candidates should be measured by that and not how many years they have been working or worse, their age.
Did you know that an Oak Tree doesn’t bear acorns until it’s 50 years old? Be the Oak. Be considerate of the Oak. Hire the Oak.
There are a number of things to consider as a more experienced job hunter. My job is to make sure you recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. My job is to keep you motivated as you move forward. My job is to help you recognize you are worth it and there is a place for you. If you have any questions about your self-worth, your value, your sense of direction and feel the need for a good shot of motivation – then you should call me.
