Tips To Fight Age Discrimination in the Job Search

I spoke with an older employee who had recently lost a spouse and was looking to go back to work. She was fearful of her chances of finding employment.  "Nobody wants to hire old people anyway and with all these young people looking for work, I feel bad trying to take a job from them.  They have families."

I reminded her that she really needed to put her best forward and not show hesitation in her search.  Not only did she feel most employers would not want to hire her because of age, she also felt that those who would, were not willing to pay what her experience deserved.

I shared with her the following list of tips Ishared to help her fight any age discrimination in employment.

1. Stay cheerful and high energy for all phone or in-person job interviews
2. Speak to the benefits of experience, professional maturity and expertise
3. Keep resume content current and stick to relevant information. Read 50 Hot Resume Writing Tips.
4. Speak to the long term value you can bring to the company
5. Tell stories about outstanding outcomes in prior assignments
6. Consider using a functional resume
7. Use cover letters to focus on relevant, recent experiences
8. Speak to your ability to collaborate and work with everyone from Boomers to Millennials.

Get Your Business off and Running - Supplement Your Credentials

5. "Supplement" your credentials.
Work with advisors and small-business centers to add to your knowledge base and skill set. You might have an excellent idea and may be really skilled in some areas but, like all of us, you could have some blind spots. Although entrepreneurs are known to multitask really well, most will readily admit there are pieces of the business they hate - especially if they can't do it well.

Investigate your local community colleges to see if they offer entrepreneurship classes for starting a business. Connect with an old professor who might be able to point you in the right direction to get the help you need. Local organizations also sometimes schedule classes and workshops designed to help you supplement your credentials in the areas of marketing, budgeting, funding, technology, operations and financial management.

If you're not checking out new information on business blogs, social networking sites, journals, you are missing opportunities to increase your knowledge. Consider also forming a small business advisory group of experts with whom you can barter knowledge to supplement your own.

Check out the SCORE organization.

Get Your Business Off and Running - Flex your Creative Muscles

4. "Flex" your creative muscles.

Think creatively about how you'll get your products and/or services in front of people. Think about imaginative ways to tip the scales in your favor. Start a "Creativity Cluster" of others who are looking for new and innovative ideas to bring products and/or services to market or get their ideas out into the marketplace.

Get inspired by reading about creative and innovative companies and how they've succeeded. Learn about the practices that differentiate successful companies from others and pay close attention to mistakes they may have made.

Keep thinking about new ways to do things that will keep your organization efficient.

Get Your Business Off and Running - Firm up your Future

3."Firm" up your future.

Assess and mitigate the risks. Risks can only become surprises if you avoid honest self-evaluation up front. Keep in mind that risks can't be mitigated if they're not acknowledged. Do the required legwork to shore up your plans ahead of time.

As you create your future plans, consider both your short-term and long-term goals.

Think about business growth and all the ramifications such as your need for cash or talent to help you grow.

Contact an expert at your local Small Business Development Center (http:www.sba.gov/sbdc) to review your plans with you. Have someone help you with your pro-forma financials to make sure your cash flow will remain adequate to execute your dream.

Get Your Business Off and Running - Rejuvenate your Affiliations

2. "Rejuvenate" your affiliations.
Your goal is to connect with people who want to support, help and advise you as you work to establish and grow your business. Although you want to affiliate with others who are in similar stages of startup and are trying to build their own businesses, you also want to connect with already successful business owners from whom you can learn.

Find new alliances by joining professional and civic organizations and seek out successful people you want to model.

Locate organizations in your own community where other entrepreneurs get together and support each other--your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start. These affiliations can not only lead to advice and networking connections, but could be a great source of potential clients.

Get Your Business off and Running - Pump up your attitude

I came across a white paper today - Self-Employment Transitions among Older American Workers with Career Jobs which stated the following:

"Today, the ratio of workers to retirees is about three to one; by 2030, the ratio will be two to one. As fewer workers support a growing retiree population, policymakers may look for ways to encourage individuals to remain in the labor force."

My cynical side said, "So that was the rationale behind the unregulated Wall Street. Could all these portfolio losses be part of the policymakers' plan to keep Baby Boomers working longer?"

The paper addressed Baby Boomers who want to start a business as a way to stay working in retirement. I would share my 10 Tips to Get Your Business Off and Running as published in Entrepreneur.com two years ago. It is a pretty long article so I thought I would break it up into 10 parts.

Many Baby Boomers I know are asking for help to start a business to work in retirement.

Starting a business is very much like running a race: Preparation and practice are key success factors. The following 10 tips, framed in the context of getting physically prepared for a race, might help you overcome the hurdles that entrepreneurs are sure to encounter on the road to startup.

1. "Pump" up your attitude.
Be positive. Think of the optimistic outcomes and find a way to stay focused on your goal of starting a business. Put negative thoughts and self-doubt about your abilities and your potential aside, and surround yourself with energetic and supportive people.

