Is it really harder to find a job when we're 40 or older? Do employers really prefer inexperienced young workers to their more seasoned and mature counterparts? How large a part does ageism play in who gets hired? What can be done about it?
Whatever the truth, there is no denying employers take note of age. The key is to stack the deck in your favor so that age is only one of many attributes a prospective boss ponders when debating whether to hire you.
To begin, let's look at several factors to address when preparing for your job search. We'll put them in three categories: Assets & Abilities; Appearance; Attitude & Approach.
What are your skills and talents? What makes you unique? Identify your passions, aptitudes, gifts and write them down. For instance: Are you flexible and do you adapt well to change? Can you multi-task? Do you take in the Big Picture but also attend to details? Can you lead or do you work well in a team? Do you have honed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills? Do you have a knack for new technology? Use concrete, upbeat words to describe yourself. Visit the AARP website, which not only offers a plethora of career information but also has a comprehensive list of action verbs.
Next, you need to present those skills in an accessible form: the resume. For our purposes, we're going to assume a certain familiarity with the basics. Margins and spacing, type style and size, punctuation, format, paper choice, printing and other topics are covered in myriad sources. Just remember that no detail is too small and you can never proofread too many times. (A quick trick of the trade: When you're done proofing, do it once more only backward. It will force you to see the words anew and you just might catch something you previously missed.)
It's perfectly respectable to peruse job ads for key words to add to your resumes and cover letters. Most human resource people or employers receive scores of applications, so they skim for buzzwords and key phrases when deciding which applicants deserve a second look. Their primary question is always the same: What can this person do for me and my company?
Your goal is to create a resume that plays up your strengths while downplaying your age. Instead of writing a chronological resume, create one that focuses on function or category. Rather than list your jobs, outline your abilities and experience.
What's in a word
Just under your name, you might compose a bulleted list under the heading "Profile." Succinctly enumerate your strengths and characteristics with an eye toward those that will benefit the employer. For instance: What you choose next depends largely on your experience, career and the employer you are targeting. For some, the natural next heading might be "Career Highlights," while others might choose "Selected Accomplishments." That can be followed by "Professional Skills."
If you are a member of professional associations or pertinent groups, have won awards or recognition, or have other accomplishments worth noting, it might be relevant to include a "Membership & Affiliations" or "Awards & Recognition" category. Then, wrap it up with "Education & Credentials."
One of the big questions is: Should I include my graduation dates? There is no consensus on this. Some say yes because omitting it draws attention. Others say leave it out because some employers circular-file any resume that comes in with a date before a certain year. You must do what you're comfortable with, but be consistent within the document.
Generally, only include by date the previous 15 years' experience or so. Most employers will consider that plenty and, again, you won't draw attention to your age. That doesn't stop you, however, from including a lifetime's worth of skills and expertise in your other descriptions.
Other ways to avoid seeming musty include steering clear of antiquated job titles, descriptions and language. Reading is fundamental here. Scope trade magazines, web sites, recent books and other publications until you are familiar and at ease with current lingo.
One note regarding skills: If you aren't comfortable with basic computer systems, it's time to get there. Every community offers no- or low-cost courses through its library, senior center, high school extension, junior college or even church groups.
It's critical to at least be able to use Windows, Internet Explorer or another web browser, Outlook or another e-mail system, Microsoft Word or another word-processing program. Most employers want at least a cursory knowledge of Windows business programs such as Excel for spreadsheets and PowerPoint for presentations. Again, the type of software and level of expertise required will be listed on the job description so set your sights accordingly. The key is to be up to date with whatever software or system your industry requires.
In addition, look for ways to update existing or acquire new credentials, certificates, degrees or other measurable means of knowledge. Trade or professional associations, continuing education courses and similar programs are excellent ways of bringing your education up to date often for nominal time and money.
Similarly, volunteering even a few hours a week or month can give your resume that added recent experience it might otherwise lack while also giving you the opportunity to network in a chosen field.
