Successful Strategies for Job Searching in Midlife
Searching for a new job in midlife is different from when you first entered the job market. Many aspects of the process are easier: as a midlife candidate, you can rely on your work history or career record to support your application for the position.
In addition, you have clear examples when answering questions about past victories and how you dealt with difficult coworkers or challenging situations. You have substantial work experience on your resume and strong credentials you can present to your next employer.
Know What You Want and Target Good Matches
Early in your career, diversity may be the driving force behind your decisions. You may have applied for jobs in many cities and been open to working various hours. Although this is not always the case, many midlife employees have higher standards when it comes to job needs. If you are a homeowner, geography may play a role in where you look for work. Parents might feel that long hours or frequent travel are not ideal. (Here’s how to determine if a particular job is family-friendly.)
Be realistic about the aspects you consider deal-breakers for yourself, as well as areas where you can be flexible.
Identify and Utilize Your Network
Your network is one of your biggest advantages. Even if you have exclusively worked in one job, you are likely to have met many people who have moved to other companies. Use your network to boost your job search process.
Reconnect with former colleagues. This can be as simple as sending a quick email to say hello or inviting them for a coffee date. Check LinkedIn to ensure you are connected with everyone you have worked with. Before applying for a job, see if you have a connection there who can personally refer you to the hiring manager. A recommendation from a valued employee in the organization you are interested in can help you secure an interview.
Refresh Your Resume and Online Presence
Has it been a while since you updated your resume? Review these midlife resume tips and refresh your resume. There are simple yet powerful ways you can update your resume to enhance your marketability.
In addition to updating your resume, you may also want to refresh or create an online presence. This can be as simple as updating your LinkedIn profile or asking for recommendations on LinkedIn, but you might want to go further: consider whether it is appropriate for you to have a personal website or online portfolio to promote your qualifications and showcase your work.
Update Your Interview Presence
As a midlife candidate, confidence, experience, results, and leadership are among your most important assets. It is no longer sufficient to say you are a hard worker – employers are looking for more. Think about how you present yourself in interviews, from your attire to what is on your resume to your responses to interview questions.
Showcase the Right Qualifications and Ensure Your Skills Are Updated
While early-career candidates may struggle to gain any experience, midlife candidates can face challenges if they have outdated experience. This can be particularly true in technology-dependent fields.
Ensure that any certifications you have are current, and review industry websites, newsletters, and social media to make sure you are using the right terminology.
Additionally
To ensure that your skills are up to date, it is important for mid-career candidates to demonstrate the appropriate level of qualifications. While you don’t want to appear unqualified and downplay your experience, you may find that in some jobs you are rejected for being overqualified. Here are some tips for writing your resume and cover letter if you are overqualified for the position.
Consider Partnering with a Recruiter
As candidates with proven experience, mid-career applicants are attractive to recruiters, who act as intermediaries between companies filling vacant positions and candidates. In addition to arranging interviews and conducting introductions, recruiters can help you tailor your resume and provide tips on how to answer questions and which skills and qualities to emphasize. If this sounds helpful, here’s more information on how to find a recruiter.
Aim High
When looking at job postings as a mid-career candidate, don’t be afraid to set high goals. Challenge yourself! Try to move vertically rather than horizontally. It’s very easy to undervalue yourself or convince yourself not to apply for a job, but know that even if you don’t have all the skills or requirements listed in the job posting, you can learn on the job.
If you feel intimidated, try this exercise: make a list of your professional accomplishments. Once you complete that, you’re sure to feel more confident when sending cover letters and interviewing for jobs.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-job-search-as-a-mid-career-candidate-4065575
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