There are many myths out there that stop job seekers from finding work, and one of them, for us Boomers, is that we’re too old and no one will hire us. Listen to my recent podcast with Andy Asher of BloomerBoomer and see what you think: Listen.
There are a lot of strong reasons why companies need seasoned employees. And by the way, don’t use the word “old” in talking about yourself. I prefer “mature” or “seasoned.” Sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?
This is an odd post to write, having been a vegetarian for the past 43 years, but in thinking about networking during the holiday season, that’s what came to me. Don’t just sit there. Don’t be part of the decorations, but instead talk to people, engage them, let them know–whether it’s your old uncle or a cousin’s new boyfriend–what you’re looking for. Sound excited. Give an example of what you can contribute in your field whether it’s science, technology, admin or working in fast food. People like to help. They like to connect those they care about with others. They want to see the magic of a good job happen, so even if you decide to stuff yourself, engage in conversation, and you’ll be one of smart people getting hired in December or early January. And if there aren’t enough people at home to talk with, volunteer at a soup kitchen and you’ll be surrounded–and have a good time.
I was recently interviewed for an article. “Job Hunting Tips for Baby Boomers”, and the writer, Casey Dowd, asked some great questions. Please take a look at the article: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/11/21/job-hunting-tips-for-baby-boomers/ and let me know what you think. We Boomers aren’t done yet!
I just got a wonderful email from a job seeker who heard me speak at Jewish Family Services in West Hartford, CT. He wrote that he did careful preparation and “listed the job requirements and coordinated them with my strengths” and also “carried of list of my accomplishment stories for some quick reading in the car (just before the interview) and kept the headings in clear sight during the interview.” The results? Two offers and another interview in the works. What I love best is his analogy: “It was like taking an open book test.”
So good preparation is not optional. Take a look at a free chapter of my new book, “The Essential Job Interview Handbook” on my website: JeanBaur.com. And make sure to put smart effort into getting ready for interviews. It pays off!
Take a look at my recent post on collegerecruiter.com: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2013/10/17/how-can-college-students-sell-experience-at-a-job-interview/
Interviewing is such an important part of getting a job, and now there’s a new resource to help job seekers of all levels and functions. I’m thrilled to announce that “The Essential Job Interview Handbook” is in bookstores and available on Kindle and Nook. If you’d like to read three, free chapters, please go to my website: JeanBaur.com.
What’s different about this book? It combines preparation and strategy with sample questions and answers, and unlike other interview books, gives “good, better and best” options for each question with a brief explanation of what makes the strongest answers. And it’s fun. Each chapter has sidebars with stories from my 20+ years of career coaching, and a “Ditch It!” section that includes things you should never say in an interview. I’m confident this work will help you whether you’re just staring out or have been working a long time. And if you’re in transition, it’s a must. Go to your local library as ask for it.
Here’s an odd thing about being in job search: it can get boring. You’ve got a lot to do, but when not much happens, it can feel discouraging and it’s easy to lose interest. When doing laundry looks like a good time, you know you’re in trouble. My advice, as a career coach and author, is to surprise yourself. Do something that is out of the box for you. That could mean attending a networking meeting that you’ve avoided, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or signing up for a drawing class. It’s your job to make your life interesting while you look for work, and as you do it, you’ll find your search easier to maintain. And who knows, the things you do to surprise yourself might even help you get to your next opportunity.
Here we are at the point in August when we realize summer will be over before we know it, kids will be back in school, and for those in transition, it can be a rough time. Like Shakespeare’s play, “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, this could be a time to tap into your day dreams and fantasies as you work your search. Can you find one company that you’d really like to work for? Or can you think of a role you’d love to be in for your next job? See if you can use these creative thoughts to re-energize your job search campaign and stimulate your network. Rather than telling others, “There are no jobs out there”, see what happens if you say, “I’m really interested in this local company and am trying to find out more about them. What do you know?”
And read something inspiring. I just found a really fun book, “The Road to Burgundy” about an American who ends up moving to France to produce wine. All you need is one job, so use this special time of the year to pursue it in a way that engages others. That way they’ll be glad to help you.
As a career coach with 19+ years of experience, I’m always amazed that job seekers keep doing the same things over and over even if months have gone by and no one is responding. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you what that one thing is, but I will anyway: answering ads online. So if this sounds like you, please think about diversifying your search strategy. Create a list of companies or organizations where you’d like to work and share that with your network. Or target a company directly–I’ve got a great format for this in the back of my first book, “Eliminated! Now What?” And lastly, learn from others. Ask your friends or your parent’s friends, “How did you get your job?” Most importantly, get yourself off the treadmill that’s unproductive, and while you can still answer online ads, try some new techniques. You might be surprised at the results!
You worked hard to earn a degree, and if you’re like many students, you may have some serious student loans to pay back. What should you do if you can’t find a job? My quick answer, is learn how to run a better job search–and tap into resources that can help you. Guess what the biggest mistake recent graduates make as they look for work? Addiction to the internet. It’s a great tool but it puts you where there’s the most competition and the least likelihood of getting a response.
To learn how to diversify your search: take advantage of your former school’s career office, find out about groups or services where you’re living (for many recent grads this means with Mom & Dad) and team up with a search buddy so you’re not going it alone. A really helpful website is www.quintessentialcareers.com. Also check with your local library and the Unemployment Office (Department of Labor) to see what resources there are. Pull away from the internet-driven pack and go directly after employers. The worst that can happen is nothing!
Lastly, my first book, “Eliminated! Now What?” has templates and advice that can help you. Read several search books to get diverse opinions and keep an open mind. You will find work.
