At least once a week job candidates ask me how age plays into hiring decisions. Based on my talks with them, I’ve come up with some tips for people looking to re-enter the workplace.
Hit the ground running. Promote your experience as an asset that makes you ready, willing and able to offer immediate work solutions. Market your expertise.
Connect with those you don’t have to convince. Use the people in your network to provide you with potential job openings and to serve as solid references who can advocate for your quality performance. Remember, each person knows at least 100 others with whom you can connect.
Highlight your time off. Show how you have used your time off to update skills, be involved in volunteer organizations and take professional courses.
Be up-to-date with technology. Show you are tech-savvy. Have a blog, your own Internet profile posted on a professional networking Web site and prepared thoughts about how you use social networking sites and any other technology you have learned recently.
Exhibit confidence. Know your value and how to speak about it with confidence. And when there is interest, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Do this by knowing how much people typically get paid for the position you’re applying for and by showing how well-qualified you are for the job. Wait until the offer comes before negotiating.
Inquire about training. Show you are passionate about continuously learning and having the tools to do the job well.
Don’t be pushy. Be persuasive. Show how you care to contribute to the company, and recognize the importance of being there in person to reinforce your value. Avoid requests to telecommute until you are well-established in the job.
TheLadders, a career-related Web site, offers additional tips related to new opportunities for older workers.
