ADVICE FOR OLDER JOB SEEKERS
We posted about younger job seekers yesterday, but we didn’t forget about our more experienced job seekers. Here is some advice for the “older job seekers.”
We surveyed over 100 fashion industry recruiters to get their advice for older job seekers.
The top recommendations are provided below.
To be clear, the purpose of this exercise is to help, not to insult. If you are an older job seeker, we hope that you will compare your current job search process against these recommendations.
#1. TECHNOLOGY
By a wide margin, fashion industry recruiters and hiring managers said that older job seekers should make sure their technology skills are current. Older job seekers that are able to demonstrate they are proficient in current technologies AND that are able to communicate their proficiency during the application process will have an advantage over those who do not.
#2. RESUMES
Fashion industry recruiters and hiring managers recommended that older job seekers should shorten their resumes and avoid outdated terminology. Suggestions include, using clear concise language, limit experience to what is relevant to the position, use bullet points and show value.
#3. TRADITION
The way companies do business is always evolving. Older job seekers who demonstrate the ability to adapt and demonstrate a willingness to learn will do better than those who do not.
#4. HUMILITY
Multiple recruiters contended that older job seekers should be more humble. My guess is that “tone” is really the issue here. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. The challenge for older job seekers is to present their experience and knowledge without coming off as condescending.
#5. NETWORK
The old saying “it’s not what you know but who you know” is only partially true. Now, you have to be knowledgeable, have good contacts and know how to leverage them.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
– have realistic expectations
– be willing to mentor
– demonstrate a willingness to do actual work (not just manage)
– don’t display displeasure (facially) when you see that your interviewer is younger than you.