Old Dogs Learning New Career Tricks
Posted on July 22, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized
By now it should be news to no one that the job market for older workers is especially tough. If new graduates face the toughest job market in decades, multiply that by ten for older workers. But older workers aren’t going quietly into that good night. They’re fighting back and using some of the same tools that their younger counterparts have been using for years. From resume tinkering to social media, to plastic surgery, older workers are pulling out all the stops.
The biggest challenge most older workers face is primarily one of perception. Employers look at them and while they love the experience they bring, they’re leery that older workers will command higher salaries or be less likely to stay should a better offer come along and perhaps they’re right. So what do more experienced workers do to combat this? For starters many are giving their resume an overall to make themselves appear younger. First to go are college and post degree education dates. Next older work experience is cut, leaving a 7-10 year window of experience. One that will get them an interview, but not overwhelm an employer or scream ‘I’m old and need a job and I’m expensive!’. Finally, still others are turning to plastic surgery. With it’s economic accessibility, Botox has become a real option of older workers trying to present themselves in a younger light. And of course tried and true techniques such are hair coloring and younger wardrobes are popular as well.
Beyond physical appearance, the avenues used to find employment are changing as well. The older set is embracing social media and networking in a big way. From Gmail to Facebook to LinkedIn, if it’s hip or even close to the cutting edge many workers pulling out all the stops in their job seeker makeover.
So as great as all this, what it says about our experienced workers and the employers who would hire them is unsettling, but not surprising. As I’ve said for some time now, employers care about one thing; the bottom line. Fact is hiring younger and less experienced talent, while risky, is the direction corportate America is heading. Yes, to a point it’s age discrimination, yes, it’s risky to put non-experienced workers in situations that they aren’t prepared for, but as the saying goes ‘you can’t fight city hall’, or it appears corporate America. So stop trying to beat ‘em and join ‘em. Overhaul your resume, overhaul your look, and more than anything network your butt off and stay agressive. Looking for more help? I know some people who are ready and able, click here to learn more.
Until next time…
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