Think temporary

If you are over 50 and looking to jump into the job market for one reason or another, there are some things that you need to know. The job market can be rough for anyone,  but it can be especially challenging for older people. Despite the age-related obstacles, persistence, a positive attitude and a little homework can go a long way toward landing a job. Here are some tips for getting back into the game.

1 Take on temporary or consulting work
You’ll be able to generate some income and build your resume while you continue to hunt for a better job or even some project-based work. With consulting or temporary work, the employer has an opportunity to “date before marrying” by hiring individuals who agree to complete a time-specific project.

It is an easier sell to convince someone to hire you for three months to do a particular job than to convince the same person to hire you on a permanent basis. If during that stint you make a good impression and yield top-notch results, your age variable fades into the background. Companies that used to turn to temporary agencies when a worker was out on short-term disability or maternity leave are now turning to retired workers to fill the spots.

2 Volunteer
Join the board of a professional organisation or volunteer for a charitable endeavour where you’ll work side-by-side with other professionals in the service of a good cause. You’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with a wider network of people. Hiring managers prefer to hire individuals they know, like and trust, says one consultant. The more positive experiences a hiring manager has with a prospective candidate, the less age matters. This means older job seekers should spend less time on strategies such as cold calling prospective employers and more time gaining experiences that allow hiring managers to evaluate their skills and value up close.

3 Think outside the box
People are doing some very innovative things with compensation packages, says another observer.  For example, some people are working on a project or on a part-time basis for health-care benefits alone. One older worker bargained for a year of health-care benefits in exchange for working three or four months without salary. He was able to take a spot at another company for the remainder of the year working for a salary without benefits —  making him an attractive hire. “You have to be innovative in this work climate,” says one consultant.

4 Keep a positive attitude
Employers want to hire people with upbeat attitudes. If you’re having a personal pity party, feeling like a victim or holding a grudge, you probably won’t land the job. Don’t be turned off by ads that may have language that seems off-putting. For instance, an ad that asks for “high-energy people” is usually just a code word for “young.” But don’t be turned off by it. Go into the interview and demonstrate that you have high energy. Be upbeat.

5 Stay fit. Don’t be artificial
“Don’t bother pretending to be younger than you are,” advises one human resources manager. t’s more important to come across as a high-energy person than look younger. At any age if you come across as a low-energy person, it’s over. You can be 23 years old and come across as low-energy and not passionate and you won’t get the job. Staying fit is one of the best ways to impress hiring managers. Exercise, eat right and get enough sleep.

6 Don’t try to hide age-identifying information
“By omitting important information, you are sending up a red flag to a recruiter and asking for a problem, says one manager.  If you leave out the date you graduated from university, it looks like you never finished college. Without the date, it makes it impossible to verify that you did graduate.

7 Be flexible
Be as flexible as possible with work schedules. Even if you prefer to work a certain number of hours per week, initially you may have to accept something you don’t want. Once inside the company you can prove your worth and negotiate a more acceptable schedule.

8 Highlight your empty nest
Generally speaking, the over-50 worker doesn’t have day-care emergencies, children’s doctor appointments or parent-teacher conferences to take them away from the workplace. And, the older worker may also be willing to travel. This can be a real asset to an employer. Offer to work those odd hours that younger workers with family responsibilities cannot.

9 Keep your skills up to date
Young, or old, it is important to stay abreast of new trends and new technology. Go back to school. Check out courses at the university  or at community agencies to update your skills or learn something new.

10 Network, network, network!
Don’t limit your job search to the local newspaper want ads. Check company brochures and ask friends to take on the notice boards. Go to a job fair. Break out the old rolodex and call every contact you have and let them know you are on the job market.