A standout resume will creatively and accurately represent who you are. The day of the single-format is gone. If you are new to writing a resume or feel insecure about your ability to sell yourself on paper, don't hesitate to get help, whether from a trusted friend, career counselor or resume consultant.
Go with confidence Once you're ready to step into the fray, start looking for postings of occupations that will suit your experience and talent. Keep an eye out for age-friendly companies. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Look for clues such as a note that says it complies with EEOC regulations (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission laws). Other clues are such non-salary compensation plans as comprehensive health benefits with generous prescription drug plans, long- and short-term disability, tuition or other continuing education programs or flex-time options. Ads might also use such words or phrases as or or appear on listing sites known to be frequented by the 40-plus job-seekers.
On the web, AARP maintains a long list of companies that actively recruit mature workers as do a number of other websites. Some breakdown jobs by state, others by region. Yet others, such as www.indeed.com, not only draw listings from numerous job sites but also include comment threads among users who have applied with, worked for or have in-house knowledge of specific companies. Queries address topics such as age as well as company stability, attrition, working condition, management attitudes, etc.
Studies suggest that mature workers with specialized skills in technology or science will have the most options in the next five to 10 years. There are a growing number of industries that are beginning to appreciate mature workers' experience and wisdom. At the top are non-profit organizations. True, the pay is often 10 percent to 25 percent less than at a for-profit company, but there is always a need for dedicated, talented staff, especially fund-raisers. Now, wouldn't that be a perfect spot for a former top sales, marketing or recruiting pro?
Keep in mind, too, that what can seem negative might also have a positive side. Non-profits are frequently short-staffed (bad) but employees can wear a lot of hats (can be good) and promotions tend to happen much quicker than in the private sector (very good).
To give you a very rough idea of non-profit work opportunities, here is a general breakdown of categories in descending order of number employed:
Another excellent tool with which to hunt particular jobs is, again, at the AARP website, where you can research the 50 fastest growing occupations by state or nation, break it down by education or training required, and several other criteria.
Remember the old bit Billy Crystal did on Saturday Night Live: "If you look good, you feel good and YOU look mah-valous, dah-ling!"
Well, there's a lot of truth to that no matter your age or gender. So as you buff your resume, it's also important to polish your look. Face it: No matter where you go, there you are so it's crucial to take care of yourself. Not only will you feel better and look better, it's also a visible sign to others that you value yourself.
Put your best face forward by investing a little in skin care. That doesn't mean drop $300 at a department store counter, although that can be a lot of fun. Thanks to such brands as Olay, Aveeno, Garnier Nutrisse and relatively new man-centric lines including Nivea, Neutrogena and Kiehl's, a quick trip to the drugstore, supermarket or online purveyor will do. Here's what to look for and yes, mister, I'm talking to you, too.
First, you need to exfoliate, slough away the dead skin to reveal the fresh cells beneath. For women, a gentle scrub or mask designed for mature skin is best. For men, shaving with a good cream (not a 99-cent store variety that starts with a "B," please) can be enough but a nice scrub is a good weekly treat. Step two is moisturize. Choose a product based on your skin type: normal, oily, dry or sensitive. Have one for daytime with a sun-protection factor, SPF, of at least 15. Then choose one for nighttime that's more hydrating, suited to your age and whatever specific concerns you have.
Some treatments brighten skin, fade age spots, even tone or minimize fine lines. And yes, I can say from experience, many actually do work, though some cost little more than a couple of large lattes. Ingredients such as collagen and silicon subtly reduce the appearance of lines while such components as plant extracts reduce puffiness. Don't forget your forehead, neck and décolletage (for ladies). And a good lip balm is a must for both sexes. Hydration is one of the keys to looking youthful.
Depending on your pocketbook and proclivity, consider adding an eye cream. Look for one that minimizes lines, reduces puffiness and lightens those annoying age spots or dark circles that seem to appear out of nowhere once we reach a certain age.
