Welcome to the 3rd in a four-part series of profession recommendations and ideas from professionals who help older specialists with their task search. Our very first part dealt with 6 cover and resume letter pointers for older employees and our second part used five specialist task search tips. Today we’re going over technology pointers and strategies for older employees– ways that you can brush up your tech skills and integrate them into your jobs search.
We have actually currently developed that companies’ perceptions of older workers can be skewed, and it’s a difficulty to overcome the ageism discovered in most industries. Fortunately is it’s possible to prosper in your job search and find employment success, if you follow some guidelines developed particularly for older job hunters. So let’s come down to service.
1) At the minimum, create a profile on LinkedIn. “At a minimum, I encourage job hunters to set up a LinkedIn profile and utilize the URL on their resumes, business cards and e-mail signatures. Due to the fact that a LinkedIn profile is so just like a resume, getting onto LinkedIn is relatively easy for somebody who may not have other social media accounts or experience. It’s also fairly easy to expand your involvement on LinkedIn to the groups and ‘Responses’ area,” suggests Beth Campbell Duke, the Principal of CampbellDuke Personal Branding.
2) Pick your profile photos thoroughly. When creating your LinkedIn profile (and Facebook, for that matter!), pick a clear, professional-looking photo that reflects who you are today. Nicole Williams, CEO and creator of WORKS by Nicole Williams and the Connection Director of LinkedIn, says, “Use a photo that shows energy, modernity and youth, but the image needs to be current. To reveal energy, make sure you’re smiling in the picture and are sitting up straight with your shoulders back. Do not utilize an image that’s 10 years old. If you get the interview from this image, the company may feel mislead when she sees you face to face. This could injure your opportunities.”
4) Use the advanced functions on LinkedIn to tap into its complete capacity for your networking efforts. “Advanced Individuals Searching will help you find not only who is at the business [you want to work for] but if you understand someone who understands somebody at the business. Wouldn’t it be nice if you have a first-level connection who knows somebody who operates in the H.R. Department at your target business?” states Wayne Breitbarth, a 53-year old social networks skeptic-turned-expert and author of The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success: Kick-start Your Business, Brand Name, and Job Search.
5) Update your general computer system skills. If you have not used the most recent variations of popular software like Microsoft Workplace or Adobe Acrobat, it’s time for a refresher. Lisa Quinby, a Task Director with the AARP Structure WorkSearch who operates the Senior Social work Work Program in Lancaster and Berks Counties, which assists people 55 and older find tasks, recommends that you, “Go to your regional Career Link, or to a library, or find a class to participate in. Companies are needing more computer skills and on line applications are becoming frequently the only way to finish an application.”
6) To assess your computer system skills, test yourself. If you’re not sure of your computer knowledge, test yourself utilizing one of FlexJobs’ 80+ free skills tests for members! Whether you’re going back to the workforce, just beginning, or somewhere in the middle of your profession, it can never ever injure to brush and find out brand-new abilities up on old ones. When you include new skills to your resume, make certain to remove old ones. Some out-dated skills can press companies to look for other candidates with more current abilities.
7) In your life, embrace new innovation. If you’re stressed that your techie skills aren’t up to snuff, there’s no better place to practice than in your own home. States Leslie Ayers, a 55+ expert and founder of TheJobSearchGuru.com, “If you’re an old pet dog, you definitely need to be open to finding out brand-new tricks. Get a smart-phone, and develop an enthusiasm for apps. Discover new software for your company or field. Get a little geeky and you’ll become more positive in our technology-driven world.”
Invite to the third in a four-part series of profession recommendations and tips from experts who assist older professionals with their task search. Our very first part dealt with 6 cover and resume letter pointers for older employees and our second part provided 5 specialist job search ideas. Today we’re going over technology pointers and strategies for older workers– ways that you can brush up your tech skills and incorporate them into your tasks search.
The good news is it’s possible to grow in your task search and discover work success, if you follow some guidelines established particularly for older job candidates. Some out-dated abilities can press employers to look for other candidates with more present skills.
