Job Search Advice for the Unemployed and Over 40
If you’re unemployed and over 40, it can feel like a “double whammy” of trouble for you in the job search, but it doesn’t have to be a negative.
First of all, unemployment is a temporary status that you are going to change. Don’t be ashamed of that. Many people (especially right now) face some period of unemployment in their careers, and it’s not a big deal. It only takes one phone call, one interview, or one job offer to make the difference.
If you’re changing careers, don’t be afraid of that, either. Internships, job shadowing, learning new skill sets, and the like can feel strange to someone who’s been in the workforce for a while already, but they shouldn’t.
40 is the new 30. You have a lot of years left in the workforce, and you should absolutely be doing something you enjoy, and something that you are compensated for commensurate with what you do for the organization.
I know there is some talk out there about age discrimination, and the idea that companies may be more interested in the “young whippersnappers” than you. Here’s what I want you to know: You didn’t just get here. You are bringing 20 more years of experience to the table than those candidates, and that experience should lead to positive outcomes for the employer. That means that you can do things and think about things differently, and that you can bring more to this job than the hot young whippersnapper, and I want you to have that confidence and develop a way to communicate that to the hiring manager-because you deserve it.
| Peggy McKee has over 15 years of experience in sales, sales management, sales recruiting, and career coaching. Her website, Career Confidential ( http://www.career-confidential.com ) is packed with job-landing tips and advice as well as the practical, powerful, innovative tools every job seeker needs to be successful. |
Great Resumes Fast partners with clients everyday who are unemployed, facing age discrimination, and with clients who have worked in an entire industry their entire lives and are now trying to make a change. If this sounds like you call us today at 1.800.991.5187 to find out how our certified resume writers can work with you to immediately impact your job search.
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About the author
Jessica Hernandez, President, CEO & Founder of Great Resumes Fast
Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.
What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.
You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!
I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!
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I agree with your article. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
But, it seems that 50 is the new 70 now.
[…] and something that you are compensated for commensurate with what you do for the organization. via greatresumesfast.com Posted in: Uncategorized ← Helping Your Network to Help You (Find A Job) » Blog | Great […]
What if you are over 40, it’s a new career, you haven’t got a lot of experience, and you are unemployed and single parent. Yikes…I’m really starting to have some anxiety. I’ve been out of work for the past 6 months and am looking at not being able to get an extension. I don’t want to go to work at a department store or grocery store when I have a masters degree that I’m trying to pay for. It’s tougher that I thought it was going to be. When you say adjust your resume if you are over qualified, what exactly do you mean? Take off the MSW and only put my BS? Since I only have one job I held for 4 years after my graduation in 2007 and to make it worse…I was terminated from that job for reasons beyond my control. Not laid off but fired…I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall some days. HELP ! I’ve fallen and having a hard time getting back up….LOL.