Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
Feature

Finding a New Job Post 40

By Holly Caplan, 31 Jan, 2019

    Five tips for women when looking for a new job over the age of 40.

     

     

    In 2024, women over 65 will make up roughly the same percentage of the female workforce as older men do of the male workforce. Additionally, twice as many women over 55 will be in the labour force as women ages 16-24. Knowing the stigma, knowing the numbers, and the reality, what is the best way to approach finding a new job later in life?

    Here are five tips if you are an older adult looking for a new job:

    Use your Network

    Sending our resumes to career websites will do nothing for us. We get pushed aside as we are categorized. The tip here is to use our network of colleagues, former business associates and friends to find companies who are hiring and will have a genuine interest in what we can do for their organizations. This method does work. Finding like-minded individuals with the same goals of working smart and getting stuff done will provide the best platform for finding a new working environment.

    Show off your skills

    At this point in our careers, we have a proven list of accomplishments and skillsets. We have navigated some of our toughest times and have already been through the learning. Because of this we require less training and possess the right skills, because yeah, we know how to do it. We need to show off our confidence and accolades to a potential employer. They need to know that our leadership skills and experience will fit in flawlessly with their company.

    Seek a mentor, be a mentor

    In recent weeks I have had great women mentor me. Women of a certain age. Women who are drama-free, make things happen and don’t sweat the small stuff. I appreciate them, have learned from them and have committed to do the same for others. This is important as this will help us change the tide and break the stigma.

    Be bold

    We can ask harder questions in the interview process and as an employee. Perhaps questions that challenge company methods or goals. If anything as women, unfortunately, we have been taught to be compliant and agreeable to get through the stepping-stones of our careers. We don’t have to do that anymore. We have arrived. Work experience has taught us to think quickly, make decisions and share opinions. We have a lot to teach, and hiring companies need to appreciate this.

    We are already tech savvy

    Much to the disbelief of others, age doesn’t stifle our tech knowledge. It’s who we are as a society. Most of us already use work related apps like Zoom, Slack, Dropbox and others. The point is, our tech knowledge isn’t lacking, so that is no excuse for hiring companies or managers. We are already there. This is not a hindrance.

    About the Author

    Holly Caplan is a workplace issues expert, career coach and author of Surviving the Dick Clique: A Girl's Guide to Surviving the Male Dominated Corporate World. For more information, visit, www.hollycaplan.com

    MORE Feature ARTICLES

    YouTube : Configuring a New Species of Stardom

    YouTube : Configuring a New Species of Stardom

    Speaking on monetary terms, with the influx of viewers on YouTube sourcing from 61 countries, thousands of channels are making six figures a year. It is no surprise that advertisers are hoarding these channels.

    The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

    The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

    This holiday season, think outside the box and make sure your gifts are memorable

    Small Business: From Idea to Execution

    Small Business:  From Idea to Execution

    What is a small business? From 'idea' to 'open' and the research in between!

    Matchmaking in Minutes

    Matchmaking in Minutes

    How speed dating has become the attractive choice for meeting your mate

    HIGHER EDUCATION: Is it worth it?

    HIGHER EDUCATION: Is it worth it?

    According to data obtained by Employment and Social Development Canada, the number of Canadians choosing post-secondary education has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Approximately 53.6 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and over had trade certificates, college diplomas and university degrees in 2012, rising 20.9 per cent since 1990. In 2012, 69.2 per cent of those aged 25 to 44 years old and 59.2 per cent of those aged 45 to 64 years old were post-secondary graduates.

    The Punjabi Soldier - Part 2

    The Punjabi Soldier - Part 2

    In 1857, Sikh and British agendas aligned in the suppression of a mutiny mounted by rebellious Indian troops. The alliance would bring about an era of paternalistic rule that transformed Punjab's peasantry into an ardent loyalist community. In 1914, confronted by a superior German Army, Great Britain was forced to fight not just to hold onto their Empire, but for their very freedom. Like the 1857 Mutiny, the Punjabi soldier again would be positioned to save Britain or deny her, and thus alter the course of history for India and the Western world.