Finding a job now is difficult, no matter how old you are. But when you have years of experience, it’s only natural to believe that employers would value what you have to offer.
Unfortunately, it’s not enough anymore to bank on your past experience.
Experience Alone Will Not Get You the Job
I think about one of my clients in particular. She had achieved many accomplishments in her field, and had gained experience that would be a benefit to any employer. As she optimistically looked for work, she finally realized her experience alone was not going to get her a job.
She had to take some time to be able to articulate what she was bringing to the table, as well as what parts of her experience would be relevant enough to highlight to a potential employer. The key to finding a job was to show what she could do for that particular employer in the future, not what she had done for others in the past.
Communicate Your Value
This is the second of a 5-part series covering the success strategies for Baby Boomers that were recommended in the MetLife study, “Buddy, Can You Spare a Job”. The first involved understanding the new job market. Their second strategy is to reframe your experience in a way that demonstrates the value you have to offer to employers.
Here are some things that can help you in finding a job after 50:
- Take some time for self-knowledge. You can’t very well show what you have to offer without first knowing something about your strengths, your values, and your passions. I can’t emphasize enough how important this step is. You must get clear about what you want and what you have to offer, before you can present yourself as the solution to an employer’s needs.
- Research the companies you’re interested in. A critical part of finding a job is to identify the needs of the companies you would like to work for. You can find a wealth of information online – the latest company news, their mission statement, financial information, what challenges they’re facing.
- Network. Expand and nurture your network, if needed. Get to know new people. Networking is a good way to find out who you need to know in the companies you’re targeting. Make good use of social media channels such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Just remember to give as well as receive.
- Write a targeted resume. This is your chance to communicate just how you, with your unique strengths and valuable experience, can help solve the problems or meet the needs of your potential employer. Lead with your value proposition, and highlight relevant accomplishments rather than listing a long history of your past experience.
- Prepare for interviews. Interviews are where all that research can really pay off. Ask questions that show your knowledge about the company’s goals and challenges. Be prepared to give examples from your past work experience that illustrate how your skills are relevant to this new job, how you’ve solved similar problems.
The MetLife study also found that the chances of finding a job after 50 are improved when job seekers keep learning and stay up-to-date with new technologies. Set yourself apart by showing your enthusiasm and your willingness to learn.
Questions to Ask Yourself
How can you reframe your experience into a value proposition?
In what ways can you demonstrate to a prospective employer your future value?
Related posts:
- Updating Your Computer Skills: Important for Finding Work After 50
- Could a Bridge Job Be For You?
- How to Gain Work Experience When You Don’t Have Any
- Job Search Networking After 50
- Using Facebook to Find a Job After 50
Chart Your Path Newsletter:
{ 0 comments… add one now }