Compete With Younger Job Applicants

It was once rare for older and younger applicants to compete for the same job. However, with the economy requiring people to consider taking jobs they might normally be overqualified for, recent college graduates are applying for the same jobs as professionals with many years of experience. Compete with younger job applicants by demonstrating the experience, skills, and knowledge you have gained over the course of your established professional career.

Steps

Updating and Demonstrating Your Skills

1. Educate yourself. Consider going back to school or taking a few classes at the local community college. You can take classes in a field you've previously worked in to find out what has changed and learn new strategies. Alternatively, try a course in a new subject or field to expand your skills and knowledge.
2. Update your resume. Your resume should highlight your accomplishments and experience. The best way to compete with younger applicants is to demonstrate what you have that they do not. Set yourself apart with specific examples of what you have achieved in your career.
   • Include any licenses, awards, or professional honors you have received.
   • Be sure to proofread your resume carefully, as mistakes can land your resume at the bottom of the pile.
3. Brush up on new technologies. Most companies are using social and mobile strategies to conduct business. Take some classes, read books, or get online to try out the new platforms and technologies that you may have missed in your last job.
4. Find a market niche. Rather than competing with thousands of applicants, consider creating your own niche. Look at your interests and skills, and see if there is a gap in the market regarding them. You could sell a product or offer services, based on what you are knowledgeable about and have experience with.
   • For instance, you could become a consultant in the industry you built your career in.
5. Display strong communication skills. Globalization has made communication a highly sought after skill, so brush up on your communication skills to increase your chances of landing the position you apply for. Show potential employers that you can work with a variety of different people and communicate clearly with them all.
   • If you struggle in this area, take a public speaking or interpersonal communications course to strengthen your ability.

Turning Your Age and Experience into Positives

1. Emphasize experience. Show potential employers that your age and experience make you a stronger candidate for the job. Explain experiences that qualify you for the position, such as previously managing a design department when applying for an illustrating position.
2. Demonstrate dependability. Employers want to hire people who will be dependable as well as loyal to the company. Explain to prospective employers that your age is a benefit, as it means you can be counted on to show up and do the job to the best of your ability. Tell them you plan to stay with the company and won't jump ship if another opportunity comes along -- something that younger applicants may be tempted to do.
3. Show adaptability. An advantage you probably have over younger workers will be poise and confidence. Hiring managers will want to know that you can adapt to a younger corporate culture, new business models, and a different economy. Provide examples of problem-solving abilities, and times when you have had to change course swiftly.
4. Maintain flexibility when it comes to salary and benefits. If you are applying for a position that younger workers are competing for, do not expect the salary offered to be at the level you may be accustomed to. Younger applicants will work for less. Negotiate extra benefits or a flexible schedule in exchange for making less money.
5. Highlight your transferable skills. These are skills you possess that are not limited to one specific job but can be used in many occupations. Examples include writing skills, leadership skills, and the ability to motivate others. You may also be a team player, speak more than one language, know how to delegate responsibilities, or have strong time management skills.

Finding Jobs in Today's Market

1. Search for jobs online. While you may have searched for previous jobs in the newspaper, most people now use the internet to find work. Use sites like Careerbuilder, Indeed, Monster, and Craigslist to find positions to apply for. Some sites allow you to post a profile in order to let employers search for qualified applicants, so be sure to thoroughly fill out such sections.
2. Use your contacts. At this point in your career, you are probably much better at networking than younger applicants. Get in touch with your alumni association, professional organizations, and colleagues from past jobs. They can help you with recommendations, references, and tips on what companies and industries may be seeking. Keep in touch with your network, and be direct about what you need from them.
3. Join social media networking sites. Websites such as LinkedIn are used by many recruiters and hiring managers to verify or supplement resume information. Set up a profile, add a professional photo, and organize your page. Make connections with alumni and previous colleagues as well as friends and family. You can uses these sites to show potential employers your skills as well as find new positions to apply for.
4. Get a referral from an employee in the company. Resumes from applicants who are referred by employees of a company are more closely reviewed than those who don't have a connection. Reach out to friends or alumni who work at a company that you would like to join and ask for a referral. Recruiters are more likely to consider you for the position if you are recommended by someone working in-house.

Tips

• Remain current in your field as you are looking for work. Continue to pay attention to trends in your industry. Follow blogs, read magazines, attend networking functions. This will help you speak intelligently and knowledgeably during interviews.

Warnings

• Do not let your ego get in the way. You may interview with and work for people younger than you. This can be an adjustment for an older applicant who has been in the workforce for a long time. Remain relaxed when you interview, so they feel comfortable with your age and level of experience. Your maturity will be an asset.

References

See also

• Get a Temporary Job Over 50
• Speed Up Your Job Search
• Search Global Jobs From Your Mobile Phone
• Get a Job During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Prepare for an Informational Interview
• Make Money in the Winter (Kids and Teens)
• Look for a Summer Job
• Find a Job for Your Skill with SkillLot.com
• Find a Job on GAPbuster
• Apply for a Job via Careerbuilder

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