I'M Too Old: Dealing With Age On A Job Hunt

Written by alan darling Jun 07, 2009

How do you deal with being too old??

You don't.

If you raise it, it becomes an issue.?

If you leave dates and the early part of your career off your resume, you've just brought attention to your age. (You're clearly trying to hide something by doing this - either your age or a choppy job record - so you've automatically made your age an issue.)? If you say something that is designed to make your age look like an asset, like "I bring lots of experience that a 38-year-old won't have", or worse, "I'm in great shape - my doctor told me I have the body of a 45-year-old ...", you've just made your age an issue. Don't do any apologizing.

If you feel you must, mention some physically active hobbies and drop the inactive ones from your resume.? But mostly, you should concentrate on what you've done and what you can do for a company during your interview, just like any other candidate.

Not that age discrimination doesn't exist - it does. But it is becoming significantly less of an issue as our population ages.? I do only a handful of searches a year, and in the last two years a 57-year-old and a 59-year-old beat out younger candidates and got the job.? On one of my partner's searches to find someone to run a 30-attorney law firm, the client hired a 69-year-old woman who displayed some real spunk.? She stayed for 10 years.?

As you move into the more senior positions, being age 38 or 43 can be perceived as being too young - the candidate is viewed as not having enough experience.? Few companies will balk at a 50-year-old candidate for a senior position today, and some consider that the ideal age. Some people feel that people over 50 bring more stability, and are far less likely to turn over than are younger candidates.

Some people simply won't hire you if you're older; but think about this: if someone is going to be so short-sighted that they won't hire you because you're 57, you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

You can help yourself, however, by not looking or acting old. If you have a trademark beard or moustache that has grayed before your hair has, shave it off.? If you're grossly overweight and look 70, people are going to be far less likely to hire you than if you look trim and energetic (remember, the fear is that the older you get, the less energy you'll have).? Losing weight and exercising so you look fit is something you have complete control over, unlike the vagaries of searching for a job (I lost 35 pounds in a 3-month period when I decided it was finally time to do so, and after I did so, people mentioned that I looked significantly younger).

As long as you're still willing to put in a 55-hour week, you're not too old.

Copyright 2008 by Job Magician

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Top 5 Career Websites for European Jobs

Make no mistake: embarking on a new career in Europe is a definite challenge, and anyone who paints a different picture is misleading you. Finding your dream job in Europe takes determination and patience, not to mention skill and a well-constructed resume — but it can be done.

There are quite a few internet resources at your disposal for finding a good job in Europe. The top five career websites for European jobs include Monster.com, JobcentrePlus.uk, Stepstone.com, Careersineurope.com, and Jobnut.co.uk. These sites focus on many different types of jobs, including technical support jobs and related IT computer categories.

Each site is unique, and each can help you find a rewarding job in the European Union. Here is a little more information about each site:



http://www.Monster.com: It’s little wonder why Monster.com is so highly rated. With an estimated 6 million visitors weekly, Monster.com provides career seekers with an extensive job database highlighted by an “International Jobs” link, which will help you find a rewarding technical support job or other career in the IT industry in any country in the European Union! Not only that, Monster.com offers great advice on building your resume, attending job fairs, and even paying your taxes abroad.

http://www.JobCentrePlus.gov.uk: This is one of the UK’s largest and most popular career websites, and can boast nearly 2.5 million hits per week! This site offers a wide range of jobs, including technical support jobs and IT career fields, and also provides sound advice on living and working in Europe, worker’s benefits, and more.

http://www.stepstone.com: with nearly 2 million visitors weekly, Stepstone.com taps into some of the most popular careers in 13 countries. This comprehensive site offers online job boards and career advice for job seekers and also human resource organizations. Particularly emphasized are the IT career field and technical support jobs.

http://www.careersineurope.com: This site offers “virtual attendance” to live job fairs to many of the highest salaried careers in Europe, and at the same time offers a comprehensive database that is broken down by company or category.

http://www.jobnut.co.uk: This one is an easy-to-understand career website that breaks down listings into 32 different categories — including technical support jobs — which in turn link to countries throughout the European Union. Updated “daily vacancies” make this job site one not to miss.