For men, if you're at a loss about skin type or skin care in general, hop on the web and Google it. Then do what gals have been doing for years: Have a little fun! For example, www.detailsformen.com not only offers an excellent selection of essentials such as shaving creams and gels (including actor Jack Black's Beard Lube at $15) but also has excellent articles about mens skin care and grooming. As a bonus, with each order you can choose three of 12 product samples, free.
There's also www.menessentials.com, which not only sells a plethora of products but also includes a customer forum and publishes a monthly members newsletter. For the more budget conscious, check out www.drugstore.com, which will let you search products by function as well as top sellers. But don't stop there; let your fingers do your searching. There are lots of fun and informative sites offering excellent advice, products, deals and freebies. And let's not forget, women generally find good grooming sexy.
The winning look
For the gals, keep makeup simple and clean: a light foundation or tinted moisturizer, a hint of blush along the cheekbone, neutral eye shadow and black mascara. Choose a subtle, long-lasting lip color that enhances your natural tone and use a liner for shape and staying power. In general, avoid anything with too much sparkle or sheen; it tends to accentuate age rather than look happening. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown's new book is written expressly for women 40 and older who want to look fresh and youthful, not frumpy. Then there's best-selling author, makeup artist and former consumer products reporter Paula Begoun's now classic , which gives guidance about where your sacred beauty dollar is best spent.
Believe or not, hands are the other most noticed giveaway when it comes to age. Taking care of your hands, whether male or female, can reduce some of the most obvious signs of age. Treat your flippers much as you would your face: exfoliate at least once or twice a week and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Don't forget the SPF. There are hand creams formulated specifically to even skin tone, reduce lines, minimize age spots. Consider, too, using a tooth-whitener. Whether you do it yourself or see your dentist, whiter teeth can take years off your appearance.
You are your most valuable commodity. Invest in yourself and someone else will be more likely to as well.
Don't forget the little details. Always use an antibacterial mouth rinse before interviews and stick to water afterward. Even a sip of coffee can lead to halitosis. If you wear glasses, make sure they are well-fitted and clean. If you wear contacts, make sure they are fresh and that your eyes properly lubricated so you don't over blink through your interview. And for heaven's sake, don't forget deodorant or antiperspirant. If you tend to have sweaty hands, rub a bit of an ultra-clear, long-acting, unscented antiperspirant on your palms.
A word about fragrance: Don't overdo it. If you can smell yourself, you've got too much on. If in doubt, don't wear any. What's pleasant to one person can be offensive to another, so why run the risk?
Make sure you don't have dandruff. Put on a black shirt and brush or comb your hair. If you see flakes, use a shampoo with tea-tree or coal tar for a few weeks.
Now, about that telltale gray: There is no shame in covering it, whether on your head or your face. Going to a pro is always the first choice but if the cost is prohibitive, there are myriad non-permanent hair color products you can try on your own. Available at beauty supplies, drugstores and supermarkets, these rinses contain no ammonia, no peroxide and wash out in eight to 28 shampoos. There are also brands for men such as Just for Men and several Clairol products that include instructions on coloring facial hair. A note of caution: Don't try this for the first time the night before a big interview! Give yourself plenty of time to see the results, get comfortable with them and, in the event of a disaster, make changes.
Clothes make the wo/man
The key is to be you, only more polished. Some of you are going to balk. That's OK. These are strategies presented merely for your consideration. Use what you're comfortable with and that might evolve. However, there are a few suggestions that are best treated as rules.
No matter how casual business has become, prospective employers still expect a certain formality from job candidates. It shows not only self-respect but also deference to the interview process. Even if you expect the interviewer to wear a bowling shirt, you should present yourself in proper business attire: a well-fitted suit for men, a pantsuit, skirt suit or tailored dress for women. The cut should be modern, so pay attention to lapel width. Stay with black, navy, gray or neutral shades, though pin-striping or tiny time-honored patterns such as houndstooth or Glen plaid can be effective on the right person.