Even without realizing it, you may be dampening your own enthusiasm, procrastinating and eventually sabotaging your own efforts because of your own self-doubts. Stop second-guessing yourself and, at all costs, stay away from negative people who are just waiting for you to trip or fall and watch your start-up fail.

Job Search Resource for Older Baby Boomers, Retirees and Seniors

Alison Doyle who blogs for About.com shared a new resource with her readers today at About.com. The organization is RetiredBrains.com started by Art Koff, a former retiree himself. Koff founded RetiredBrains.com in 2003. He shares tips for Baby Boomers, Retirees and Seniors who are seeking career reentry in a retirement job or possibly.

With shrinking 401K accounts and retirement funds that have evaporated, many workers who were heading for retirement are now being forced to stay in the workplace longer than planned. RetiredBrains.com may provide the help you need to work in retirement.

Why Baby Boomers Have to Work Longer
Why Starting a Business at Retirement Could Be a Bad Idea

Career ReEntry in Scary Times

With unemployment rate almost at 7% and the much publicized job losses, it is a scary time for people who are considering career reentry.

Over the last few months job seekers have increasingly shared concerns that layoffs have increased competition in the job market. With qualified workers in the market for jobs, some career reentry professionals fear that competition will make it harder for them to find work.

No doubt that is a significant possibility and from what I am seeing and hearing, it is scaring many people.

My advice for career reentry professionals is to stay positive and focus on competencies and job skills. Here are some actionable steps career reentry professionals should think about:

Revisit and revamp your resumes
If there is ever a time to make sure a career reentry resume is in tip top shape, it would be now. Many online resume writing services offer free resume critiques. Some resume writers work exclusively with career reentry professionals and older workers who want to work in retirement, transition careers or return to the workforce. Here are two Career Reentry Resume Samples to use.

Sell current job skills and the need for less training
Employers want to reduce costs in a tight economy. Many employers will want to save time and money by hiring workers needing less training. Job seekers should focus on finding employment using job skills already mastered. Having required job skills and competencies can be a significant advantage for the jobseeker who hits the ground running.

Consider part-time hours and fewer benefits
Many career reentry professionals who want to go back to the workplace are willing to work in temporary jobs. Typically in a slow economy, employers find temporary, part time workers an advantage. Additionally, part-time employees provide scheduling flexibility that employer need to staff during times of greatest need.

Volunteer to learn new skills
If you are exploring career reentry into a new career and don't have the required experience immediately, consider volunteering. If you can afford to do it, volunteering is a one good way to learn new skills, get a foot in the door and establish new contacts.

Why Baby Boomers Will Have to Work Longer

Ok...finally the economists are admitting it - we are in a recession and it seems that we have been in it for the last year.

Most of us already knew that right? I have been talking to Baby Boomers who see 401K's shrink and visions of planned retirement disappear.

The latest McKinsey Glogal Institute report shows "two-thirds of the oldest boomers are financially unprepared for retirement. Many are not aware of their predicament. This lack of sufficient resources will not only mean a less comfortable retirement for tens of millions of households but also depress spending in the overall economy."

Additionally, the report states many Baby Boomers actually do not want to retire and continue to work. In a tight job market, the competition is strong for Baby Boomers seeking work.

Some thoughts about finances before making the next career transition:
1. Find out the real financial situation is and will be after retirement.
2. What guidelines will affect working and receiving retirement payments from employers?
3. Will you work part-time or full time?
4. Can you continue with your existing employer in current career?
5. Can you "phase" in retirement?

Recruiting Older Workers to Fill Employment Gaps

The Arizona Republic reported that employers realize they need to recruit and retrain older workers -- especially Baby Boomers. The article states that "mature applicants are seeking jobs in drastically changed workplaces that have gone global and digital on them, while often worrying that every rejection is due to gray hair."

Many companies are unsure how to recruit older workers.

Today's job market expects unprecedented tension as millions of older workers postpone retirement and keep working. Many work because they actually must continue to work for financial reasons. Additionally, some industries are growing so fast that they need to consider or rely on experienced older workers in the talent pool. Industries projecting to have these needs include healthcare, education, hospitality, energy, utilities, and information technology.

Companies desiring older workers emphasize flexible schedules, paid training, and phased retirement to keep or attract experienced workers.

Why Starting a Business at Retirement Could Be a Bad Idea

Before you think I am crazy, you should know that I already wrote Starting a Business at Retirement is a Good Idea. To be fair and balanced, however, I have to share what I think is bad about starting a business at retirement.

Starting a business is a challenging proposition no matter how old you are. It takes energy, passion and a committment to 24-7 work. That might not be what you planned to do after retirement. If you can't see yourself waking up everyday prepared to work hard then maybe a business start-up is not for you.

