How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?
Baby boomers - a large group of people that are an interesting demographic phenomenon. We are a large generation - the largest actually. And daily, thousands of them (okay - us) are retiring. That said, most are still working and plan to work for years to come.
The question above is from a fortune cookie.
Actually, it is from a fortune card - the kind you received at a now-closed restaurant in downtown Minneapolis - The Palomino. It was a quote that was not attributed to anyone. It was also a question I have remembered for years. It is something I think about when I conduct job search workshops - often with executives and senior management who are in transition and worried about age discrimination in the workforce.
I just retired OR I have over 30 years of experience!
Retired . . . . . what picture comes to mind? Over 30 years of experience . . . . . what are you thinking about that person?
Age discrimination is alive and well in the world. That said, there was an article in the August 2013 HR Magazine (a SHRM publication) that discussed the unemployment rate for older workers during the recent recession. The overall rate was lower for this demographic - that's the good news. The bad news - they continue to make up a larger percentage of the long-term unemployed.
The article did not suggest reasons or remedies. It simply talked about this demographic, some of the issues they face, and what many had to do to regain employment.
7 Job Search Tips for Older Workers
There are multiple websites available for older workers to turn to for job search assistance. AARP has great resources. There was a great article on the www.50plus.com website (now called everythingzoomer.com) on tips for older workers. I encourage you to look at the article - and take note/take notes. Here are the 7 tips. The article provides the details.
- Update your appearance
- Be patient
- Be confident
- Flash your smartphone
- Network, network, network
- Focus on experience, NOT age
- Consider a career change
Job searching seasonality
The fall (not the 'fall' of a career) is historically an active job market. This year is no exception. Get out there.