Forty plus years of full time employment and experience but, who is going to hire you now?
Many will advise you to hide who you are, as best as possible, by modifying your appearance, your resume and your presentation. But, be careful not to compromise who you really are. Key jobs, learned skills and great recommendations shouldn’t be hidden just so that you look younger.
I’ve read that when people meet, the two greatest impressions are whether we like each other and whether we think we can trust each other. Many department heads think it’s most important to have the new hire fit in with the team and train them on the processes, than to have a hot shot that no one likes. So, my recommendation is to be yourself and don’t be afraid of the truth. Listen, with today’s social media and networking, you may be known more than you think, so better to be truthful.
So, what should you do? Well, after you pray, here’s a few pointers.
1. Get your attitude right.
a. I agree it stinks to be let go, especially when the boss kept telling you are the back bone of the operation and one day “Hatchet Man” calls you in and tells you to leave the building. But, you can’t let them run your future.
b. Take a few days to think through things, have a few pizzas and several gallons of ice cream, but get right on task of finding something better, ASAP.
c. After these few days have passed, get up and report to job hunting at 8 a.m. sharp.
2. Get yourself cleaned up, everyone likes someone who looks ready for action.
a. Renew the resume. Make sure it includes your recent employment.
i. Remember, not everyone can do what you do.
ii. Take your birth date, your school names and as much dated information off.
iii. Indicate your cell phone number so they know you embrace technology.
iv. Look for an article or seminar to help you re-work your resume’s look and feel.
v. Go to a job fair. They often have resume stations where you can get pointers.
vi. While at the job fair, talk to as many job reps as you can. It’s good practice for your upcoming interviews.
vii. Look at the ads for jobs you would like to have. What are the “keywords” used to describe what they are looking for? Use those words in your resume wherever possible.
viii. Are there volunteer positions that you can plug in to? This could be the right move to get you connected with a company or a fellow volunteer who is an employee of a company that is looking for someone like you. Additionally, put it on your resume so that it shows you are industrious.
b. Email
i. Update your favorite old address to something other than
ii. Research the top email services and sign up. It will show that you are not out of touch.
iii. Include your name in the email address.
3. What do you look like on the web?
a. Google yourself
i. If you have a common name it may not make a difference, but if there are not many out there named as you are, your life will be an open book.
ii. This will give you insight into what the interviewer may know about you before you even show up. Use the information to your advantage.
b. What does your Facebook say?
i. Is it public? What does your profile picture say about you?
ii. Having Facebook is not a bad thing as it shows you’re computer active.
iii. Beware of those pictures of you in that beer guzzling contest or mooning your neighbor. They may indirectly hinder your chances.
c. LinkedIn
i. If you don’t have an account, get one.
ii. Study up on what LinkedIn is all about and become active.
iii. Join groups in the industry you are interested in, read the posts, comment and request to be connected with folks.
4. Decide how much longer you want to work
a. Social Security, 401 K and part-time
i. Maybe it’s time for you to just kick back and semi-retire?
ii. Get a fun part time job to supplement your retirement income.
b. Just 5 more years
i. Don’t tell the interviewer this info unless it’s in line with the job they have for you.
ii. Offer yourself as a consultant or mentor
1. They’ll see you are older and may think you are not the one for the next 10-15 years, but if you tell them you have 40+ years of experience to share with their star employee, it could turn out to be a win win.
c. Is it a good time to recreate yourself?
i. Start that woodworking business
ii. Become a consultant
iii. Take a job at the local school, park district or hardware store.
iv. Work for the Lord
5. Go after it
a. Don’t let yourself grow weary, your best opportunity may be ahead of you.
b. Look for seminars at the library, the church or online.
c. Talk to everyone about who you are and what you can do. Networking and word of mouth are huge.
d. Pray through the process
e. If you want us to pray with you, add that in the comments or send us an email.