For a man, a white or blue shirt is classic, especially when coupled with a classic solid or subtly patterned tie. Women can be more adventurous with color as long as the result is tasteful, not tawdry. The goal is to look professional and up-to-date, on trend but never trendy.
Keep accessories to a minimum. A watch and perhaps cufflinks is plenty for a man. A strand of pearls or brooch can provide the perfect polish for a coatdress. But avoid the ring-on-every-finger look. Ditto the chandelier-earrings, toe rings and anklets. As for tattoos, cover them. And body piercings? Remove that jewelry all together.
The general rule is that nothing in your appearance, presentation or demeanor should distract the prospective employer from your professional skills nor should it highlight your age. And who wants to be remembered as the candidate with blouse or tie?
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, try to eat well and get a bit of exercise, even if it's just a stroll at the beach or around the neighborhood. If you frequent a gym, practice yoga, swim or some other activity, excellent! It will all help reduce your stress and keep you centered.
For those prone to anxiety, this might be a good time to try a little simple meditation. One excellent volume is by Lorin Roche, who began teaching meditation in 1975. His techniques are foolproof for even the greenest novice. Another favorite is by Shakti Gawain. Don't see these techniques as homework but rather as tools that might help calm and restore you during what is bound to be anunsettling time. For the more traditional minded, Napoleon Hill's is a wonderful source of positive thinking as is the tiny classic by James Allen.
And for goodness' sake and yours, REWARD yourself! You should consider it part of your job search program. Give yourself a nice chocolate bar, bottle of wine, some new music or a scented candle -- any treat that will awake your senses and get you out of your head for a mental break. Avail yourself of the simple things. Try to live in the moment.
You might well prefer "World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson," but do you surf over to "Anderson Cooper 360" or "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"? Smooth jazz is great, but take a listen to your local adult-alternative station once in a while. You likely know Charles Barkley is an NBA Hall-of-Famer but do you know about Gnarls Barkley, the collaborative soul-pop group that pays whimsical tribute to the basketball great?
My point is: Youth is as youth does. Know your competition. Keep up with contemporary allusions. You don't have to know everything about current events or pop culture, just enough that you're not branded a fuddy-duddy.
First impressions during your interview are tantamount: Some say its the first 60 seconds, others the first five minutes. Which ever guideline you choose, the truth is that first impressions matter a lot.
Number one, don't go in feeling defeated, defensive or distressed. Interviewers are like horses; they can smell frustration and fear. Take as a given that he or she will note your age and move on to what you can control: how you look, sound and comport yourself.
Though easier said than done, do whatever is necessary to steady your nerves, polish your poise and disposition. When you enter the room composed and confident, the interviewer recognizes your self-respect and more often than not will respond accordingly. Dress professionally and be well-groomed, carry yourself well, smile, say hello and have a firm but not overpowering handshake and your first 60 seconds is done. The prospective employer has taken a snapshot of you, and like a photo, it may fade but not change.
It's imperative that the energy you project be positive. Likewise, your voice should be steady and clear, not too loud, not too soft but just right. Establish eye contact but don't have a stare-off; it's best to be at ease and engage in conversation with a natural flow.
There are number of strategies that can help quiet your nerves.
Remember, you do'nt have to go it alone. Have a friend or family member do mock interviews with you, review your wardrobe possibilities, be your sounding board. There also are career consultants and life coaches that not only set up role-plays but also help with image makeovers.
Several days before, research the company with which you'll be interviewing. Perhaps you know someone who has worked there. Check your local newspapers archives online to see if there have been any recent articles or news briefs. What are the companys current projects, products, acquisitions? Can you find recent sales figures or projections? If the company is big enough, a Google search could lead to information about it and perhaps even the person with whom you'll be interviewing. Read everything you can. You'll not only feel better prepared, but you'll likely impress the interviewer with your knowledge. Only a serious candidate takes the time to do the homework.
