Don't Let Age Be An Obstacle

This blog is intended for Job Seekers who view their Age as obstacle that keeps them from finding employment. You can not let your age be an obstacle as you pursue employment. After all everyone seeking employment has one thing in common and that is that they are all getting older every single day.

What does Age really mean?

Age in the context of the workforce could speak to the number of years of experience that you have. Experience is the greatest teacher in life. Hopefully, throughout your career you have developed skills that your younger counterparts may not have gained yet.

What are some the advantages of being an older worker?

One advantage of being an older worker could be the ability or skill of adapting to the changing needs of a business. You may think that everyone has this skill but this skill requires maturity to put into practice and is often an important ingredient to a successful business. The next advantage of being an older worker is proven capability. You can communicate to a potential employer in an interview your certainty of achieving the job requirements of a position based on your track record. While your younger competition may have the potential to achieve they don't always have a proven track record of work experience.

What should older workers do as they conduct their Job Search?

Older workers should seek companies that are looking for older workers to hire. They can accomplish this by going online and doing research on this topic. Older workers should also evaluate their skill set and find ways to improve their skills while they are searching for employment. They should especially focus on their basic computer skills if they are uncomfortable with using a computer. Many public libraries offer FREE computer training classes and many colleges provide similar courses but there may be cost involved.

Final Thoughts

Throughout your Job Search you must learn to give your energy to things that you control. Age is not something that you control. However, your view of your age and how it impacts you in terms of finding employment is something you control.

Don't Forget About this Skill

If you are doing a self-assessment of your skills you have probably included in some form your work ethic and the fact you are a team player. However, if you are scratching your head for skills to include I recommend that you include Internet Researcher. Let me show you how you can prove or improve your internet research skills.

Research Companies

One of the most overlooked Job Search tools is not going directly to the websites of companies that interest you. For example I recommend that you create a list of 5 companies that interest you and go directly to their company websites and search for job opportunities. If you have an interview make sure that you thoroughly research the companies website prior to your interview. It will show the interviewer that you are serious about working for their company. Make sure that you are aware of the biggest current happenings at the company.

Research People

If you know who you will be interviewing with you may want to research them so that you can build a connection with them during your interview. In this case you can use websites like Linkedin, BrightFuse, or Facebook to conduct your internet research.

Research Topics

If there is information that you need on any subject then you can search for it on the internet. In short develop methods to find the information that you need quickly. Your skill in doing this could potentially benefit you at your next job.

An Interview Is Not A Job Offer

What does a job interview mean to a job seeker? Momentary relief, a new reason for hope, and perhaps the chance to get the job of your dreams. Although an interview can be a great accomplishment I want to let you all know that "An Interview Is Not A Job Offer".

If you have an upcoming interview prepare for it. Furthermore, make sure that you review the job description of the position you will be interviewing for. Practice answering interview questions and think about stories that will showcase your work experience.

Even though you should approach your job interview with confidence, you don't want to abandon your job search until a formal offer has been made. I know from from personal experience that I have slowed or eliminated my job search activities after I have been informed of an interview. One reason for my action is that I always live by the theory that all I need is an interview and I will definitely get the job. Moreover, the process of searching for a job can be exhausting.

Finally, you may interview well but your qualifications may fall short of your competition. You could also interview well and the potential employer may not be ready to hire you as quickly as you would like. Nevertheless, don't stop your job search until a job offer has been made because "An Interview Is Not A Job Offer".