01 Mar 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XVI

From the last post of the series, we are talking about interviews and how it will affect a 45-year old person in getting a job. In the previous post, we discussed how you need to carry yourself in the interview. In this article, I will talk about breaking stereotypes, using your age as an advantage, and how to handle questions that are not legal. So, let us begin our journey.

Play your age and tell them it is an asset

You didn’t grow old sleeping. You acquired certain skills and a hell load of experience, which a young person can only imagine to have, but can never have until he or she reaches your age. Play this card well, and tell you interviewer that your age has given you the wisdom and maturity that comes only with age. Convince your interviewer that it will be an asset not a liability for the company.

Smack the stereotype on its head

Your young interviewer has many preconceived idea attached with your age, which you need to dispel. This is necessary, but do not do it violently. Be calm, composed, and in the best of your selves when breaking the stereotypes.

Handle illegal questions well

So what you have grown old now? So what you are 40 plus? It does not mean anyone can discriminate against you based on your age. It is a crime, and if you are given hint of this then either politely move to other question or ask the interviewer to not go in that direction. You can also consider legal action, if it does not stop on that.

You need to be careful when working on the above suggestions. A wrong step may land you in trouble. It is a fine line to walk.

Tags: Advantage, Asset Liability, Getting A Job, Hell, Illegal Questions, Imagine, Interviewer, Job Guide, Job Help, Job Search, Journey, Maturity, Old Person, Preconceived Idea, Search People, Stereotype, Stereotypes, Wisdom, Young Person

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13 Feb 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – X

We have reached to the tenth installment of the series that is meant to help people over 45 getting job for them. In this part, I will discuss about variety of things from starting a business to letting go of title to exploring options. The focus of this article will not be on one thing but on all three things. So let’s begin.

Explore options

Being in job is not always good, at times it is confining. It limits your thinking to paychecks and 6PM (when your office bells calls off the day). Now as you are out of job, you have an opportunity to explore many more options, at least until you again get into job. Thinking of things that you can do apart from the job that you have been doing till date. Who knows you end up finding something that makes your heart racing.

Title, what title?

Title means nothing. I know you find it hard to believe it, and especially if you had been in the habit of being referred as senior manager, or vice president direct sales, or whatever. But, the fact is title means a dime. Do not chase titles, rather chase your heart, and find something that you like to do. If work is of your liking then why do you care if you are called a manager or VP?

Start a business

We all have a self-starter within us; all we need to do is give a shout to call it out of the closet. If you are not getting a job then take it as a blessing and start doing something that you wanted to do all your life. Did you want to go knitting, gardening, etc.? Take up this opportunity and start your own small business.

You will be your own boss, and no one will fire you from there. Make a business plan, find an investor (if you need one), and get going.

This marks the end of this bite-size post of the series. I have kept each post small so that you can chew the information provided in its perfectly, assimilate it, and put each tip to use.

Tags: 6pm, Bells, Bite Size, Boss, Business Plan, Getting A Job, Habit, Investor, Job Guide, Job Help, Job Search, Liking, Paychecks, Search People, Self Starter, Shout, Small Business, Tenth Installment, Vice President, Vp

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05 Feb 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – VI

There is indeed something about age that you should care about. You need to know how you should handle age issue when searching for job after 45, and in this article, I am going to tell you precisely about that.

Show what you are capable of

Not everyone out there is hunting for young employees; in other words, not everyone is concerned about employees’ in one’s company. These people are more concerned about their present productivity, which they believe can only be boosted if employees with certain experience join their team. For these employers, the more experienced the team is the better result they will get. Capitalize of this line of thinking, and strengthen your candidacy by showing your experience. Also tell them what you can do for them, if hired.

Find employer seeking older employees

Not everyone loves young workforce, some take it for inexperienced lot that cannot deliver. This group of employers is looking for people who have ground knowledge of their field and know how things take shape. This group of employees will be a good fit for you. Search for such companies and apply categorically mentioning your experience.

Legal action upon discrimination

I know this is not good, and I wish it never come to that, but in some situations it becomes absolute must. Under the law of our nation, no employer can discriminate on the basis of age, so when push comes to shove, you should take an employer to the court of law. But you must understand that proving it will not be easy, regardless, you should seek legal action if you are discriminated against. You should not suffer due to your age.

Although I will not recommend legal course of action, as it is nothing but waste of precious time, which can be used to find a job. I also do not support any kind of discrimination, so if your age is told to be the reason for not getting a job then go forward and prove it in the court.

It has been heavy stuff here. Let’s take a break with a promise to meet in the next installment. Till then stay fit and keep looking. And yes do not forget to comment.

Tags: Break, Candidacy, Discrimination, Find A Job, Find Job, Fit, Getting A Job, Hunting, Job Guide, Job Help, Job Search, Looking For People, Precious Time, Productivity, Promise, Reason, Search People, Searching For Job, Workforce

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01 Mar 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – XVI

Play your age and tell them it is an asset

Smack the stereotype on its head

Handle illegal questions well

13 Feb 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – X

Explore options

Title, what title?

Start a business

05 Feb 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – VI

Show what you are capable of

Find employer seeking older employees

Legal action upon discrimination

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