Despite age discrimination being illegal, it happens. For the “seasoned” (i.e., middle-aged) unemployed, Deborah Porter, job development coordinator and an adjunct at Dutchess Community College recommends replacing your more traditional chronological resume with a functional resume. A functional resume emphasizes experience and skills, and highlights job history in terms of performance. The focus is less on dates of employment, which can draw attention to your age.
Another component to a diversified job search strategy is putting your efforts into finding a referral. A recent study found that 27 percent of corporate external hires are found through referrals. With this in mind, the importance of networking cannot be overstated. Social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are not just for teens and casual chats about the weather anymore. They are powerful professional tools for connecting with skill-specific groups and allowing the opportunity to introduce yourself to prospective employers. Maintaining a presence in these sites also confirms your ability to remain current with the latest networking trends and demonstrates that you are at ease with new technology.
Although online job boards can offer a place to identify the qualifications needed for a given position, using boards exclusively, while it may be appealing, is not a good idea. A corporate study done by the staffing consultancy CareerXroads found that only 13.2 percent of external hires in 2009 were made via job boards. Porter suggests that whenever possible, try to discover the company that posted the listing, go to its website, and search from there. “You’re not only more likely to expedite your submission by applying directly to the company but you’ll also have the opportunity to review other possible openings you might have otherwise missed.”
Unforseen opportunity
Porter is seeing both the newly unemployed as well as the individual who wants to reassess positions within their industry arriving at her door. “If your goal is to seek employment in your chosen industry, take retraining classes whenever possible to stay updated, which will be critical in marketing yourself as both qualified and current in your field,” she says. But what if there simply are no job openings in your field? Rauer has some suggestions for possible occupations to pursue.
“Realize that five years from now, twenty percent of jobs will not have existed in 2010. Technology moves at lightning speed. If finances will allow, there’s the option of retraining for another field, such as medical assistants, transcribers, or air conditioning and appliance repair, where the need for good technicians will remain in demand. Long-distance truck drivers have been in demand for the last 15-20 years. The pay can be $40-$60k per year but the downside is time spent away from family and friends, sometimes for weeks at a time.” Not to mention it’s a physically demanding job.
Volunteering in your chosen field can also lead to an unexpected networking opportunity. You never know who you’re going to meet, or how working side by side with that person may result in a recommendation. Plus, it’s added experience to add to your resume.
Porter also reminds applicants of the importance of maintaining a youthful, energetic attitude…both online and especially during that all-important face to face. “Let your passion show, and remember that your experience is your currency. Keep it relative to the job you’re applying for. Remember not to over- or undersell yourself.”
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Kathryn Lukaske is a freelance writer. Her work appears in local print and online publications. She is available for full-time employment opportunities.