Careers in the European Union can’t really be pigeon-holed into one specific category, as each country has its own demands. For example, in Italy there remains a great need to fill skilled positions such as electricians and pipe-fitters, while at the other end of the spectrum sales opportunities abound. In Germany, IT jobs such as software engineer, IT trainer, computer technician, and network developer are in high demand, while other countries such has Austria have a great demand for technical writers and web developers.

The best advice: narrow your search for a specific job in a specific European country and start submitting a resume that is crafted to the career of your choice.

-career advice-

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How to Ask for a Raise During A Recession

Asking for a raise at any time is usually a hard undertaking; but asking for a raise during a recession is even harder, even for those with amazing negotiation skills.


Yet it may still be the right thing to do, especially if you feel that you are being paid far below what you are worth, or far too little for the effort you are putting in.

Another situation in which asking for a raise during a recession is justifiable is in the cases where when you were hired (before the recession really manifested) you took up a job with evidently lower pay, with a promise of a more realistic pay package once you proved yourself on the job after so many months.

Failing to ask for the raise can lead to feelings of apathy towards your job, which could result in poor performance, with the consequent tragic effects on your career. Being paid far less than you are worth could also lower your self esteem, impeding your general sense of happiness in life.

The Importance of Justifying Your Reasons for a Raise

Studies show that, during a recession, companies tend to lay off redundant or in-competent staff. But, surprisingly, employers will raise the salary of competent staff to keep up their morale. Before you ask for a raise, think about if you belong to the competent group!

Review your past work and what you have done to help advance the company. What have you contributed? Are you directly involved in the revenue-generating operations for the company? If not, can you make that connection?

It is important for you to justify your own reasons for a salary raise. The easiest way to sort that out is to relate your work to any possible contribution to your company’s revenue. Think about this creatively.

Even if you are not in the sales positions to generate direct business revenue, you can think about ways you have helped the company save money by enhancing internal efficiency or reducing man power.

This helps enhance your negotiation skills when bargaining and it helps your boss agree with your justifications more easily.

The Importance of Proper Timing

The key to successfully asking for a raise during a recession is proper timing. You don’t start hustling your boss for a raise just as he has received a report painted in red circles. Asking for a raise is bad news in itself for your boss.

The reality of the matter is that you are a resource (a human resource) to your boss, and a raise for you means increased cost for the business. This is bad news for a manager, whose brief is to minimize costs and maximize profits.

The worst thing, then, that you could ever do then is to bombard your boss with such ‘bad news’ when he has just received some other bad news from elsewhere — and bad news for businesses is not in short supply during a recession.

Not even excellent negotiation skills are likely to help you if you bring up the issue during a time like this. Therefore, you should try to ensure that your raise request coincides with a positive time for your boss and the company.

The good news we are talking about here need not be good in absolute terms. Absolutely good news for businesses is a rarity during a recession. The good news we are talking about includes relatively good news, like when the business, on landing a certain deal, realizes that the effects of the recession won’t be so hard on it, after all.

The Risks

Keep it in mind that asking for a raise (even in a flourishing economy) is always a risky but often necessary. Also remember that asking for raise is sure to induce your boss to reconsider his options, at least momentarily, so make sure that you are worth the money you are asking for and that you have the negotiation skills to back it up.

In the end, a properly timed salary increase request, even in a recession, is bound to be looked at favorably, if not immediately honored.

-career advice-

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What to Do When You Have Lost Your Job During a Recession

Career Change for Old People

Deciding to make a career change isn’t an option reserved for younger workers. Older members of the workforce are still in demand and will find many opportunities when it comes to making changing careers.

The following statistics show that employers value older and more experienced employees:

* The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that from August of 1989 to August of 2003, more than 380,000 jobs were lost by workers ages 15-24 in favor of older workers. Some of this was brought on by younger workers becoming full-time students, but it also shows that Australian employers sought out older workers.
* In the Netherlands, according to figures from December of 2000, over 500,000 employees are age 55 and older. This number has grown steadily since 1995.

If you’re an older worker who has decided to make a career change, here are some tips for getting the job you desire.

Career Change Tip – Emphasize Experience

When older workers update their resumes, they should highlight their experience and accomplishments. In most cases, these will outweigh the experience of younger applicants and give the older applicant a definite advantage.

Employers often look a steady employment history and for long periods with the same employer. Since employment history is one of the most important parts of the resume, older workers should focus on it.

