So you’re fifty years old and searching for a new job. You might have never imagined having to job search at fifty, but it happens. Even though you didn’t expect yourself to be job hunting at fifty doesn’t mean that you are too old to find your dream job. Very often job candidates seek out younger candidates fresh out of college in hopes that they will work for less money and will be more committed to their careers. If you are over fifty and searching for a job you just have to show your potential employers that you are enthusiastic and committed to your job.
The first key thing to remember when seeking a job when you are fifty or older is to edit your resume. It is likely that you have tons of experience and have held many positions in the past. However, you don’t want your resume to be too long. It is important that you go over your resume and list only your most relevant positions to the job you are applying for. Listing too many positions will definitely cause employers to notice your age and may cause them to consider you overqualified for the job. Keep your resume short and brief and only list information that is necessary for your employers to read.
Also, when interviewing for a job, try not to make your age a big deal. You may feel uncomfortable because of your age but try not to mention it. Often when you are over fifty the person interviewing you is likely to be younger than you are. Try not to mention your age difference or the interview could become awkward and even more uncomfortable.
One reason that older candidates seem less desirable to employers is because they are perceived to be less technologically savvy than younger generations. Unfortunately there is a major perception that older people have difficulty using technology. For this reason it is important to do your best to stay up to date on new technology trends. Your ability to demonstrate your fluency in technology and social media can help you tremendously when applying to a job.
Although you don’t want to make your age a big deal during the hiring process there are many ways that your age can actually help you to get a job. There are ways that you can use your age to your advantage. Because you are older you may have more experience that can help you to get your job. Be sure to mention all of the skills and abilities that you have attained over the years to help show that you do the job. Just be sure to mention skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Your experience can help show that you are able to manage the requirements of the job.
When seeking a job when you are fifty or over it may seem difficult but as long as you remember these useful tips you will be able to find the perfect job for you. Just remember to update your resume and try not to make your age a big deal. Don’t be discouraged because of your age, you are never too old or too young to start looking for your dream career!
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