Finding a Job After 50
Posted October 13th, 2011
If you’re over 50 and looking for work, it can be tough. There are many stories that mature workers have about the ways they have been misunderstood and unappreciated.
They are told that they are overqualified, or that they cannot learn new things, even though that is what they have been doing their entire careers.
To try and prevent discrimination against those over 40, Congress passed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in 1967. But if you believe that you personally have been discriminated against because of age, there really is little recourse. Few have the time and resources and energy to take a company to court because there are many reasons for denying someone a job.
The bright side, says career coach Priscilla Claman, is that since the Baby Boomer generation, being over 40 is not perceived as that old anymore.
If you are over 50 and looking for work, there are several things you need to pay attention to, Claman says.
The first is whether you are still enthusiastic and excited about your work. Or has your attitude become more negative because of your experiences? If you come across as sullen or grumpy, you are really hurting yourself. No one wants to work with complainers or someone who is not upbeat and pleasant.
The next thing to take note of is your personal appearance. Have you kept up with the times, or are you wearing clothing that proclaims here is an old person? How long have those shirts and pants been in your closet? Maybe some new clothes, a haircut and a gym membership are needed. They will not only help you look better, but you’ll feel better as well, which in turn will help your self-confidence.
Have you allowed some of your skills to become outdated? Do you need a refresher course on the latest technology or regulations? Take the time to bring yourself up to date, Claman says.
And finally, look for ways to sell your age and experience. How is being older helpful in your field? In many jobs where expertise is required, you need to have experience in order to achieve that expertise. The point is that you cannot get it unless you are older.
Assess your career strategy and look for ways that you can leverage your age to your advantage, Claman says.
No matter what your age, is you’re looking for work in the San Francisco area, give Bayside Solutions a call. We can help you find temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire assignments that can go a long way to invigorating your career. We look forward to hearing from you!
