Mature workers must have sharp job search skills

Aug 2nd, 2005 | By Bill | Category: Employment News



Mature workers must have sharp job search skills

Q: I am totally convinced I am being discriminated against because of my age, 58, as I job search. Is there an agency in Berkshire County or individual who can help me? I have gone to the One-Stop Career Center here in Pittsfield, but the state agencies do not seem to have people that I can get help from. I have run into so many ”stone walls” while looking for employment.

Go back in your work history no more than 15-20 years at most. If there is relevant work experience that you want to include, you can state ”Prior to 1985, Work Experience Includes:” and then list company, job title and a few accomplishments. Do not list these dates.

Do not include dates of graduation from college unless you are in a field that requires it such as professor, doctor or attorney.

Do not include dates of high school graduation. Today, it is implied that you have a high school diploma and if you have no other education, it calls attention to this deficit.

Do not try to cram your life’s work history on one page. A mature worker has earned the right to have a two-page resume.

List your technical/computer skills under the category “Skills.” A common perception is that the mature worker is not computer savvy so it is helpful to dispel that myth by listing your computer skills.

Now here are some tips for the mature worker during the interview process.

Dress up to date.

Speak in crisp, concise business language. Do not ramble.

Be prepared. Have examples at your fingertips of how you learned a new skill, tried a new way of doing something or made a snap decision. The perception is that the mature worker doesn’t do any of these things well.

Speak with enthusiasm and good energy.

Slip into the conversation some physical activity that you are doing such as painting the house, swimming, working out, etc. It lets the interviewer know that you have good physical stamina.

Assure the interviewer, who may be your son or daughter’s age, that you enjoy working in a diverse workplace and that you have learned a great deal from younger colleagues and that you believe they have learned a lot from you.

Don’t try to go this alone. If you have been unsuccessful finding the right help at a One-Stop Career Center, you might try to find a career counselor at www.careercounselorsne.org or www.iacmp.org.

In addition, try to identify a support group in your area. Your church, YMCA or rotary club might host one.

The job search is lonely and it is helpful to have other colleagues to talk to who can share your experiences. It is also a great format for exchanging information and contacts.

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