5 Keys to Success for Job-Seekers
Reentering the workforce or coming back from a layoff? Make sure you're prepared.
By Laura Hahn
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iStockphotoIf You're in the Market
In today's economy, landing a job is a whole new ball game — one that may require extra innings. And if you're older than 50 and reentering the workforce, or coming back from a layoff, your years of experience can help you stand out. Here's the latest advice on where to look and how to market yourself to get the job you want. -
iStockphotoNetwork, Network, Network
It's not what you know, it's who you know: 80 percent of all job openings are never publicly advertised, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That means most employers are only interviewing candidates already on their radar, so you'd better be networking, and with everyone you know, not just former co-workers, says Robin Ryan, author of Over 40 & You're Hired (Penguin).
"E-mail to reconnect with old bosses, co-workers, and friends first," Ryan says. "Breaking the ice is always a bit intimidating, but networking is the most effective job-search technique." Another strategy: Check in with your alma mater. University career-service offices have expanded their offerings to support alums; staffers can also connect you with alumni who have similar career interests. -
iStockphotoSmarten Up Online
Networking should be your top priority, but applying for jobs online can yield results — if you're savvy. Internet job postings often bring more responses than employers can handle, so they use techniques similar to online search engines to identify the most promising candidates, often choosing candidates to review based on the number of words that match their job postings in applicants' resumes and cover letters.
"Always customize your communication," career advisor Allison Nawoj of careerbuilder.com advises, "and pepper your material with key words from the posting and the company's website." Also, consider joining LinkedIn and Facebook. LinkedIn is the professional-networking site, but both can help you connect with friends and former colleagues. -
iStockphotoRevamp Your Résumé
Candidates with clear, top-notch résumés land interviews, so discard any flowery formatting, and switch to a plain-text, easy-to-upload Microsoft Word document, Nawoj says. (Remember, you're more likely to be e-mailing the résumé than faxing or mailing it.)
Within your résumé, quantify results wherever possible — Developed a plan that resulted in a 56 percent increase in the division's sales — and only include information directly relevant to the job you're seeking. Remember, you can limit the extent of your reported work history and remove graduation years, if you like. -
iStockphotoDon't Get Hung Up on the Past
If you limit your search to the same job title, salary, and benefits you had before a layoff or time off, you may be overly narrowing your options. "The longer you're out of the work force, the more technology and work culture changes," says Joey Payne, director of employee benefits for the University of Kentucky.
To stay current and to get a foot in a new door, consider taking temporary work. Many companies are bringing in temp workers, then hiring them full-time if they're a good fit. "Taking on temp work shows you're committed and doing what you can," Payne says. "Plus, it helps you make additional contacts." Or just try something completely new. A careerbuilder.com survey found that more workers older than 55 are seeking entry-level positions, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities in new fields. -
iStockphotoAce the Interview
In today's market, interviewers may not ask you traditional HR questions like, Where do you see yourself in five years? "Interviewers are asking more behavioral-based questions that may start with, 'Tell me about a time …' or 'Describe a scenario when ….'," says Linda Matias, author of 201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions (AMACOM). So be prepared with anecdotes that highlight your initiative, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
On the day of the interview, dress professionally — Ryan recommends "a contemporary suit that fits like a glove" — and arrive with confidence and genuine enthusiasm. "Fight the one issue most people over 50 ignore: not showing they have zest for the job," Ryan says. "Showing confidence in yourself to do the job well and be an asset to the new employer will set you ahead of the pack." -
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Comments
Losing a job is very devistating. Hoping to get back in the work force soon
Realized in these days of intense hardship economy, senior citizens must keep healthy and fit in order
to survive physically, mentally, spiritually as well as financially. Have been retired since October 1997. Need to go back to work to earn sufficient income to be able to do some of the things and take care some of the things no longer able to do. Age should not be a factor in the job market as long as the person are willing and able to be excited to be back on the work force earning a honest paycheck. With the miracle ingenuous technology of medicine people are living longer and also looking younger for their age. I am 72, still able to use the computer (everyday) and willing to learn more in the computer technology. Retired from the federal service for 14years and still going. Olivia J P Simms
I want to re-enter the workforce due to the economy. I need hours compatible to my granddaughter's school hours. That would mean working 8 AM - 3 PM. How do you find a job with such hours? I have computer skills, people skills, love working with children. DivaNana in TN