Older workers who have frequently changed jobs and only spent a short amount of time with each employer should de-emphasize this in their resumes. Many employers see frequent job changes as a negative.

For more information about putting together a strong resume, visit The Nuts and Bolts of Writing a Good Resume

Career Change Tip – Update your Skills

Update your job skills when making a career change. If you are seeking employment in a professional field, look into certification programs. Read up on new developments and trends in your chosen field.

Read this section on Further Studies to Advance your Career for more information.

Career Change Tip – Conduct an Online Job Search

Conduct an online search for job openings. Some employment agencies advertise jobs for seniors online. Using internet search engines, you can narrow your search to the jobs which you’re interested in and to the geographical area where you want to work.

The following resources are available for older workers making a career change who live outside the United States.

For Asian jobs, visit The Top 5 Career Websites for Asian Jobs.

For European jobs, visit Top 5 Career Websites for European Jobs.

For Indian jobs, visit Top 5 career websites for Indian Jobs.
Career Change Tip – Suggested Jobs for Older Workers

Jobs that are not limited to younger workers include the following:

1. Specialized professional work, such as medicine or engineering. Experience is a strong factor when being hired in these fields.

2. Lecturing and public speaking. There is no age requirement for speakers who are invited to lecture on a specific topic. Knowledge and experience are determining factors for this type of job.

3. Writing. Non-fiction and fiction writing require good writing skills. Many writing jobs can be done at home, which is a plus for older workers. With more writing opportunities opening up on the internet, this is a good area for a career change.

-career advice-

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The Older You are, the More Eligible You are for a Career Change, Here is Why

Career Change for Old People

Deciding to make a career change isn’t an option reserved for younger workers. Older members of the workforce are still in demand and will find many opportunities when it comes to making changing careers.

The following statistics show that employers value older and more experienced employees:

* The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that from August of 1989 to August of 2003, more than 380,000 jobs were lost by workers ages 15-24 in favor of older workers. Some of this was brought on by younger workers becoming full-time students, but it also shows that Australian employers sought out older workers.
* In the Netherlands, according to figures from December of 2000, over 500,000 employees are age 55 and older. This number has grown steadily since 1995.

If you’re an older worker who has decided to make a career change, here are some tips for getting the job you desire.

Career Change Tip – Emphasize Experience

When older workers update their resumes, they should highlight their experience and accomplishments. In most cases, these will outweigh the experience of younger applicants and give the older applicant a definite advantage.

Employers often look a steady employment history and for long periods with the same employer. Since employment history is one of the most important parts of the resume, older workers should focus on it.

Older workers who have frequently changed jobs and only spent a short amount of time with each employer should de-emphasize this in their resumes. Many employers see frequent job changes as a negative.

For more information about putting together a strong resume, visit The Nuts and Bolts of Writing a Good Resume

Career Change Tip – Update your Skills

Update your job skills when making a career change. If you are seeking employment in a professional field, look into certification programs. Read up on new developments and trends in your chosen field.

Read this section on Further Studies to Advance your Career for more information.

Career Change Tip – Conduct an Online Job Search

Conduct an online search for job openings. Some employment agencies advertise jobs for seniors online. Using internet search engines, you can narrow your search to the jobs which you’re interested in and to the geographical area where you want to work.

The following resources are available for older workers making a career change who live outside the United States.

For Asian jobs, visit The Top 5 Career Websites for Asian Jobs.

For European jobs, visit Top 5 Career Websites for European Jobs.

For Indian jobs, visit Top 5 career websites for Indian Jobs.

Career Change Tip – Suggested Jobs for Older Workers

Jobs that are not limited to younger workers include the following:

1. Specialized professional work, such as medicine or engineering. Experience is a strong factor when being hired in these fields.

2. Lecturing and public speaking. There is no age requirement for speakers who are invited to lecture on a specific topic. Knowledge and experience are determining factors for this type of job.

3. Writing. Non-fiction and fiction writing require good writing skills. Many writing jobs can be done at home, which is a plus for older workers. With more writing opportunities opening up on the internet, this is a good area for a career change.

-career advice-

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How a Community College Education can Jump-Start Your Career

For new high-school graduates and adults already in the job market alike, the question of furthering your education can weigh heavily on the mind. Should you enroll in a four-year university? Or should you consider a two-year associate’s degree at a community college instead?

