Kristi Searle: Business consultant, Peoplebiz Consulting Inc.
Some older workers find it challenging to navigate today's job market. It is actually easier, but you need to have sharp technical skills to navigate effectively and create a strong online presence/network.
Some older workers don't understand how to maximize social media and tap into the hidden job opportunities that are available within their network. If you don't have a LinkedIn and online profile, you're missing out on a number of prime job opportunities and the ability to expand your network and land your dream job. Everyone should have a LinkedIn profile to stay connected. You can see who you know in the company or who can introduce you. Setting up an online profile takes only 15 minutes and will keep you on the pulse and motivated. You can join all kinds of groups based on your profession, skills and topics. You can hire someone to set up and maximize your profile and show you around LinkedIn.
Job searches have gone mobile. Smartphones keep you connected on the go so you don't miss out on job opportunities, research or meetings.
Posting your resumé, setting up profiles with targeted companies and job boards for job opportunities will generate job leads to your email inbox. Recruiters search online for resumés. Include your LinkedIn profile handle on your resumé, cover letter and business cards so companies can learn more about you.
Elena Romero: Manager, The Personnel Department
Older workers trying to re-enter the job market is a trend that I see more and more often in my role at the Personnel Department (TPD). Candidates can often feel insecure or intimidated about the daunting prospect of re-entering the world of job hunting.
Here are three critical mistakes to avoid and prepare for.
- Failing to modernize the job search: Job searching has evolved significantly in the last five, let alone 10 or 20, years. "Building your brand" was a previously foreign concept but is now a vital part of job searching. Thoughtfully craft your social footprint by creating and polishing your LinkedIn profile, modernizing your resumé and joining professional networking associations and sites. Then put yourself out there. Leverage your network and let people know you're on the hunt.
- Not making use of employment assistance programs available: At TPD we've partnered with the YMCA Experience Works Program, which helps participants gain skills, showcase experience and get working.
- Failing to reframe and lead with the positive: Perhaps it's because they're self-conscious or nervous, but often older workers begin their interviews by highlighting the fact that they have been out of the job market. Instead, reframe what you have been doing in the last while to showcase how it can benefit the employer. Don't undersell your strengths and experience by leading with what you think is a negative. Top employers know the value of diversity in the workplace, and great employers are figuring out how to attract, engage and leverage the experience that older workers can bring to their teams.
Cissy Pau: Principal consultant, Clear HR Consulting Inc.
Job search mistakes are rather universal and don't discriminate between older and younger workers.
That said, mistakes that are common to older jobseekers include:
- Ineffective resumés: People with extensive work experience often prepare resumés that are either too long or too short. The too-long resumé details all the positions ever held, whether they are relevant to the desired position or not. The too-short resumé downplays their experience. They neglect to emphasize their unique characteristics and skills. The "just right" resumé includes relevant information, targeted to the desired position, and highlights pertinent, tangible successes and key accomplishments.
- Lack of clarity and focus: Typically, older workers have developed many skills, talents and abilities during the course of their career. This can create a focus challenge because they are good at many things and can't decide what they want to do. This lack of clarity on the ideal role is often the downfall of a successful job search. The more clear and focused you are, the easier it is to undergo a job search.
- Poor interview preparation: Usually, the first time job-seekers practise answering a job interview question is at the interview itself. This can become a very unnerving, unsuccessful experience, especially if they haven't had a job interview in a while. An interview is your chance to make a positive impression with a prospective employer. Practise out loud how you will answer different questions prior to the interview, so that you become more comfortable and less nervous.
Undergoing a job search is never easy. Preparation and focus are keys to successfully landing the ideal job.