Some of the things you need to think about?

Energy
If you do not have the energy to get-up-and-go, for whatever reason, do not think you are alone. You do not have to have health issues to just not have the drive to do long days anymore. Think about working part time rather than building a business. Starting a franchise does not make it easier, despite what you may have heard. As my big brother, an extraordinary entrepreneur, would say - buying a franchise is buying a job.

No time to make errors
Starting a business earlier in life means you might have several opportunities to recover from business errors. Several successful entrepreneurs started many enterprises before finding the right mix to succeed.

Learning curve
This is not to say that older people cannot learn or stay vibrant much later into life. This is not the case. Read my post about Paul Newman's career where he was driving race cars at 70 and producing TV shows at 80. Also read about the 73 year old college junior. Keep in mind we also have a candidate running for the US President at 72 years old. However, having said that, starting a new business, means you must be open, willing and able to learn new things and get new skills.

Set in your ways
Flexibility and adaptability are two key personal ingredients when starting a business. Many older people may be set in their ways and unwilling to change. This is not a bad thing, just a real thing. This is not just a reality for older workers. Inflexibility is an issue for younger people also when starting a business.

If you are sincerely interested in starting a business at retirement, make sure you mitigate the risk of losing your investment and your dream, by proceeding cautiously and only after doing honest self evaluation.

Older Workers Should Create Positive Online Profiles

The internet should be adapted as part of the successful career reentry strategy for Baby Boomers and older workers. However, many are not using the available job search technology such as career blogs, job boards, online training and resume distribution or referral services.

One reason is fear due to the prevalence of online fraud targeting seniors. In 2004 alone the Federal Trade Commission reported that older Americans had lost over $150 million through these internet scams.

Older workers who want to develop an online job search strategy might want to include some of these practises in their processes:

- Secure your computer with anti virus software
- Use computers at local libraries or career one-stops
- Never enter your social security number as part of an online job search. If there is a request, send an email for clarification.
- Create a separate email account you will check regularly and that is accessible via the web. Use this email for your job search.
- Use niche job boards associated with specific industries and professional associations.

Additional reading:
- Job Hunting - Dust off your Online Persona
- Explore social networking sites
- Use job boards at professional association web sites

Baby Boomers and the New Retirement

The monthly newsletter from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (www.nawdp.org), shed more light on what Baby Boomers seek in retirement.

Here are some of the highlights from the article:

- According to Stephen Carter and Joan Strewler-Carter, founders of Life Options Institute, the Baby Boomer generation is one of "over-achievers; a generation that will not stop working altogether in the traditional sense - nor will they want to keep working full time."

- A 2006 New Retirement Study from Merrill Lynch showed that 71% of Baby Boomers said they would continue to work after retirement. Merrill Lynch of course was one of those companies that contributed to job losses on Wall Street, during the current financial crisis.

- Companies are offering pending retirees opportunities to work in other divisions of the company under generous and negotiable employment contracts.

If you are planning for retirement as well, or a personal career bailout as I call it, you should check out the resources from The Life Options Institute.

One of the valuable bits of information I found on their website:
Industries Where Baby Boomers are Heading After Retirement—
From Businessweek October 2006

-The Government
-Financial Services (this may be evolving with all the job losses on Wall Street)
-Education
-Healthcare
-Science and Education

Returning to the Job Hunt - Bracing for Job Re-Entry

Source - Jennifer Huget, The Washington Post
Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The job search, when you are 40 or over can be particularly daunting, shares Huget in this article. Some concerns are practical - Should I list all 20 years of experience on my e-résumé? and some are psychological - Who'd want me when they could hire someone younger?

The article continues with tips from Gail Geary, owner of AtlantaCareerTransition and Steven Greenberg who launched Jobs4point0.com last year.

- Brush up on the basics of job search strategy and fundamentals
- Be flexible; don't just look to replicate a former career
- Get out of the house. Meet people. Atttend events.
- Stay or get active
- Gussy up!
- Don't pretend to be someone else
- Focus Forward

Emerging Careers - Baby Coordinators

If you are thinking about career reentry, changing careers, working from home or starting a business, here is an option I came across recently - Baby Coordinators!

What is a Baby Coordinator you may be asking? To quickly get a sense of this emerging career, think Wedding Planner. As wedding planners are to weddings so are Baby Coordinators to babies. They help moms and families prepare for the arrival of the new family member.

Apparently the demand for baby-planning services has grown. It seems that many older, professional moms-to-be, with income to spare, are hiring Baby Coordinators. Per the article in the Wall Street Journal, rates for a baby registry consultation can be about $100 and about $500 for baby shower preparation.

The reviews are mixed and still coming in from Wall Street Journal readers.

