Jun 28, 2017
If you are an older job seeker,
you have probably wondered if your age has been a factor in not
getting an interview or a job offer for a position you
wanted.
Ageism is a very real thing, but not every
rejection is due to age discrimination. Guest Jacob Share says
being the right cultural fit for a position is the most important
factor in your being invited into an organization. People want to
hire people they will enjoy being around on a day-to-day
basis.
If
you are finding it difficult to get an interview, Jacob recommends
using LinkedIn as a tool to find other people who have similar
characteristics and experience. Observe which companies have hired
them and reach out to current and past employees. Ask for a copy of
their resume so you know exactly what type of information the
company is looking for. Many positions in today’s job market are
filled by personal or professional referrals, so networking can be
an important aspect of your job search.
We
discussed tactics you can try to squash common concerns a company
may have about your age:
- Your experience may merit a higher salary than the company has budgeted for.
-
- During the interview, state how your experience can add up to cost savings in other areas.
- They may be looking for a long-term employee and think you could retire soon.
-
- Make it known you intend to grow with the company and describe your loyalty to previous companies.
- You may not be able to work for someone younger than you.
-
- Cite examples of how you are already working with younger people.
This Week’s Guest: Jacob Share
Jacob Share is the founder of JobMob, an award-winning blog that serves a global audience. His site offers straight-talking advice based on Jacob’s own experiences finding jobs in the United States, Canada, France, and Israel.
Get Jacob’s resource, The Midlife Job Search Report, for free when you become a JobMob insider. Jacob is working on a new book and a group coaching service.
Ben’s Job Search Resource: Comparing Cultures
Ben’s resource this week is an alternative to Glassdoor.com and Salary.com. Comparably.com is a tool to help you find salary ranges by job title, location, and by employer. Comparably excels at figuring out the culture of the organization.
Find Your Dream Job Listener Question: Getting Unstuck
Becky, Ben, Jessica, and Mac offer advice to Michelle Stevens from Portland. Michelle asks, “How do I keep from getting pigeonholed into roles I do well but don’t want to remain in?”
These segments are sponsored by Mac’s new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere. The book offers practical, actionable, and proven tools to help you get clear about your career goals, find hidden jobs, and ace your next interview. Get the first chapter of this useful resource free.
Be a part of the Find Your Dream Job podcast! Join in:
- Ask your job-related question! Email it to becky@macslist.org, or leave us a message at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive either a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere.
- Share your best job resource with our listeners! Send your resource to ben@macslist.org, and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.
- What do you think of our show? Rate and review our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!
Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.