There’s Still Hope For Job Seekers Over 50 – Age No Real Factor
Finding a new job can be a challenge for the over 50s. They’re competing against more degree-qualified youngsters and other Baby Boomers taking longer to retire.
But there’s hope.
Jane Jackson, career management coach and author of Amazon bestseller Navigating Career Crossroads, says it’s not all ‘out with the old and in with the new.’
“The challenge for older workers is learning how to overcome the perceived drawbacks of being a mature-age worker,” Jackson says.
To prepare for a successful job search, job seekers over 50 should keep abreast of technology and keep an open mind.
She says it is important to identify the strengths demanded in the marketplace, address skills sets and take steps to gain the training/up skilling required.
“It is essential that they gain and maintain the skills in demand and understand what is a good cultural fit for the role they target,” she says.
“The key is to demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence, flexibility, positivity and strong relevant technical and soft skills.”
Self-employment is another option to consider.
“Rather than hoping that an employer will ‘pick them’ they could decide to ‘pick themselves’ by setting up their own business,” she says.
The government launched the Restart Program to help ageing workers.
“This is a wage subsidy that’s paid to employers to help mature age people into the workplace. Concurrently it encourages employers to expand their business and benefit from the wealth of experience mature age workers bring,” she says.
For more career transition or career management support visit The Careers Academy Online
This article was featured in the Sydney News Local papers: Mosman Daily, Blacktown Advocate, Northern District Times, Hillshire Times, Penrith Press, Parramatta Advertiser, Canterbury Bankstown Express, Rouse Hill Times, Hornsby Advocate, Liverpool Leader, MacArther Chronicle, Mt Druitt – St Mary’s Evening Standard, Fairfield Advance.
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