Continuing your education either way will certainly enhance your value in the job market, but while both options have their benefits, enrolling in a community college may be the best choice for many people. Here are some reasons why:

Community college offers smoother transition for high school grads

High school seniors go from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a huge ocean, and this transition can be very difficult for some students. The smaller campuses and class sizes are a gentler introduction to college life, allowing younger students a better opportunity to adjust to greater independence and heavier workloads.

Greater individual instruction at a community college

Because universities are typically so much larger than two-year junior colleges, class sizes are much larger and personal instruction is less possible. This is especially true of most the pre-requisite courses taken during the first few years, which are typically held in large auditoriums. Smaller two-year colleges, on the other hand, offer the same courses in much smaller classes, with more opportunity for personal interaction with instructors and other students. Since oftentimes the instructors at community colleges are active in the workforce themselves, this one-on-one interaction with the professors gives you access to more real-world experience.

Community college prices are more affordable

Some recent sources indicate that the average annual cost of attending a community college can be as little as one third the cost of a year at a four-year university, placing a much lighter financial burden on families and your budget.

Easier access

If you do not live in a major metropolitan area, then attending a large university may involve a long commute. However, community colleges are just that: in your community! The convenience of a closer location not only saves time and money in commuting, but also helps those who already have a job and are looking for a career change. Many community colleges offer night and weekend classes, as well as online coursework for even greater flexibility.

Targeted preparation for specific jobs

Attending a four-year university usually involves about two years of taking preparatory pre-requisites for your major course of study. However, at a community college you can begin training in a specific field right away, with more targeted two-year degrees that will jump-start your career much more quickly.

Hot jobs available for community college degree holders

There may be more well-paying jobs available to two-year Associate Degree holders than you think. Did you know that a dental hygienist, for example, can make up to $58,000 a year? If you don’t already have a career in mind, talk to a Career Advisor on staff at your local community college for ideas.

If you’re undecided about the field you want to enter

Many people, especially recent high-school graduates, may not be quite ready to declare a major course of study. Since in general the first two years of a four-year degree are spent taking general courses required in many fields of study, it makes sense to take these classes at the less expensive junior college. After two years, if you have a better feel for the field you’d like to enter and decide to continue with a four-year degree, almost all universities will accept your coursework credits from an accredited community college.

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Dental Hygienist Salary -- Are you considering career options for Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist salary can range anywhere from $18.00 per hour up to $40.00 per hour, depending on number of years in the profession and if the hygienist has a specialty. A dental hygienist average salary is one of the fastest rising in the medical field these days and jobs seem to be plentiful and growing each year. Dental hygienists are generally responsible for the health and maintenance of the mouth, gums, and teeth. Dental hygienists typically work closely with dentists and assist dental patients with appropriate dental hygiene. They are usually responsible for examining patient’s gums and teeth, cleaning and polishing teeth, and taking X-rays.

To begin a dental hygienist career, one must complete at least two years of school, earning either a certification or an associate’s degree plus complete an accredited dental hygiene program in order to become licensed. Of course, the education requirements will vary from state-to-state. If a person wants to earn a larger dental hygienist yearly salary, there are also bachelors degree programs available through many colleges, universities, and trade program schools. It is important to be aware that there are many colleges and online “diploma mills” that promise an accredited diploma or certification by paying money and doing little work. These places are bogus and you will not be hired by professionals with this type of diploma.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is real growth in the dental hygienist job area. Growth in the job field and dental hygienist salary range is expected to continue to climb in the next ten years as well. While many dental hygienists go on to work with dentists, there are many other professions that they can go into as well.

Some licensed dental hygienists salaries can be increased significantly by transitioning into sales of dental equipment and supplies. These hygienists travel to dentist offices around the country showing dentists the newest in technology and latest dental products available for them to potentially offer their patients. Others transition into the education field teaching dental hygiene to school-aged children and through college workshops.

As you can see there is a wide variety of career opportunities for dental hygienists with room for a large increase in a dental hygienist salary. If you are interested in this type of career, it is important to research the opportunities available in your area as well as the types of accredited programs available. With the right training, you can begin your rewarding career in dental care by helping teach and assist others in maintaining healthy dental habits.

-career advice-

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