Age related concerns are very common in life. Most of us consider at some stage if we are too old to dance at parties, climb mountains or find a new partner! However if you have experienced any serious concerns about getting a new job because of your age those attitudes can seriously get in the way. So how can mature candidates approach job hunting to make the most of their experience rather than seeing it as a problem?
Going for the right jobs?
Interestingly my experience and that of my clients is that it is harder to go for a job that is way below your level of experience and expertise than one that fits with a level you have been at before. So don’t aim for something that is way below your level of expertise. Ask yourself the question ‘What is it that I can do and what do I want to do’ before you think ‘What will a recruiter let me do at my age!’
Making your experience count not your age
A lot of the issues people experience is because they have the attitude that they are too old. It is a bit like the phrase 'Don't think of elephants'. As soon as you think that you can't help thinking about elephants! Similarly with job interviews. If a candidate goes in fully believing they will be judged as too old they will end up being defensive and expecting to be questioned about their age. Concentrate on what you have to offer that other candidates may not - that is your value to a potential employer.
You should not be asked any questions about your age. If the company/agency does ask you questions like that it is opening itself up to a lawsuit. So make sure you show in your presentation that you feel good about yourself that you do not have hangups. Make sure you look really good. That includes clothes and grooming. Make sure you are fit. If you are overweight and unfit now is the ideal time to do something about it. And know in your own mind that you are interested and capable of doing new things. Don’t veg out on the sofa when you could be stimulating your mind with a new hobby.
Use technology in a 21st century job hunt
One of the most effective ways you can convince others of your comfort with IT and the use of the internet is to use the internet for job seeking. You should have a profile up on linkedin. This has effectively become ‘facebook’ for business. Make sure you link to old and more recent colleagues and use the internet for your search. Simply putting ‘Using Internet/facebook/linkedin/social media for job search’ into Google will bring up thousands of hits which you can explore
CV do and don'ts – less is more
You CV should be a document which highlights your recent achievements. Or if you have been out of work for a long time find a way of showing your achievements without dates attached to them. Do not fill it up with masses of detail from years ago. Display your experience positively. Just cut off your job history putting ‘various roles within audit’ for example beyond a certain date.
Dealing with objections and engaging positively with recruiters
If you do happen to be asked any questions about your age, which you should not be in the light of age discrimination legislation, then be prepared. Do not go onto the defensive and try and justify yourself. Simply reiterate how you fit well into the job and ignore the age related implication. In a job interview make sure you have mentioned the things which show you are up to date, eager to learn and have no problems about your age.
Good luck and remember the ICAEW is organising a special seminar for mature accountants on 13 October 2010. Contact
Luke Collier or call 0207 920 8100 and ask to speak to him. The event is free to all ICAEW members and will provide some invaluable hints and tips on job hunting in today's market.