I often work with older GenX job seekers, younger Baby Boomers and those who haven’t conducted a search in years, who come to me for executive resume services, struggling to understand how to navigate job search today.
The long and short of it is that while some parts have changed (Hello AI, Applicant Tracking Software and social media), much hasn’t (at the end of the day, people still hire people).
Here’s my take on what you need to know when job hunting after 50.
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Self-Reflection
Before embarking on a job search, evaluate what’s important to you. This way you know what is negotiable and what’s not when the opportunity (or offer) presents itself. For instance, do you want to stay local or are you open to a nationwide search? Does consulting or project work interest you? Are you open to travel, and if so, how much?
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Self-Assessment
It is important to understand what you bring to the table that might be unique and valuable. Your response is what differentiates you from a sea of candidates.
Are you skilled in building something from nothing? Are you repeatedly brought in to lead turnarounds? Do you have a history for coaching people promoted to positions of leadership? These are the kinds of things that should be called out front and center (or in this case at the top) of your resume and LinkedIn.
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Make your Resume Timeless
Your resume must read like a brochure, not a blueprint, that focuses largely on your experience from the past 15 years versus an exhaustive list of everything you’ve done. Focus on your achievements, quantify your results and share context whenever possible.
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Examine Your Social Profile
Recruiters and hiring managers will check you out online — usually starting with LinkedIn. Make sure what they see is impressive and aligns with your resume. This means having a complete profile, a current headshot and a summary section that tells the reader how you are ideally suited for your next role.
Make sure your LinkedIn headline includes skills/keywords a hiring manager might use to search for talent like you.
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Money Matters
Research salaries for the positions you’re seeking. Sites like Glassdoor and Payscale can help make sure your efforts are in the right ballpark. I’m also a fan of privately crowd-sourcing this intel from trusted folks in your network.
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It’s Often Who You Know
By simple virtue of having been in the workforce for longer than your younger counterparts, your personal network is larger.
Don’t let this invaluable asset go to waste – initiate conversations and start talking.
Reach out by email, LinkedIn and good old-fashioned phone calls. Even if it’s been a while since you graduated, don’t underestimate the power of reaching out to alumni from your alma mater.
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Be Interview Ready
Beyond researching the company you are about to interview with and the people you will be facing, be sure to dust off your interview skills. This means being prepared for several different interview formats, from Zoom calls to phone screens to panel interviews.
Preparing your stories (preferably in Challenge-Action-Result or CAR format), understanding the purpose behind each interview style and having a plan in place will give you your best shot at interview success.
8. It Might Take Longer than You Think
I’ve long said we should call it a “career pyramid” rather than a “career ladder.” This is because, like it or not, there are fewer roles at the top than at the bottom — and the roles toward the top are what most folks in this age bracket target.
This is compounded by the fact that the job market heyday of 2021 to 2023 has been replaced by what many are calling a white-collar “slump” or “recession,” and where the more you earn, the harder/longer it is to land.
Whatever the name, one thing is certain. All things being equal, those who get an early start will likely be more successful than those who wait.
Capitalize on Strengths
While Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers testing the job search waters for the first time in years certainly face some unique challenges, they also have many advantages.
In my experience, a candidate with a persuasive resume and LinkedIn, a robust networking strategy and sharp interview skills will edge out the competition time and time again.
Book NOW for your free resume consult.
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