Job search at 45+ ??? - READ ON!

Are you looking for a new job later on in your life?

Diversity and Inclusion is an age thing, too and it is time to Confront Ageism in Your Job Hunt and also as You Moving Towards Retirement

Ageism in the workplace is an unfortunate reality that you may face as you advance in your career. It is especially a hard issue in Switzerland as it is required by the government for the company to pay more into your pension as you gain years of experience. For you who are nearing retirement or simply seeking a job later in your life, the challenges of age discrimination can be particularly daunting. However, understanding this issue and finding ways to counteract it can help you navigate their career paths with confidence.

Here are some statistics for you:

Older people face stereotypes, as do many others, about their competency or intentions when re-entering the workforce. According to a recent AARP study, 90% of people pre-maturely pressured into retirement never make as much money again if they re-enter the workforce. The same study found that 3 out of 5 older workers haveexperienced or seen age discrimination in the workplace. In addition, almost 25% of team members age 45 and older have heard negative comments about their age from coworkers or supervisors. And the large majority of these older workers anticipate age discrimination being a hurdle in finding a new job.

The Reality of Ageism in Your Job Hunt

Ageism in job hunting often manifests in subtle but damaging ways. Despite the wealth of experience that you as an older professional bring to the table, you may find yourself facing longer job searches, fewer interview callbacks, and assumptions that you are less adaptable to new technologies or less capable of learning new skills. But this is NOT true! Once a learner, always a learner.

There are other common stereotypes that suggest that older workers are out of touch with current trends, lack energy, or are overqualified, leading to a bias that can unfairly limit their opportunities. BUT! We all know sterotypes are just that and individuals apply for and get jobs. So, be encouraged! Here is what you can do:

Address Ageism Head-On in Your Job Search

While ageism in your job hunt is a significant challenge, there are strategies that can help you mitigate its impact:

Emphasize Your Relevant Skills and Experience, Focus on what you can do – make a cohesive story (storytelling is key!)

Present your work history as a cohesive story no matter where or when you’ve worked. When crafting your resume (re-done for each possible job) and preparing for your interviews, focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Highlight your adaptability, your recent training, or any certifications that demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field.

By emphasizing your ability to contribute to the company effectively, you can counteract hidden assumptions that your age might be a disadvantage.

Leverage Your Network, just as you have before

Networking is crucial at any stage of your career, but it becomes especially important as you get older. Tap into your professional network to discover job opportunities and gain referrals, which can be more effective than applying cold through online portals.

Networking can also help you stay informed about industry trends and maintain a sense of community, which is vital for career longevity. Last week I helped a “newbee” with networking and we enjoyed ourselves very much. Practice makes better and there are many ways you can do this.

Showcase Your Lifelong Learning and stay up-to-date in your field(s)

One of the most effective ways to combat age-related stereotypes is to demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner. Whether it’s through online courses, certifications, or even self-taught skills, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning can help dispel myths that older workers are resistant to change. Include these educational experiences on your resume and discuss them in interviews to illustrate your enthusiasm for personal and professional growth.

Adopt a Modern Job Search Approach and Don’t give up!

Make sure your job search strategies are up-to-date. This includes using professional social media platforms like LinkedIn, and here in the DACH region, xing. Also, it is important that you understand how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work, and become comfortable with video interviews, ore even having a robot interview on a camera recording (a friend of mine had to do this recently). These tools and techniques are increasingly part of the job search landscape, and familiarity with them can help you stand out as a tech-savvy and adaptable candidate.

Even if you feel self-conscious about your age or experience, do your best to portray confidence in yourself. There are ways to do this before and during the interview. Then, persist through any rejection and trust that the right job will come along for you, so long as you don’t stop looking for it.

It will happen!

You may have noticed that there arte places where I, as your coach, can help you. You might want help with storytelling, or encouragement, or how to feel confident during an interview, or…

Well, I would be available later on in the year, say in December, or early next year for a short talk with you about this and to see if we could work together.

Also, even if you are “younger”, I could work with you.

Besides startups and SMEs career change and transitions, including the job search itself, is where I love to coach!

Have a lovely week!

Patricia Jehle                 patricia@jehle-coaching.com