Age & Experience in the Job Search
Selling Your Qualifications to Land
the Job
Many workers are having an increasingly difficult time finding work in today’s employment situation, from recent grads to experienced workers. When entry-level work is available, a large number of candidates apply for the position – even when their qualifications surpass those required by the employer. And in this economy, many employers take a chance with the inexperienced because smaller salaries are easier on their budgets. So, how do mature workers compete with their qualifications to land the job?
The main thing employers look for when reviewing a candidate’s credentials is how the applicant’s qualifications stack up to the job description. They look for the candidate with the right amount of experience and education required for the job – not one who’s under qualified or overqualified. Here are seven tips for positioning yourself as a match for any job – despite your age or experience.
1. Match Qualifications – Too much information on your résumé can make you appear overqualified for the position. It’s not necessary to include additional skills or experiences that aren’t required for the job, so only include qualifications that match the job description.
2. Use Current Terminology – Avoid unintentionally dating yourself by using the wrong terminology. Make sure your résumé is up-to-date with the latest terms used in the industry so you won’t be immediately counted out for an interview. Once in the interview, be sure to use current terms when describing your experience.
3. Keep a Positive Attitude – Employers look for skilled workers, but they also want to hire a candidate with a good mind-set. So, be sure to keep a positive outlook when speaking with potential employers over the phone, in person during interviews, and throughout the follow up process. Also, make sure to express a good attitude toward other staff members and the employer’s receptionists when you drop off a résumé or attend an interview.
4. Demonstrate Adaptability – Adaptability is a beneficial trait to employers, so make sure to demonstrate your flexibility, whether it’s offering to take on unfamiliar projects or work outside of normal business hours. Employers can see this as a benefit, especially since many workers are unable or unwilling to be flexible.
5. Omit Unnecessary Dates – Leave unimportant dates off of your résumé, including high school and college graduation dates. When listing your most recent employment, consider listing the number of years in previous positions instead of listing dates. Also, it’s not necessary to list your entire employment history, so only list the most recent positions held.
6. Use Maturity to Your Advantage – With age comes wisdom and knowledge, so demonstrate problem solving experience and familiarity with typical workplace issues. Also, be sure to let employers know about your work ethic by providing examples of personal reliability and responsibility.
7. Emphasize Willingness to Learn – Whether or not you continued your education or constantly increased your knowledge of the industry, make sure potential employers see your willingness to learn new skills and techniques. This will show employers that you’re able to change and update your skills as needed to keep pace with workers who may have a technological advantage.
Going through a job hunt in this economy has its advantages and disadvantages, but you can make the most of it and find the job that’s right for you by following these seven tips during your search for employment. Position your qualifications just right for each job description, and you might just land an interview for the types of jobs you want. And the more interviews you land, the better your chances of receiving an offer of employment with a respected employer.
Helpful Interview Tips
- Responding to Interview Questions
- The Real Questions Behind Interview Questions
- 7 Must-Dos Before a Job Interview
Job Search Tips for New Grads
Landing a Recession-Proof Job
For college students and new grads who are about to enter the workforce for the first time, all the stories about layoffs, the unemployment rate, and job search struggles can be overwhelming. Many are fearful they won’t be able to find a job with their hard-earned degree. Those looking to change jobs or even choose a degree program right now are also weary about the future. But, there are recession-proof jobs you can land in many industries with some of the top degrees, if you know where to look and what to look for.
According to The Princeton Review, psychology, biology, and education were among the top 10 most popular majors determined by the number of undergraduate enrollment in 2009. Here’s a look at these three majors and several recession-proof jobs you can land with these degrees.
Psychology – Psychology majors spend a lot of time in their college careers learning about the human mind and human behaviors. A degree offers flexibility to pursue a number of different jobs in the business world or the social services field. According to Time, mental health counselors, social workers, and occupational therapists are recession-proof occupations, all of which require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, although an occupational therapist also requires a master’s degree. There will be approximately 24,000 openings for mental health counselors through 2016 with an estimated salary of $34,380. Social workers earn an estimated $35,000 - $43,000 annually, with many job opportunities in medical and public health, mental health and substance abuse, and child, family, and school social work. Occupational therapists earn an estimated $60,000 annually, but face fewer opportunities than other psychology-related jobs with less than 10,000 job openings projected through 2016.
