Using Age to Your Advantage

Workshop Goals To explore perceptions that get in the way. To outline the advantages seasoned workers bring to the workplace. To identify strategies to get in the door. To develop an action plan to address employer concerns.

Perceptions How others see us –“Don’t I Know You?”

Perceptions How we think others see us –Richard Bolles – “What Color Is Your Parachute?”

Perceptions How we see ourselves –“…at my age…” –“…when I was your age…” –“…young people today…”

Shifting Perspective

Perceptions During the 1984 re-election campaign, President Ronald Reagan, then 73 years old, was asked about the age issue. He said:

Perceptions “I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

Challenge Change the perceptions

Advantages of Hiring Older Workers ______________________________

Advantages of Hiring Older Workers I think in many ways, as it turned out, my entire life up to that moment had been a preparation to handle that particular moment. Chesley B. Sullenberger Age 58

Advantages of Hiring Older Workers Crew of Flight 1549 Age First Officer Jeffrey Skiles 49 Flight Attendant Sheila Dail 57 Flight Attendant Doreen Walsh 58 Flight Attendant Donna Dent 51

New Strategies 21 st Century Résumés Networking Technology

21 st Century Résumés Marketing orientation –Not a historical account –Focus on accomplishments not duties –Keywords –Branding / differentiating – promise of value

21 st Century Résumés Age-Proof Your Résumé –Use a contemporary format –Eliminate age-revealing content –Go back only years –Omit education dates –Include up-to-date skills –Exclude out-of-date skills

Networking **80% of jobs are found through networking** More than ¾ of jobs are never posted. 2/3 of managers use referrals first for hiring. It reduces the risk for employers. It shifts the focus to skills, not age.

Technology Need for computer skills –For on-line applications –As a work skill

Technology **On-Line Presence** –Google –Social networking (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) –Blogs/articles –On-line Portfolio or Professional Web Site

First Impressions You get only one chance to make a good first impression ?? How long does it take for an employer to form a first impression ??

First Impressions Employers form an impression in the first 20 seconds of meeting you.

First Impressions How important are the words you use in conveying your message? Body Language

First Impressions Studies show that your words account for only 7% of the message you convey.

First Impressions 55% of communication is based on what people see. The remaining 93% is non-verbal. The other 38% is transmitted through tone of voice.

First Impressions Get feedback on your non-verbal message. Practice your smile, handshake, eye contact, posture, general energy level

Employer Concerns

Action Steps Assess your job goals Volunteer Engage in Professional Development Seek temp/contract opportunities Revise/age-proof resume Develop 5 age-related success stories Update technical skills Evaluate/improve your interview effectiveness Schedule job search activities – hrs/wk Stay current about industry/occupation trends

Final Thought Asked in an interview how old he was, a 56-year-old man replied: “I’m old enough to avoid all the mistakes my junior co-workers will make, and young enough to out-produce them.”