Have you realised the job market seems to be getting more competitive?
With pandemics across the world, coupled with many individuals extending their working years, older job seekers are already in this competitive space.
Some have chosen to forgo early retirement for a career change. Others have not reached retirement age but have been laid off and need to stabilise their income. There are also workers who have decided to take a mid-life risk and pursue a new career path.
What is considered an older worker?
Usually when people mention the phrase ‘older worker’ they depict someone in their pre-retirement years. In a general sense, older workers are usually regarded as someone in their late 50s to the retirement age of 65, and beyond.
It is critical to note that ‘older worker’ can actually be defined according to the industry they’re in. For example, in terms of management, banking or engineering, an older worker may be regarded as someone in their 50s or 60s. However, in the beauty or sporting industry, a player or model crossing the age of 35 or 40 may be considered ‘too old’. These type of sectors place more value and earning potential on youth.
In other sectors, older workers carry a greater sense of credibility and earning potential. Individuals who work in politics or medicine in their 50s and 60s, because of their experience, may be seen as more competent than their younger colleagues.
Best part-time jobs for older workers
- Freelancer
- Transport
- Lecturer/Tutor
- Writer
- Administrative support
- Bookkeeping
- Agriculture/Horticulture
- Skilled work – sewing, woodwork, auto repairs
- Event planning
- Career coaching/guidance
How to get hired as an older worker
There are certain strategies that could be adopted that enable an older job seeker to get hired.
Identify & research sectors
There are some careers that would be near impossible to enter because of one’s age. Sports, armed forces, some forms of entertainment and construction for example, usually cap off applicants after a certain age. Therefore, if you’re a mature individual, it is critical you identify what sector would likely hire you.
Your next move would be to research job availability, workers’ rights, protection against age discrimination, economic growth or recession and requirements to entry, within that sector.
What to include in your CV & cover letter
Given your wealth of work experience, it may be challenging to tailor your CV to maximum of two pages. Simply state your last two or three relevant work positions, projects and responsibilities performed, skills and references. You can certainly use figures and data to quantify your achievements.
Similarly, your cover letter should be formatted to one page. Emphasise that despite your maturity, you have taken measures to stay updated with modern business practices. Highlight any relevant skills training or qualifications you’ve pursued, so hiring managers can evaluate your potential as opposed to your age.
Market yourself appropriately
Your work experience is your biggest asset. It is critical that you show the interviewer the wealth of lessons, strategies, knowledge and wisdom you can bring to their organisation.
Get and stay relevant
Change is inevitable and organisations are no different! The strategies that may have worked in the 80s and 90s would no longer be applicable. Furthermore, the working landscape has changed with the effects of technology.
Get acquainted with new software being used in your field, industry news, key players, modern communication as well as new management, selling or data management techniques. You have to evolve with the contemporary working world. Doing so demonstrates to hiring managers that despite your age, you are competent as any millennial or Gen Z applicant.
Prepare diligently for that interview
Employers, nevertheless may want to know why you’re seeking a new job at this stage. Would you be able to handle the daily demands of the company? What is the likelihood of you leaving for a more lucrative position or pursuing early retirement?
To address these concerns your body language needs to convey energy, enthusiasm and passion for this position. Despite your maturity, you’re not resting on just experience. You are always open to learning and growth. Reaffirm your commitment to the company and clarify that despite your age, the value you bring to their organisation outweighs the fears they may have.
Overcome the ‘overqualified argument’
To counter this claim, indicate that new employees, regardless of age or experience, entering a company goes through onboarding to adapt to their new role. No one enters a new role fully prepared. As such, your experience does not make you overqualified. Rather, it simply gives you a head start over other candidates and can actually can shorten your learning and adapting phase, which benefits the company.
Best jobs for older workers
- Consultant/Business advisor
- Client relations/customer service
- Conflict Mediator
- Trainer/business coach
- Communications professional
- Industrial relations/HR Manager
- Real Estate agent
- Financial Advisor
- Teacher
- Entrepreneur
Tips for standing out in the job market
As an older worker, to get noticed and hired means stepping away from traditional practices and adopting the approach of the 21st century.
Build a social media presence
Ensure you have a well updated and polished LinkedIn profile where employers can see your credentials, skills and expertise. Social media also thrives on relevant content.
On LinkedIn for example, you can create and post articles, visuals, photos, video links and whitepapers. You have a wealth of work experience. Why not share what you have learnt over the years, from your unique perspective about your industry? Employers in looking at your profile would be able to gauge your knowledge and see you as a candidate in your own league.
Upgrade your marketability
Peruse job boards and look at job descriptions of positions that are posted. Can you identify common skills modern companies are seeking? Upgrade your marketability by acquiring the skill sets that contemporary employers are seeking.
Network and build relationships
You actually have to be ‘social’ on the platform. You could add HR managers and CEOs of companies you would like to work for. Introduce yourself. Engage with them. Ask about any potential openings within their companies. Share their content, tag them in yours. Stay up to date with their company news. Ask them for any job hunting tips and advice.
To stand out in this competitive job market, you have to genuinely and effectively network, build relationships and show employers you can solve problems and add value to their organisation.