"I could have used their advice to determine what NOT to buy. So many people told me what i ‘had’ to buy that I wasted a lot of money - I needed a baby planner to help me get to the bottom line!"
Comment by New Mom - September 16, 2008 at 2:57 pm

"This is what makes America great! I salute these entrepreneurs, even though I cannot imagine ever using such a service, even with all the money in the world."
Comment by TND - September 16, 2008 at 11:45 am

“Baby coordinator” = ridiculous
Comment by Native NYer - September 16, 2008 at 9:46 am

As with any new career or new job think carefully about:
- the marketplace
- the need
- your skills
- your ability to build a sustainable business doing something you enjoy.

There are many existing careers for work-at-home moms that years ago would not be considered possible. I personally know a Scrapbooker and a Virtual Assistant who are doing really well.

Additional Reading:
Baby Coordinators to the Rescue

Baby Coordinators - Useful or Indulgent?

Visit - The Baby Coordinator website
What's your idea?

Retirement is a Good Time to Start a Business

I found a really good article at the Spherion Career Blog with some tips and advice for mature women who are in the workplace.

One of the tips struck me:

If the changing marketplace does not support your current career, maturity is an excellent time to explore long-held dreams. Do you want to start your own business? More and more women (proportionately more than men) are doing just this. Do the work. A meaningful work life matters.

The concept of giving meaning to one's life through work is an old principle and starting a business at retirement can be a good idea.
There are definite advantages to starting a business later:

Capital - Although the job losses on Wall Street and the slide in 401K accounts might have people worried, older people will typically have more capital to leverage for starting a business.

Network - Imagine the list of contacts you could draw on as a mature person. You certainly have more than someone just starting out and that is a real advantage for starting and growing a business.

Skills and Self Knowledge- This one is key. I really feel that maturity brings a certain self knowledge and an understanding of strengths and weaknesses. Both are good personal attributes for starting a business.

So if you are retireing and still considering what your encore career should be, consider creating your own business.

Older Worker Friendly Workplaces

If you are a mature jobseeker currently job hunting, you are not alone.

I discovered this great little assessment which I thought might be of some value to you. Even though the assessment is written for employers to evaluate whether their workplace is older-worker-friendly or not, a jobseeker can find benefits in knowing how employers are thinking.

The survey is based on older-worker-friendly characteristics that were identified by
older workers in Wisconsin, as something likely to attract and retain older workers to an employer.

Questions are classified in the following areas:
- Recruiting: Asking employers if they use the terms "Maturity, Good Judgement or Work Experience" in their job postings?

- Hiring, Retention, Evaluation and Promotion: Does the employer provide information on topics of interest to older workers such as flexible benefits and alternative work schedules?

Check out the entire assessment here.

Making a Smooth Transition Back to the Workplace

Check out this conversation on Blog Talk Radio that I had with Roxanne Ravenel of the Job Search Strategy Lab. Our discussion was primarily about career reentry tips for jobseekers who want to make a smooth transition back to the workplace after an absence.

Resources for Boomers at Work

Here are a few resources from Ageless in America that older working adults should bookmark:

Gen Plus - Check out their Over 50 job bank where you will be targeted by recruiters looking specifically for you and your work experience.

BoomersTV - This website supports the PBS Show about the Baby Boomer generation

2 Young 2 Retire - Learn more about alternative careers and encore careers. Sign up for the 2Young2Retire course.

Retirement Jobs - Helping match mature workers with jobs that are perfect for their lives.

How to Not Feel Guilty About Leaving at 5p!

If your are returning to work after a long absence, know that some workplace protocols have changed. One of the changes you might notice is that people are working longer hours. You will also notice that many managers expect employees to work beyond the published hours, since company productivity and competition demands it. For the company, greater productivity means greater output, which translates to higher revenues and ultimately greater profits. In a perfect world your hard work would then translate to a greater share of the profits through higher income...but I digress.

A recent Wall Street Journal Juggle live poll shows that only 30% of the almost 1800 people responding are working 40 hours or less per week. The other 70% are working more than 40 hours, with 34% working between 40-50 hours weekly, 22% working 50-60 hours and 14% working over 60 hours weekly.

As you try to fit in at the new workplace, you may feel the pressure to immediately jump in and "pull your weight". Some workers will feel guilty about having to leave at the end of a shift or even take a day off.

Some tips to help you manage schedules at work:

1. Clarify expectations early. The job interview is not too early. Of course you do not want to come across as a "clock watcher" but you do want to learn about the culture of the organization or department.

2. While at work know that your task list will always be growing and there will always be work to be done. Trying to "finish" the work is not real and could increase your workplace stress.

3. As a career reentry professional, think about how to be effecient at work during your work hours so you can work smarter not harder. Watch the water cooler breaks if you think they are limiting your productive.

3. Be a team player and show your willingness to stay late to meet deadlines when you can. You do not want to be known as the person who is packed up and ready to go at 4:45p everyday!