Am I Too Old? Conducting a Job Search After 55
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by Debbie Matson, Career Coach
Am I too old to find a new job? No
Is age a factor in my job search? Yes
According to a recent Korn Ferry article, approximately 27% of Americans over the age of 65 are working. If you feel you’re facing age bias in your job search, this statistic may have you wondering - Where are these jobs? How do I get one?
After the age of 55 your job search is bound to be quite different from your last. Success will come from creating a brand that speaks to your skills and experience within the context of today’s economy, by expanding and utilizing your strong network, and by understanding and addressing implicit bias that is unfortunate but a reality.
It’s unlikely that you will land the job by applying on-line without an introduction, so don’t waste too much time on that front. Instead, use on-line job postings to understand the market and then develop a networking strategy to leverage contacts who can champion your candidacy for a particular role.
It is likely you will face unconscious bias toward your candidacy because hiring managers tend to make assumptions around age and experience. Assumptions like:
you are too expensive; you are untrainable; you won’t fit in, and my favorite, you are overqualified. The good news is that recognizing implicit bias can help you address and overcome it.
Job search strategies
Any job search relies on network, persistence, having conversations and making connections. This is especially true if you are engaged in a job search after age 55.
Recently a Stern alum told me about her experience looking for a new job after a lay off. She lost her position after 25 years in the marketing department of a major consumer products company. It took some time, but after extensive networking, she leveraged her skills and experiences to land a role in a national non-profit. In this new role she organizes high-profile fundraising events, interacts with large dollar donors and creates engagement opportunities for many unpaid volunteers. In hindsight she realizes that it was time for change. She met inspiring people during her job search and now uses her skill set in a very different but rewarding way. She is also in a role that values her age and experience.
Here are some tips for finding a job after 55:
Enjoy exploring your opportunities!
About the Author: Debbie Matson is a Career Coach in the NYU Stern School of Business within the Career Center for Working Professionals. She is an experienced recruiter, and certified executive coach. Debbie is over 55 and recently landed her dream job after lots of networking. You can too!
Is age a factor in my job search? Yes
According to a recent Korn Ferry article, approximately 27% of Americans over the age of 65 are working. If you feel you’re facing age bias in your job search, this statistic may have you wondering - Where are these jobs? How do I get one?
After the age of 55 your job search is bound to be quite different from your last. Success will come from creating a brand that speaks to your skills and experience within the context of today’s economy, by expanding and utilizing your strong network, and by understanding and addressing implicit bias that is unfortunate but a reality.
It’s unlikely that you will land the job by applying on-line without an introduction, so don’t waste too much time on that front. Instead, use on-line job postings to understand the market and then develop a networking strategy to leverage contacts who can champion your candidacy for a particular role.
It is likely you will face unconscious bias toward your candidacy because hiring managers tend to make assumptions around age and experience. Assumptions like:
you are too expensive; you are untrainable; you won’t fit in, and my favorite, you are overqualified. The good news is that recognizing implicit bias can help you address and overcome it.
Job search strategies
Any job search relies on network, persistence, having conversations and making connections. This is especially true if you are engaged in a job search after age 55.
Recently a Stern alum told me about her experience looking for a new job after a lay off. She lost her position after 25 years in the marketing department of a major consumer products company. It took some time, but after extensive networking, she leveraged her skills and experiences to land a role in a national non-profit. In this new role she organizes high-profile fundraising events, interacts with large dollar donors and creates engagement opportunities for many unpaid volunteers. In hindsight she realizes that it was time for change. She met inspiring people during her job search and now uses her skill set in a very different but rewarding way. She is also in a role that values her age and experience.
Here are some tips for finding a job after 55:
- Outline what you can offer in terms of technical and non-technical skills. Create examples that show you are a lifelong learner.
- Spend some time looking for best fit. As in the example above, there may be industries and roles that are more age friendly than others.
- Write and rewrite your message and practice your pitch. Focus on synthesizing your career and experience, ending with a vision toward your next steps.
- Join professional and social organizations that will expand your contact network.
- Consider the salary question and job level. You don’t want to seem desperate, and certainly some roles are too junior for you, however, if you are interested and willing to work within a team instead of leading it, make sure that is understood. Research salary and be realistic about what your bottom line salary is and why.
- Always show energy and excitement about new opportunities. Avoid sending overt or implicit messages around having “been there and done that”. Instead consider all of your experiences as part of the depth you bring and your ability to add value in new and uncertain situations.
- Make sure your hair, clothes, and technical skills are up to date, but at the same time, own your age and use it to your advantage. For example, as an older worker you may have more time to devote to the job, you could be more flexible and available than younger competitors.
Enjoy exploring your opportunities!
About the Author: Debbie Matson is a Career Coach in the NYU Stern School of Business within the Career Center for Working Professionals. She is an experienced recruiter, and certified executive coach. Debbie is over 55 and recently landed her dream job after lots of networking. You can too!