Finding a job can be difficult at times, even more so when you are an older worker. This presentation focuses on helping mature workers identify their skills and overcome objections in their job search. Several “mature worker” friendly companies are identified. In addition to the specialized concerns of job seekers over 50, this will cover search tips that are useful for job seekers of any age.

1. Job Search for Over 50
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
April 13, 2022

2. 2
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
April 13, 2022

3. NTS
Resource for job seekers
Learn, inquire and advance
Support
Network
A group of individuals
Shared industry, position or interest
Informational interview – Chat about role
This is why you network
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4. Introduction
MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor from 2018
Career Coach Corner Blogger & Presenter
B² Discuss LinkedIn Podcaster
General Notes for Today
My contact info is on last slide
Presentation file available on SlideShare
Workshop is interactive
Ask questions
Share experience(s)

5. Outline
Age Discrimination & Employment Act
Recognizing age discrimination
Websites for the mature workers
Mature worker friendly companies
Overcoming objections/stereotypes
Networking
Job search process
Positioning yourself
Suggested actions

6. Paul Cameron Talks Age Discrimination
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
(ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40
years of age and older from discrimination on the basis
of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or
terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
It happens randomly not all the time
More likely to be subtle
An Experiment

8. Recognizing Age Discrimination in Action
Lay offs
Job elimination
Team restructuring
“Early retirement”
You are too old for the job
No use training older worker who’s about to retire
Have higher insurance cost as older worker
How long do you plan to work?
Unlearn bad habits
Do not know new technology

9. Thrive Past 45 from Chicago Tribune

10. Experience - Tout it, use it, solve it, e.g. pain CL
Network - Employee referral to industry know how
Loyalty - Commitment for company & projects
Openness - Tech savvy and ready to learn
Perspective - Obstacles and challenges
Focus - Don Blackwell “ability to avoid distraction”
Communication - Personal touch
Flexibility - Not regimented for 9 to 5
Confidence – See 1st bullet

11. https://www.careeronestop.org/ResourcesFor/OlderWorker/older-worker.aspx

12. https://www.aarp.org/work/

13. https://www.workforce50.com/

14. https://www.workforce50.com/

15. http://www.retirementjobs.com/

16. https://www.agefriendlyfoundation.org/

17. https://institute.agefriendly.org/initiatives/certified-age-friendly-employer-program/

18. https://institute.agefriendly.org/initiatives/certified-age-friendly-employer-program/

19. https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/employer-pledge-companies/

20. https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/employer-pledge-companies/

21. 5 Strategies to Overcome Age Discrimination
1. Focus on relevant experience
2. What makes you different
3. Don’t stop learning
4. Build a strong LinkedIn profile
5. Network like you’ve networked before

22. John Jennings raises a great point
“Networking seems to be a crucial ‘back door’ when you
may get filtered out at the ATS ’front door’.”
Rolodex or LinkedIn, use an advocacy group
Put the “social” back into social media
Send well wishes or brief notes
Seek a coffee/break meeting on their turf
Enjoy getting together
Informational interview? Or learn about what & how you and
your company succeed

23. Caroline Ceniza-Levine suggests a 6 step
process
Identify your targets
Create compelling marketing (e.g., resume, LinkedIn,
networking pitch, cover letter)
Research companies and industries
Network and interview
Stay motivated and organized and troubleshoot regularly
Negotiate and close the offer

24. Know thyself
Inventory your skills
What are your strengths
Identify at least five for job search dialogues
Be prepared to provide a narrative example
Practice telling these stories
Know & understand the positions you apply to
Does the job description match your skills?
Get past the ATS robots by using scanning sites
Positive Mental Attitude

25. There are many basic interview questions
Behavioral type questions are popular
Tell me about a time when you had to enforce a company
policy you did not agree with
Give an example of when you had to resolve a conflict
Why were you let go at your last job?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Practice answering these questions
Have prepared questions for the interviewer(s)
Hint: Don’t ask questions answered on their website

26. These websites help refine your resume
Match your key skills with job description
Empower you to get past ATS robots
www.jobscan.co
https://theprofessional.me
https://skillsyncer.com/
https://cultivatedculture.com/resume-scanner/
This is How Job Scan Works

27. Career Explorer identifies transferable skills
https://linkedin.github.io/career-explorer/

28. Begin by identify a job title
LinkedIn makes suggestion based on key words

29. Change default setting from high to low
Find jobs on LinkedIn that match your skills

30. Use local library to learn new skill i.e. LinkedIn Learning
(formerly Lynda.com)
Attend networking events and job fairs
Engage your networks – LinkedIn, Facebook, Neighborhood, etc.
Volunteer
Persistence & Tenacity

31. April Career Workshops & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
Resume Review, Mock Interview or LinkedIn Critique
To sign up, request the professional directly by email

32. LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday April 18, 2022 at 10:00am to 12:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday April 20, 2022 at 10:00am to 12:00pm
Resumes, Cover Letters & Applying Online
Wednesday May 4, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Guide to a Winning Interview
Monday May 9, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Network To Success Job Club
Boost Your Job Search by Volunteering
Wednesday May 11, 2022 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

33. Food truck experiment -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYCxAIqjyCA
Chicago Tribune - https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune-
sunday/20200705/282432761438405
Basket give away experiment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0MPuWg3pzs
Heather Austin - 5 Strategies to Overcome Age Discrimination 10 mins
https://heatheraustin.online/
linkedin.com/in/heather-austin
J.T. O’Donnell - #1 Tip to Beat Age Discrimination in 2020 59 mins
https://www.workitdaily.com/how-to-handle-age-discrimination-coronavirus/listen-now Podcast
31 mins

34. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin

35. NTS Job Club - Boost Your Job Search by Volunteering
Wednesday May 11, 2022 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Time for questions, observations, comments and/or recent experiences
Can you share a recent networking situation?
What is one of your target companies?
Recent job applications?
Anyone do a prescreen call or interview recently?
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