In a competitive job market, it seems that there are many factors that would lead to a company pursuing candidates for their job openings. Of course, we all know the factors like relevant experience, education, certifications, or even past relationships or networks. How about those factors that people “aren’t allowed” to take into consideration? Take for instance age. Could age be a deciding factor in finding new employment? I read a recent article that was very insightful on this idea. I am a person who can really appreciate finding the main point to an article in the introduction. So here it is…. AGE CAN DEFINITELY BE A DECIDING FACTOR FOR EMPLOYERS IN HIRING NEW EMPLOYEES…… BUT ONLY IF YOU LET IT BE!
Author of this article “How To Get A Job Past 50,” Thomas Hart, made 4 simple points that I think are very accurate.
1) Research the market rates for the positions that you plan on to apply for
Your most recent pay rate or salary is not always the market rate for your skill set is. Take for instance the example of an individual who has been with a company for 20+ years and has moved their way up the corporate ladder and each time has received a promotion and a pay raise. In some of these cases individuals are valuable to a company because of their tenure and are compensated very well to have them stick around. It could also be seen on the other end of the spectrum. Some individuals who have been with the same company have developed many new skill sets through their tenure and only received minimal pay increases each year and in the long run, have pigeon holed themselves into being undercompensated. Either way, if you are applying for positions and are noticeably under or over the market rate, it is a red flag to potential employers.
2) Maintain your professional networks
Utilize your networks when pursuing new opportunities. Do you know anyone who works for, or worked for the company you are applying to? In a market where everyone is applying to any and every job possible to find employment, it is necessary to set yourself apart from the competition. Being able to reference a current or past employee (who has left on good terms) is an easy way to do so.
3) Don’t become obsolete
Make sure that you are keeping up with the technology and new skill sets within your field. If you are in an industry that is very heavy on certifications, make sure you pursue certifications even while being unemployed. If employers see that even as you were unemployed you were pursuing new certifications and keeping up with the current industry, it is a very good look.
4) Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Making sure you are prepared is a necessity. Not only when you get to an interview stage with a potential employer, but even before you apply. Making sure your resume is prepared for each and every position you apply to. If the job description states they are looking for a certain skill set, that you have, but is not listen on your resume, add another bullet point to show your experience. I am not saying make a brand new resume that shows you are incredibly experienced with technologies and skill sets that you don’t have, because if you do that and get an interview request, they will find out! Taking a few minutes before just spamming your resume out is a very beneficial practice. Actually read the job description and figure out if you would be a good fit and how you can position yourself to be so.
Those are the four simple steps that were stated in the article. There is one thing and in my opinion it is the most important of all. ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE. In my experiences, attitude is something that can control a situation. Even from the beginning of the application process, keep a positive attitude. Positive thinking is an approach that many people seem to neglect and wonder why nothing ever comes out of their job search. Being on the phones talking to potential candidates day in and out, it is very obvious when I come across a candidate with a positive outlook on their job search. Believe me, those individuals are much more enjoyable to work with.
Remember, YOU control your own destiny in today’s job market!
Take a look at the article at this link!!
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/job-past-50/?awt_l=A30OQ&awt_m=3WUNnxjqyeZ9aCN