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Common Job Search Mistakes Made By Older Workers

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There are 10 job search mistakes often made by older workers which cause them to miss out on opportunities for work that they want. This article will outline them for you, but first…

Let’s not blame everything on age discrimination

It’s easy to blame age discrimination, but consider if you could be causing your own employment problems? Many older workers make basic job search mistakes that lead to them being overlooked.  The result is they have to live with the consequences of being stuck in a job that they hate, underemployment, or unemployment.

One woman’s story: Could this be you?

Today I had a phone call from a past client, a lovely capable woman who is currently unemployed.  She left her job because of serious bullying issues that management refused to address.  Rather than “make a fuss” she chose to leave a workplace that she found stressful and unhappy.

Her dream is modest.  She wants a job that enables her to prove her worth.  Ideally, she’d like to be given further opportunities for responsibility and some training.  She is keen to grow in skills and confidence and to add value to the company.

Female older worker being interviewed by male Unable to find work

She knows what she would love to do but is unable to find work opportunities that lead to that role.  Her dreams are not unrealistic.  She is prepared to work below her level of experience to get a foot in the door.

However, her work history does not show a steady commitment to a couple of companies.  On the contrary she has changed jobs quite a lot, a combination of personal circumstances and leaving work when she found she was unhappy.  Yet this woman isn’t a quitter.  She is determined that she will find the work that suits her, that she suits, and where she can give great value.

Many people are in this situation

This is not an unusual situation.  There are many people, hidden from the jobless figures, who are unemployed or underemployed but don’t want to be in this situation.

Many ask, seeming not to expect a positive answer, “Are there any jobs for over 50 women or men?” They are unaware that their own job search mistakes are getting in the way of their success.

What were the classic mistakes she was making?

I have analysed her situation, her resume and cover letter, and observed the following 10 classic mistakes being made.

Common Job Search Mistakes of Older Workers

Common Job Search Mistakes Made By Older Workers

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Age Discrimination Against Older Workers

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Age Discrimination Against Older Workers

Older Workers, have you experienced age discrimination?

As we all know, age brings with it experience and a level of wisdom. We are involved in the community, in an active life and in the economy of our country. Most of us have embraced technology and have a good understanding of the world around us. Yet still every day people face age discrimination, in the workplace and in life in general.

The unpublished criteria: Don’t be older!

This is never clearer than when an older person applies for a job where the company is actively seeking a younger person in the role. They don’t say that in the job advertisement of course, but they have it as an underlying criteria for the role. It’s devastating for older workers when they encounter this time and again.They wonder if age discrimination is the reason they are not getting the jobs that they want. [Read more…] about Age Discrimination Against Older Workers

How to Prove Age Discrimination in Hiring

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How to Prove Age Discrimination in Hiring

How Can You Prove Age Discrimination in Hiring

Like sexism and racism, it is extremely difficult to prove age discrimination against older workers in the workplace, and especially in the hiring process.

They are unlikely to admit that age is a factor

Very few employers will come right out and say that they’re not hiring you because you’re too old. And what are the odds you could prove they did so even if they were to be that honest? This is not to say that it’s impossible to win a court case involving age discrimination, but you’ll need to convince a judge or jury (or at least a pro bono attorney) not only that you were discriminated against, but that you are able to reasonably support your contention. When it comes to proving age discrimination in the hiring process, it may be nearly impossible without certain factors on your side.

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The Plight of an Older Worker Searching for a Job

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Is it harder for an older worker to find a job?

Screen Shot Carolyn Young on Channel 9s Today ShowThis week a delightful 56 year old woman, Carolyn Young, was interviewed on Channel 9’s Today program about her plight. An older worker, she had been unemployed for over a year despite being experienced, articulate, qualified and very pleasant in her manner.

Carolyn believed that her problems came from age discrimination and that was obviously the point of the interview.  I’m the first to agree that age discrimination exists, but often what is called age discrimination is a composite of many other factors. [Read more…] about The Plight of an Older Worker Searching for a Job

Older Workers’ Challenges

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Older Workers’ Challenges

Everybody, regardless of age, faces challenges in the workplace, but there are some fairly consistent older workers’ challenges that need to be considered.

Let’s face it – your age is what it is and there is nothing you can do about it. If you need to change the colour of your hair, loose weight or obtain more qualifications there are actions you can take to make these things happen. But with your age there is not one thing you can do! So put your birth date aside and get on with facing the challenges you can conquer, fighting the battles that you can win.  There is no point in dwelling on your age as an issue. [Read more…] about Older Workers’ Challenges

7 Tips that Older Workers Need To Know to Get the Job They Want

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I have created a program, Career Reno to help you get the job you want. Career Reno is a way of sharing my experience with many people at once, after years of helping older workers to make career transitions.

Too many older workers are unsuccessful in their attempts to get a new job or find work when they are unemployed. They submit resumes that do not represent what they can contribute. When they don’t get the jobs they apply for a negative cycle commences.  It affects their self esteem and confidence. Age discrimination is blamed, rather than recognising that their job search strategies are contributing to the problem.

I looked at the comments posted on older workers’ Facebook pages, and saw the same pattern repeated.

Why I can’t get the job I want…

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