Navigating the Job Market
I attended a job fair for older workers last week and held a workshop on navigating the job market, I was interested in what information was shared and what needed to be talked about these are just a few of the topics covered. I hope this information helps you get through the rough seas ahead.
More is TOO MUCH
It’s a fact more is just too much, often people who are in the older worker category give to much information on their resume. It’s essential that you keep your resume to ONE page. Yep that’s right folks I said ONE page. You can tell a hiring manager everything they need to learn about you in one page, more will get you shuffled to the bottom of the pile.
History is Irrelevant
Hiring managers what to know what you CAN do for them if you get hired, they are less interested in what you have been doing for the last 20 years. Make your resume stand out, make your past work history relevant to the job you are applying for, with that said the experience you have gained in past positions is more than relevant.
Example:
Your Past: You have been in the medical field managing a office full of nurses.
Your applicable skill transfer: Your ability to manage an office staff.
Telling Yourself That No One Hires Older Workers
Phooey, if you start out with an I can’t do attitude well you know the outcome. Go to each and every interview with the mindset that you are the best person suited for the open position. Remember you come to the table with years of experience and the will to get the job done and done right.
Persistence Pays
If you feel that you have found the job that was meant for you then by all means apply for it and follow up with the online application. There is no harm in checking in with the hiring manager to see what the hiring process looks like. You don’t want to be one of a 100 resumes, be the one that stands out.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Before your actual interview practice questions that might come up and have answers ready, there is nothing worse than being unprepared. Grab a friend and hold practice interview or if all else fails stand in front of a mirror and practice.
At the end of the day stop trying to blend in among the millions of job seekers. YOU were born to Stand Out!
Tags: Job Fair, Job Search