Over 40 and Looking

Dr. Stephen Laser is a little apologetic as he identifies age, appearance, and attitude as the three perceived challenges that tend to work against job seekers over 40. While he acknowledges that it is against the law to discriminate against an applicant based on age, race, religion, and weight, as a business psychologist and managing director of his own personnel firm, he has found that “the three As” can impact a hiring manager’s decision during the interview stage–the most critical part of the process.

Whereas you might not be able to alter your age, Laser acknowledges that you can manage the other two. “Attitude is even more serious than appearance,” he offers. And what can sabotage an older worker is exhibiting their frustration with finding work. “If you’re out of work and over 40, in some cases you’re sending out hundreds of résumés and not getting a single response. So you get this coveted interview and you vent. The thing that gets most people disqualified from a job is talking too much,” explains Laser. “Because you haven’t had this opportunity, you just give an informational dump to the poor interviewer.”

Preparing yourself for the rigors of today’s job search, says Laser, will put you in a better frame of mind to “run the gauntlet.” Here are several strategies he recommends older workers should employ.

• Expand your social media skills. It’s not enough to have set up social media accounts. You should learn how to maximize results on each platform. “These tools will be very important in your job
  search. There are a lot of community colleges and vocational schools that offer training.” You shouldn’t try and figure it out yourself, Laser insists. “Getting professional training will be worth your while.”
• Make sure your résumé matches job requirements. To make it through the screening process, your résumé should reflect the specifics of the job posting. “Companies are looking for key words. If you’re applying for a job, apply directly to the ad as it is posted. Make sure the words in your résumé correspond to what they are calling for in the ad.”

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• Prepare to be tested. Many companies are requiring that applicants take online tests before the interview. A screening process may measure your skills set and/or behavioral tendencies. Some are standard tests,
  of which samples can be found online, and others are customized to the culture of the organization. How you’re tested will depend on the job for which you’re applying. “Don’t make assumptions and don’t try to fake the test. Some can rule themselves out inadvertently trying to be clever.” For example, an applicant for a sales manager position may think that answers should demonstrate a highly extroverted employee. But depending on the circumstances presented, the position may require a more reserved type. Use common sense, he advises, “And always answer the way you are at work, not the way you are at home.”
• Give interview answers that speak to accomplishments. Interviewing is the deciding factor in the job-hunting process. It’s also where many get caught off guard because they haven’t prepared for what may be the toughest questions. “In every interview you should be prepared to talk about success–what role you played–and also talk about the lessons learned from your successes and how you have applied them. You also want to talk about setbacks and disappointment.”Weaknesses to avoid sharing include personal frustrations such as being a poor speller, needing to learn a language, or working too hard. “Your biggest failure or weakness may in fact be your biggest strength,” offers Laser. Those who are great with people may find that they are always looking for a way to please everyone.Whatever it is you should be able to explain what you’ve learned from the experience and how you’ve been able to use it to advance professional situations.