1. Make your CV as relevant as possible.
It is a great error to cram too much content into your CV. It is critical to eliminate the clutter and delete anything that is useless or unrelated to the job for which you are seeking. Instead, tailor your CV to each position to demonstrate that you have relevant experience.
A couple of paragraphs – at most, one page – demonstrating 12 years of relevant experience is more than enough to sell yourself to an employer.
It is critical that you do not feel confined by your CV. Unpick it to reveal all of the underlying talents - not just those earned via employment. What about those acquired via hobbies and other interests? A skills-based CV allows us to incorporate more of our experience.
2. Make the most of your age
Because it signifies experience, age may be a beneficial asset when looking for employment. Dependability, wisdom, fortitude, a strong work ethic, devotion, promptness, a wealth of information, resilience, and organizational and communication abilities all come with age.
You may also have excellent customer service skills and the ability to advise and coach younger employees. For employers, your previous success is the strongest predictor of future performance. Consider major achievements in your career and utilize them to market yourself.
Being mature is advantageous. We gain considerably more experience as we age, and we can frequently remain calm in the face of crises by drawing on our expertise. This implies we are less vulnerable to setbacks. We know we've done it before and will be able to do it again.
3. Make a list of your contacts.
Contacts and networking are crucial in the job-search process, and it's totally okay to contact previous coworkers, employers, school buddies, and other colleagues you haven't spoken with in a long time.
Websites like Facebook and LinkedIn have made it much simpler to discover them. Even if it doesn't immediately lead to a job, expanding your connections is always a good step up the professional ladder - and you never know who you'll be put in touch with.
4. Be well-prepared for the interview.
The key is practice. If you haven't been interviewed in a while, you should rehearse and evaluate your interview techniques. It's a good idea to identify a reasonably youthful professional (recruitment consultants fall into this category) and ask them to interview you and provide comments.
It is critical to listen and learn, since your interviewer will have more current interview experience than you.
5. Do not have a negative attitude
Although it may be tempting, one of the most destructive things you can do at an interview is appear as though you are too good to be questioned by a younger interviewer, or walk up with a personal grudge or grievance.
It's easy to believe that "I've done it all before" and that "it should be done differently." But if you truly want the job, you must leave these ideas at home and concentrate only on acquiring it.
6. Make use of the internet
Computer skills and the ability to utilize the internet to find work are almost required. It's also critical to use social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
These social networking networks demonstrate that you are technologically savvy regardless of your age. This can assist you persuade interviewers that you have the capacity to collaborate and engage with younger colleagues, as well as flourish in today's ever-changing workplace.
7. Forget about feeling overqualified.
When employers notice applicants applying for positions below their experience level, they often have questions. So, if you're applying for a job that pays less or gives you less responsibility than past employment, you must explain why in your cover letter and during the interview.
"What is most important to me at this time of my life is the chance to work at a firm where there are excellent possibilities and where I think my relevant skills and expertise can make a genuine effect," for example.
If being overqualified for a job is a hard pill to swallow, consider targeting non-profit organizations where your experience will have a major effect, or applying to small businesses that are wanting to grow and might benefit from your skills.
The public sector also employs application procedures that assure equity, so older applicants have just as much of a chance as any other candidate.
8. Consider both temporary and permanent solutions.
Don't dismiss short-term contracts, temporary, 'interim,' or part-time jobs. It's the contemporary way of doing things, and it might lead to more. Many individuals acquire permanent jobs by first working as a temp for a firm. It allows a firm to get to know you and for you to exhibit all of the benefits your expertise can offer them.
9. The money issue
Not everyone seeks the best possible compensation, and if your children have left home and your mortgage has been paid off, money may not be the primary motivator for accepting a job. Consider what is essential to you and what you actually value, and how any professional change or modification fits into this.
10. Reject reverse ageism.
You may be interviewed by someone as young as your son or daughter, and they may struggle with both hiring and managing someone more mature. As a result, you must demonstrate that you are youthful in approach and willing to welcome change. Don't be overly adamant about how things should be done. Everyone may benefit from the experiences of others.
11. Keep track of the positions you apply for.
Keep track of job applications, essential contact names, due dates, interviews, and so on in a spreadsheet. Job seeking may become a full-time job in and of itself, so stay organized – it will prevent you from applying twice or failing to submit your application on time.
12. Create an online job-seeking profile.
Jobseekers benefit from career-focused social networking networks, the most prominent of which being LinkedIn. You'll discover career-specific groups and forums where new positions are posted on a regular basis, in addition to enabling prospective employers to match your profile with their openings. Make it a habit to check them every day.
13. Be mindful of your digital footprint.
Your digital footprint is the digital trail you leave behind with each online contact. Employers nowadays are likely to search you up on social media platforms, so check your Facebook privacy settings and be cautious about what you tweet and post. It might come back to bite you.
14. Practice your interview abilities
It may have been a while since your last interview, so review the kind of questions you could be asked. Invite a buddy or partner to help you practice.
15. Always request
If you are unsuccessful in an interview, request feedback. A few little changes to your responses might make all the difference the following time.
16. Register with a job placement service.
It's always a good idea to join up with conventional job and recruiting agencies, both in person and online, some of which specialize in finding work for those over the age of 50.
17. Determine any skill gaps
Make certain that you are up to speed in your areas of competence. If not, get some practice in.
18. Examine your work-life balance
Examine your finances: can you afford a pay cut? Could you maybe work part-time? Don't only consider the money. Consider what you may gain in terms of quality of life by working less hours, changing careers, or retraining.
19. Dress nice and remain fit
Check out what individuals in your industry are wearing today and organize your wardrobe. Appearances — and initial impressions – are important. Remember that looking for job is difficult at any age. Eat healthily and exercise on a regular basis. You'll feel and look better, which will increase your career chances.
20. Smaller businesses place a premium on experience.
Smaller organizations are often more inclined to hire older workers than larger ones because they value the loyalty and breadth of abilities that an older employee may provide.
21. Maintain an optimistic attitude!
If your job hunt takes longer than you'd like, don't take it personally. If you are rejected, go on and concentrate on your next applications.