Finding a job is extremely difficult for older workers after 50. Older workers often feel discriminated against by their employers because there are fewer senior roles in companies. An average search for a new job takes nine months. Although this can be difficult, there are ways you can overcome it and find a great job after fifty.
Networking
In the modern world, career changes are commonplace. While open positions are not only for college students, it is important to remember that older people can still get the job. A professional network can help you gain access to many opportunities. It doesn't take long for friends and family to help you find potential employers.
LinkedIn Profile: How to brand yourself
Rebranding yourself on LinkedIn is an effective way to improve your professional image. Most people in your professional network will recognize your name and LinkedIn profile photo, but few of them will know the breadth of your experience and qualifications. This is why it's vital to focus on building a solid network of relevant connections, as this will help increase your visibility and credibility online.
Resumes
You should be focused on what you control when looking for a job. When creating your resume, older workers should highlight your work experience and reflect upon your career goals. Your LinkedIn profile should be the same. A lot of recruiters now search for candidates online so it's a smart idea to have a professional profile.
Your 50s career options
Changes in career paths can be hard, but it's not impossible. Many older workers have a strong sense of what they want to do, and this gives them the motivation to make the change. Changes in careers can be a great way to prolong your working life, especially if the industry is experiencing decline. Change your career while you're still employed to give yourself plenty of time for preparation.
Avoid revealing your age on your resume
Do not reveal your age on your resume. It can be a red flag to employers. While it is perfectly acceptable to mention your age in a cover letter or job description, you should not state your exact age on your resume. This is because it can distract from your skills and may give away your age. Instead, you can use keywords that relate to your background.
Learn skills that will increase your employability
Upskilling is one of your best options to increase your employability. To show that you are an expert in one area, use skills words on your resume, cover letter and interview. You can also learn new ones. A coding course is a good option if you want to work in computer science. There are many online courses that you can take for free.