older workers

Common Job Search Mistakes Made By Older Workers

March 31, 2021 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

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.

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

Has Ageism Affected You?

September 11, 2019 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

Jumping on the ageism bandwagon

I’ve been asked a lot lately about whether age discrimination is the reason that a person isn’t getting the jobs they apply for.

Anecdotally it is easy to jump on the ageism bandwagon. If an older person applies for a job, but they don’t even get to interview it is easy for them to presume that they were discarded because of age. If they are interviewed but are unsuccessful in obtaining the position it is again very easy to make the same presumption.

Is that definitely age discrimination? It feels good to blame that demon…The media often jumps to that conclusion so it must be right! Age discrimination in the workforce is something that we all hear about often, and so most people will be sympathetic if you claim that is the reason you didn’t get a job you wanted.

What if the real reason was nothing at all to do with your age? Would that tell you a different story? Might you stop blaming your age and start looking at your job search strategies?

If ageism isn’t the problem, what is?

The reasons why people don’t get jobs that they have applied for are complex at any age. These five reasons are often far more damaging of job search success than any age discrimination, real or imagined.

1. It’s a numbers game

Let’s start with numbers. If you apply for an advertised position chances are that you will be up against over 200 other candidates. Only one person is going to be successful if there is only one job.

2. Your personal marketing

Your resume has to show, concisely and effectively, that you already have relevant achievements, outstanding skills and enough experience to be extremely successful in this role. They are looking for someone for this exact job. Does your personal marketing, resume and LinkedIn profile in particular, match what they are looking for? Or have you given them grounds to discard your application for reasons other than ageism.

3. Your personality

We all have our own distinct ways of doing things. I know it is a challenging thought, but you may not be the sort of person they wanted in that job. It wouldn’t matter what you had done, if you aren’t the sort of person they want then they won’t want you.

4. Too much, too little or just right?

Recruiters are human. So are interviewers. So are employers. Each have their own distinctive ideas about what constitutes a great candidate for a job. The resume that one person loves may not appeal to another recruiter. Your style in an interview may be exactly what one interviewer wants, but another favours a different candidate. You can only do what is true to you.

5. Reverse Ageism

Attitude shows on your face and in your body language. If you believe that you deserve a job simply because you have been around for a long time then that attitude will show itself in some way. I think of that as reverse ageism…People who believe they should be prefered because of their years of experience rather than their achievements. Life just doesn’t work that way, and neither does recruitment.

6. Showing your age

We aren’t discussing face creams and botox here, nor borrowing clothes from your ‘twenty-something” kids. Age shows by not being contemporary in your skills and attitudes. “I’m not very good with technology” is a statement that almost guarantees that you will not be taken seriously in a contemporary workplace. Submitting a dated style of resume or dressing in an old-fashioned way immediately suggests that you will not have contemporary practices at work.

If you make the presumption that you will face age discrimination during your job search you are probably right. If you put that aside and aim to be the best candidate for the job, regardless of age, you may be amazed at what you will achieve.

By Jenni Proctor

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Age Discrimination Against Older Workers

September 10, 2019 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

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

September 9, 2019 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

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.

Benefits of Blogging – An Extension of Your Resume

September 5, 2019 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

Have you considered the career benefits of blogging, making you stand out from the crowd? Obviously your resume is an essential tool in the business world. It allows you to impress potential employers and qualify for job interviews. When posted online, it can also help you find job leads. As the job market becomes more competitive, however, you need to find ways to make your application stand out in the crowd. Creating a relevant, well-connected blog that complements your resume is a practical way to set yourself apart from the competition.

Benefits of Blogging

Blogs show that you are committed.

A well-executed blog is impressive to potential employers and colleagues alike. Maintaining a blog relevant to your career shows employers that you are serious about your chosen profession.

Blogs demonstrate your expertise.

When you tailor your blog to your career, you will often write about subjects that require specialized knowledge. If your posts are well executed and engaging, employers will be impressed.

Blogs are collaborative.

If you regularly interact with your blog’s readership, potential employers will see that you are willing to collaborate with others. They can also use the interactions to evaluate your interpersonal skills.

Employers research job candidates.

Many employers search for potential employees on the Internet in order to learn more about them. Blogging allows you a measure of control over what your potential employer sees.
Blogs are good for networking.

Job seekers often post their job skills and contact information to career-related databases and social networks in order to connect with people in their field. Creating a focused blog is a similar strategy in that it allows you to attract a readership with interests similar to yours. A benefit of blogging that is often overlooked is that when your readers are members of the same field as you, they may be able to provide you with job leads.

Tips for constructing a blog that people value

Keep it relevant.

If you want to use your blog as a career tool, you need to keep your career in mind with every post you construct. Writing about your personal life on occasion is okay, but make sure that your posts always relate to your career in some way.

Be accurate.

Potential employers who read your blog are going to evaluate your knowledge of your chosen field. Keep this in mind whenever you create a post, and do your best to ensure that your posts never contain inaccuracies.

Be interesting.

An interesting blog will attract and retain a larger readership, thus increasing the likelihood of job leads or offers. Engaging blogs are also important for demonstrating your communication skills to potential employers. If your blog is boring, your potential employer may not even read it.

Include contact information.

If you are maintaining your blog in hopes of finding job leads, include your contact information so that potential employers will be able to reach you. You should also include a link to your resume.

In today’s competitive job market, it is more important than ever to stand out when you apply for a position. Another benefit of blogging is that it highlights your talents is an excellent way to increase your marketability as an employee. In addition, creating such a blog facilitates the development of connections that can help you in your job search.

Guest Author: Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area. She specializes in writing guest posts covering social media and education on behalf of American InterContinental University. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.

The Plight of an Older Worker Searching for a Job

September 1, 2019 by Jenni Proctor Leave a Comment

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

This 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