And while you're online, print out directions to the site. A few days before, make a dry run at the approximate time you'll be traveling to your interview. Note how long it takes, where to park, where the entrance is.
The home stretch
The day before, prepare and hang out your clothes, polish your shoes and bag or briefcase, set out your map. In your bag, make sure you have extra resumes, some professional-looking pens and pencils in working order, a good notebook or pad and a small bottle of water in case you suffer dry mouth under pressure.
The day of your interview, make sure to leave an extra 30 minutes early. That half-hour will allow you to have some quiet time. Enter the building and check in 10 minutes early. This gives you a chance to make a restroom pit stop, check your appearance, observe the environment and generally cool down before the meeting.
It's also a good chance to clear your mind. If you've used meditation or affirmations in the weeks leading up to the interview, go ahead and review them briefly. Concentrate on being able to really feel your body, especially the bottoms of your feet, and take some slow, deep breaths. All this helps calm your nerves and get centered so you'll project a positive, composed presence.
Sure, there are those who turn away someone who with more experience because he perceives her as a threat. But let's face it, any company that allows that practice likely has other questionable habits in play. Remember, yes you are selling yourself but the company must also be worthy of you.
So, despite the facts, some people hold to the myths and it's up to you to dispel them as politely as possible. Considering that many of these myths are downright insulting, that can be easier said than done. Remember, though, part of the misconception is that we are cranky geezers so don't rise to the bait.
One of the best ways to counteract the stamina and poor-health myths is to simply present yourself as an energetic, attentive individual by paying attention to your body language. Have a brisk step, good posture, lean forward slightly during the interview and smile. Without saying it, you'll have communicated that you are healthy and can keep pace.
Likewise, being pleasant and easygoing will dispel notions about being a curmudgeon. Be prepared with examples that highlight your openness to new ideas and experience. Perhaps at your previous job you learned new technology that you found particularly exciting or useful. If you were part of a multi-generational group, point out that you find working with people ofdifferent ages and backgrounds inspiring. Have some examples of your adaptability or teamwork at the ready.
As to the question of longevity, most interviewers won't come right out and ask, "So, will you be here just long enough to retire?" But you might get asked: "Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?"
One strategy might be to put emphasis on your social nature. For instance, you might note that you are a people person and whether you're with this company or another, you hope to be in a position that allows you to do what you do while engaging with the public, or some variation of that befitting your goals. It precludes retirement without mentioning it and highlights your skills.
Overqualification is another sticky subject for the more experienced worker. Some interviewers will come out and ask why someone of your caliber would want to take a step back?
One candidate I know was applying for a position at a small, regional newspaper after having worked for a big-city daily with a readership of nearly 1 million. He knew the question would be posed and was ready with an answer. He explained that, while it could be exciting to work for one of the big papers, after some time he realized he'd gotten away from why he became a newsman to begin with: to make a direct difference in peoples lives. Though the larger paper did well covering the sexy stories, he missed covering the meat and potatoes, the issues that affected the pocketbooks of the average person. Town hall, school budgets, local environment, none of those stories made it into the major daily. He longed to be a community journalist again.
One last tip
Be ready with questions for your interviewer, too. It's another way to demonstrate that you are serious about pursuing the job. Think about what's important to you and formulate friendly and appropriate queries about the position. They could include: Why is this job available now? What are the most important qualities you look for in a member of your team? What are the primary responsibilities of the person in this position? What particular challenges might someone in this position face and how would you like to see them addressed?
When all is said and done, don't forget to say thank you. Yes, this is perhaps one of the few instances when a handwritten note is the best approach. When you get home from your interview, sit right down, compose a short thank you, stamp it and make sure it's in the next day's post.
Like I said: Don't forget the details.