Biology/Biological Sciences – Degrees in biology or biological sciences in college often indicate an interest in plants, animals, or the environment. With a degree in biology, jobs as a plant and soil or animal scientist are available. Fewer openings are available for scientists, but these jobs are recession proof because new research is continually conducted to improve our lifestyles. Scientists can make an estimated $47,000 to $56,000 annually. Continuing education in this field can help land a more lucrative job offer with staying power, such as veterinarians and pharmacists. Average annual salaries in these fields are approximately $72,000 to $94,000.
Education – Educators will always be needed to further the growth of generations to come. Many education majors require a specialty, such as special education, early childhood, or elementary education; however, that does not limit types of job opportunity. Kindergarten and pre-school teachers are in high demand, with approximately 105,000 openings through 2016. These positions can earn an estimated $22,000 to $37,000 annually. Those interested in teaching at the secondary school level can consider positions as vocational education teachers who will be needed to prepare students for the workforce. They can earn approximately $48,000 annually. Those who enjoy working with adults will always be needed as adult literacy teachers. Approximately 17,000 openings will be available to help adults learn to read, take remedial courses, or finish their GEDs. These teachers can earn about $43,000 annually.
The first job search after college will be taxing, and even more so considering the current economic situation. While landing a recession-proof job won’t guarantee employment forever, it can help you pick an occupation that’s likely to still be around in several years. So, don’t limit yourself. Start your job hunt – or pick your degree program – by considering these alternate occupations, and you just might find the right job for you.
Helpful Job Search Tips
5 Job Search Truths Revealed
What You Need to Know
The job search can be overwhelming when you consider all the activities it includes, from job hunting to résumé writing to interviewing. With all the advice out there, it can be difficult not to get bogged down – or caught up by the talk. That’s why it’s important to understand the realities of the job search – so you can prepare yourself to meet whatever challenges you’ll face.
1. Employers Hire Attitude Over Skills. Southwest Airlines Founder Herb Keller encourages employers to “Hire for attitude. Train for skill.” Hiring managers seek well-rounded candidates with the skills required for the job, but they also look for a positive attitude. Even if you meet all of the qualifications for education and experience, your demeanor can make or break your chances of landing a job. So, be sure to express your optimism throughout each part of your job search.
2. Less Than 25% of Jobs are Advertised. The majority of available jobs – from entry-level to high-profile positions – aren’t advertised. In fact, research shows that 60% or more of jobs are found through networking. So, the best way to find out about and land a job is to network with your peers and other professionals. By creating a network, you’ll build contacts who can let you know about job openings and also advise you in the application process.
3. The Average Job Search Takes 3 to 6 Months. Your job search could take from one week to one year, depending on the economy, the job market in your area, and how much time and effort you invest into looking. Don’t be discouraged if your job search takes longer than anticipated. Simply keep pushing on, and continue looking for new opportunities. If you find that you’re getting the same results from the same actions. Remember this saying: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” To start seeing different results, consider updating your résumé, practicing your interview techniques, or visiting a career coach.
4. Fifteen Percent of Employers Reject Candidates for Lack of a Thank You. According to CareerBuilder, sending a thank you note following an interview is important to hiring managers. In fact, in a recent poll by the company, 15% of employers said they would dismiss a candidate for not sending a thank you note. Another 32% said they would think less highly of a candidate who didn’t send a thank you. That means nearly half of employers weigh at least part of their hiring decision on a simple thank you note. So, be sure to send one after every interview so you’re not ruining your chances of a job opportunity.
5. Employers Only Spend 20 Seconds On Your Résumé. Hiring managers receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of résumés per job opening. The reality is that they’re only able to spend about 20 seconds glancing at your résumé to determine if you’re a good candidate for an interview. This means that your résumé must be top notch to catch the hiring manager’s eye. If you’ve struggled to make it through to the interview stage of the job search, review your résumé, and update it to make sure it passes the 20-second test.
Knowledge of job search realities is power you can use to your advantage as you begin your job hunt. Equipped with the facts and a solid approach, you’ll soon realize that you have more control over your job search than you might think.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.