The situation on the labor market for people in their fifties is not easy. They have a lot of experience, but also only "a few" years until retirement, which often makes employers choose younger candidates. Older job seekers, therefore, have no other choice than to sell themselves better, but how? We prepared a set of recommendations for 50+ candidates according to an article originally published on Careerealism.com.
1. Describe your experience from the last 15 years only
Recruiters are most interested in your current skills. If you mention all the jobs you have ever had in your CV, you only unnecessarily highlight your age. Focus only on the last 15 years. In addition to a CV, also create a profile on the LinkedIn social network. You can read more about the largest professional social network in our previous article 5 steps to find a new job via LinkedIn.
2. Omit the years of your studies
Do not list the year you graduated from university, or even high school. Just write the name of the schools, the fields of study or the degrees you earned. This also applies to training and certifications from more than 15 years ago.
3. Mention earlier relevant experience wisely
If your early career includes relevant and important experience and achievements, you can mention it but, again, do not mention the years. You may, for example, create a brief section in your CV called "Early Experience" or "Pre- 2000 Experience". Instead of writing specific years in this section, e.g. "1990-1993", just write "three years".
4. Point to specific measurable results
Both in you CV and you profile on LinkedIn, always describe your experience with a specific focus on profit, revenues and operating effectiveness of the particular employer. "Achieved an increase in the company's services segment sales by 10% in one year. Contributed to a turnover reduction of traders by 10%."
5. Ask your LinkedIn contacts to confirm your communication skills
One of the most common clichés about older people is their presumed inability to use modern technologies and communicate effectively. You can refute that by creating your profile on LinkedIn and connecting with other people in your profession or from your experience. Ask the contacts who know you well from mutual cooperation to confirm in your profile that you are an advanced communicator and user of modern technologies.
6. Get a professional photo
There is no need to attach your photo to a traditional CV, it would only lessen your chances. On LinkedIn, however, you are expected to present yourself as a professional with a professional photo. If you do not want your photo to be taken by a professional photographer, you should at least ask a younger person about your current photo. He or she could advise you, for example, on selecting the right clothes or make-up.
7. Prepare for an interview with a younger person
The older you are, the more likely it is that you are going to work with younger people. Try to prepare for job interviews with a younger friend who has a different style of communication than you and can give you advice on how to present yourself in the right way.
More tips on how to look for a job are available in our Job Search section.
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