The 21st Century was supposed to usher in a wave of retiring Baby Boomers who would live off the spoils of their retirement funds. The dream was of travelling to sunny destinations, playing golf and enjoying time with their grandchildren when they retired. The reality of the last decade has many Baby Boomers reconsidering this vision of their future!
It Can Be Difficult To Know When To Retire
Some Baby Boomers, in the prime of their careers and too young to retire, have postponed leaving the labor force for several more years. While other retiree-wanna-bes are forced to continue working. Economic circumstances have depleted their retirement savings, depreciated their home value and raised the cost of living. They have been left without the necessary funds to retire. Under these circumstances it is very difficult to know when to retire.
Whatever their reason for staying in the labor market, many Baby Boomers claim age discrimination when it comes time to look for a new job. This is a difficult claim to refute.
Sadly when unemployment hits this group it lasts longer than any other demographic.
Statistics show their average duration of unemployment is 75 weeks, compared with 48 weeks across all age groups. More than one third (37%) of unemployed mature age people are long-term unemployed (52 weeks or more) compared with 24% across all age groups. [Employers offer advice to mature age workers]
The reality is that many older workers don’t recognize that their own actions may be contributing to the problem, and that what they are doing affects their job search success. For some people it is a lot easier to blame age discrimination than it is to update themselves on good job search strategies.
The good news for Baby Boomers is that there are simple things that they can do to land their next great job. No plastic surgery or hair dye required!
1. Ageless Thinking
If you believe that your age is an issue, then it will be issue! Focus your energy on selling your skills and experience to potential employers, not on defending your age.
2. Think Healthy
The only time you should divulge health conditions during an interview is if good physical health is a requirement for a job. If you have had previous health problems, heart attack, diabetes, cancer, etc, do not volunteer this information to a potential employer.
3. Have a technology friendly Ugly Resume
In a sea of thousands of other applicants, you must have a technology friendly resume that can be found and entices hiring managers to call you. Younger applicants would never mail a typed resume to a potential employer, nor should you.
4. Make your Ugly Resume Ageless
Do not include your birth date, graduation date or more than 15 years of experience on your resume. Do not list out-dated software, hardware or systems experience. Listing out-dated technical skills paints a picture of an out-dated job seeker.
5. Be Selective
Only apply for jobs that you are qualified for. Do not apply for jobs that you are either over-qualified or under-qualified for. You will set yourself up for rejection and disappointment.
6. Use Technology
When applying for a job, apply online or email the potential employer directly. These simple actions indicate to a potential employer that you have the basic technical aptitude needed to do most jobs.
7. Have an Ageless Interview
During an interview, sell the benefits of “you” to a potential employer. Do not spend the interview defending your age or trying to convince the interviewer that you have the health and stamina to do the job! Younger job seekers would never mention these points, nor should you.
8. Build a Bridge
When interviewing with a younger hiring manager, do not intimidate him or her with your age and experience. Do not make statements such as: “when you were in diapers, I was managing a team of 30 people” or “the work ethic from my generation is much better than your generation”. You need to make this person comfortable with you and make them feel that they can manage you without any problems.
9. Don’t answer any direct questions about your age.
It is illegal for employers to ask direct questions about your age during an interview. If a potential employer asks you how old you are, don’t answer the question; rather answer the intent behind the question.
10. Sell Your Lifestyle
Older job seekers offer employers many benefits over their younger counter-parts such as: years of proven experience, expertise, seasoned judgment and lack of family responsibilities (small children) that may interfere with job performance. Sell these features of you during an interview!
If you have experienced age discrimination during an interview, don’t get discouraged! Find another opening, apply and move on. There are plenty of employers who value older workers. Remember, you have worked too hard in your life to end up in a job where you are not valued.
Wondering When To Retire?
There is no one answer for everyone. Some people love to retire early, others are very happy working far beyond the traditional retirement age. If you are wondering when to retire and are starting to consider your future I invite you to request our free
Retirement Planning Guide “Create A Future You Will Love”
