Over 50

As someone who is over 60 (GASP!), it feels funny to write about the issues of someone ten years younger than me but the fact is that there are serious issues that crop up for job hunters once they cross the age of 50.

Some are issues related to what feels like bias (I say feels like bias because as we all know, discrimination on the basis of age is illegal but next to impossible to prove) but is cloaked in the language of “behavior (“I don’t know she will fit in” or “He’s too senior for job like ours” or “She just doesn’t have the right energy for our team.”).

So what can you do to as a job hunter to win?

1. Stop being so fixated on your age.

I know this is harder than it sounds but the more that you fixate on your age, the less attention you are paying to your target–finding work. The more attention you pay to your fear of bias, the less effort you will pay to your interview preparation.

2. Think and Act Like You Are Self-Employed

Being self-employed requires that someone be effective and professional, employ technology tools effectively and remains current with trends and required skills. Although their is a market for antiques (and a good market at that), there is a bigger market for those who have leading edge skills. Go one way or the other but try not to stay in the middle.

3. Stop Spamming Your Resume

Too often, people send resumes out almost willy nilly to job ads. If the ad lists 10 required skills and you have two, it does not mean you should send your resume. It means you shouldn’t. Over 50 job hunters commit this sin frequently.

4. You have connections. Use them.

You’ve worked in your field for 25-30 years. There are people you know who can help you. Re-connect. Some of them may be in a position to help you. Some of them may be in a position to hire or refer you. Some may not. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Google to locate people.

5. Target particular employers

You may have an idea that there are certain companies that can use your expertise. Find out the name of managers, directors and executives via LinkedIn. See if one of your connections can provide an introduction or contact them directly.

But remember this adage when you contact them:

“What’s in it for them to meet you or to hire you?

That you want to work there is not a reason; that you have an understanding of their business and can make a direct contribution to their sales or profitability, that you have an understanding of what they are trying to do in an operational area and can help it become better (bigger, better, faster, cheaper) is.

6. Join a networking group or create a group of job search buddies.

There is great power in support. I have been a member of a men’s support group more than 25 years. That there is someone who holds me accountable for commitments I make, has learned my excuses and will push me through them and who learns to care about me (and I for them) enough to supoprt me through my struggles has helped me tremendously both personally and professionally. You can find the same power, too.

7. Consider consulting

Instead of just sitting home over eating, watching tv and forwarding jokes that have been emailed to you, do some consulting or temp work. I think you will find that there are ways to earn money while you are out looking for work.

8. Have patience

Rome wasn’t built in a day and rarely is finding a job. Like running a marathon, it is often a long race and if you sprint, you will wind up being exhausted early in the run. You just need one good job offer, not 10. Give your all, but pace your efforts and emotions.