In this article, we will cover what to do if you were not hired for a job you were qualified for, and you think you were a victim of age discrimination.

Part 1 addressed what to do if you lost a job and you thought your age was a factor, plus some of the indicators that you might have a case.

Recently I spoke with employment lawyer Mark Risk, who generously offered to answer my questions about age discrimination under the law.

The discrimination discussed in this article centers around problems affecting people of the Boomer and older generations, and while the information comes from Mark Risk, it is paraphrased with his approval. When I quoted Mark directly, I used quotation marks around his words.

What About Discrimination in Hiring?

Many Baby Boomers who are not getting responses to their resumes and not getting offers in interviews suspect that they are victims of age discrimination.

The bad news is that while age discrimination in hiring is illegal under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) these cases are very tough to prove.

You have the option of suing the employer, if you can find an attorney to take your case, or you may file a claim with the Equal Opportunity Commission and seek redress through the Federal Government or through the appropriate offices in your local state government, depending on the laws in your location.

“Discrimination in hiring is every bit as illegal as other discrimination cases, but as a practical matter it is very difficult to find hard evidence. If you apply for a job and there were a lot of applicants and the person hired happens to be younger, how could you show that age discrimination is the reason?”

Many hiring discrimination cases are class action suits in which evidence is based on statistical trends in the company’s hiring patterns.”

Age Discrimination Exists

Whether or not you can make a successful age discrimination claim, it will still be up to you to look for work, and you will likely face employers who are biased against older workers.

Employers may believe common stereotypes about older workers; that they’re not technically up-to-date, want higher salaries and more benefits, don’t have the energy to compete, and don’t work well with younger supervisors.

We live in a culture where people who won’t speak negatively about your race, or ethnicity, or religion, will still feel free to make jokes about your age.

Still, there is much that you can do to turn these stereotypes around:

• Learn the ins-and-outs of effective online job search and develop an effective online presence – with a complete LinkedIn profile plus LinkedIn activities as a minimum.
• Act to make sure you are knowledgeable about developments in your industry, and learn new skills and technologies.
• Keep up your fitness and up-date your wardrobe.
• Rewrite your resume to emphasize your recent achievements, newly learned skills, and activities that demonstrate your ability to adapt and work collaboratively.
• Prepare for interviews by developing anecdotes that demonstrate the high quality of your work, how you have succeeded in your jobs, and illustrate your adaptability on the job.
• Practice answering the Common Interview Questions, getting feedback on how you present yourself, and preparing for questions that signal employers concerns about your age such as questions about being over-qualified. Read How to Fight Age Discrimination in Job Interviews for examples. Also check out How to Handle Illegal Questions in a Job Interview.

In my years as a career coach/consultant, nearly every new boomer client with job search problems believes that age is a factor in their not getting hired, and a few have pursued legal recourse. In nearly every instance, the client also had issues with how they were conducting their search.

The good news is that once they found focus and gained the skills and confidence to search effectively they saw a positive difference, being called in for interviews and getting offers.

The first step is to dig deep and find the courage to take control.

If you are a victim of age discrimination you will find resources to help you learn more about the law and where to go for legal assistance at the end of “Age Discrimination in Job Loss” (Part 1 of this series).

NOTE: Information provided is intended as a broad, general overview and is not legal advice.

Mark Risk.

Special thanks go to employment attorney Mark Risk, for his candor, and for sharing his expertise.

For More Information:

• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
  • Age Discrimination Summary
• U.S. Department of Labor:
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other useful links on the topic of age discrimination
  • Additional information on age discrimination
• WorkplaceFairness.org – Includes information on workplace rights in all 50 states, resources for help and information including contact information for all relevant government agencies, and more
• American Bar Association – lawyer referral services by state
• Mark Risk – Mark Risk P.C. represents clients in employment law and litigation in New York

More About Fighting Age Discrimination

• Guide to LinkedIn for Job Search including how to have complete LinkedIn profile and LinkedIn activities
• A Recruiter’s Job Interview Success Secret
• Smart Answers to Common Interview Questions
• How to Fight Age Discrimination in Job Interviews
• How to Handle Illegal Questions in a Job Interview

More About Fifty Plus Job Search

• Beating the “Too Old” Bias: Being Visibly Up-to-Date
• Beating the “Too Old” Bias, Learning New Skills
• Goal Setting for Success
• Job Search Advantages of Being Over 50
• Find Part-Time Jobs with Benefits
• Goal Setting for Your Success Plan
• Boomer Job Search

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Age Discrimination in Hiring appeared first on Job-Hunt.

I understand that although you’re reading this article, you’re reluctant to take a Profile photo.

I understand your reluctance, and I’m writing this article to explain why avoiding a Profile photo is a really bad idea.

When you’re over fifty, crows feet, double chins, and under-eye bags seem to appear overnight.

Although you know intellectually this happens to everyone, it’s still a shock when you look in the mirror.

You may be uncomfortable about how you look. You may also think, I’ll take a photo when I lose twenty, forty, or sixty pounds — or never…

My Profile Photo May Ruin Opportunities

Many of you, or at least some part of you, believe that no one will want to hire you because of your age.

You think that employers will think you are younger if you avoid posting a photo.

Some career professionals will agree with you.

They’ll say, “Leave the photo off your LinkedIn Profile. If employers don’t see how old you are, they’ll invite you in for an interview. ”

“Once you’re there in person, you’ll wow them with your skills and experience, win them over, and get the job.”

I don’t agree.

Let’s assume you don’t have a Profile photo and still get invited for an interview.

If the employer has an age bias, or thinks someone younger will be a better fit for the job, you are unlikely to overcome that mindset — even in person.

Your interview effort and time will be wasted.

Having No Profile Photo Does Ruin Opportunities

Without a good photo, chances are very slim that you will be invited for an interview.

In JobVite’s most recent annual survey of recruiters, 96% use social media to find candidates, with LinkedIn, by far, the most popular site, followed by Facebook and Twitter. Of the six seconds recruiters generally spend scanning a Profile, 20% is used in evaluating Profile photos.

On LinkedIn, you are forty times less likely to be approached with career opportunities if your Profile lacks a headshot photo.

LinkedIn requires a photo for 100% completion of your Profile (known as an “All Star” Profile), and your Profile’s visibility is greatly increased when ite is complete. Without a photo you are unlikely to be found by someone searching for your skills. (See LinkedIn’s Simple steps to a complete LinkedIn Profile.)

If hiring managers and recruiters do find you or look you up online after receiving your resume, they will wonder why your photo was omitted. They’ll wonder if you have something to hide. Or, are you behind the times?

If you do use a photo, you will be found by more potential employers, and if they contact you, they are already convinced of the potential in your experience, judgment, and therefore; your value to their company.

When I lead LinkedIn workshops for older workers most do not have a Profile image. Of the ones who do I often see:

• Profile photos that are so heavily retouched that I’ve asked, “Is this a photo or a drawing?”
• Old, old, old photos… 1980’s hair
• Dark glasses
• Caricatures
• Large hats shading faces
• And on…

Choosing to upload one of these options will also make viewers wonder what you’re hiding.

The Best Profile Photo for Over 50

The following is a brief primer on how get the best professional photo — one that you will feel proud of. It explains how to minimize the parts of your appearance you feel uncomfortable with, and what to emphasize instead. At the end of the article you’ll find links to resources where you can find more detailed instruction.

Who to Take Your Photo

One possibility is to have a professional photo taken. A professional already understands how to help you pose, how to get the most flattering lighting, and how to edit your photo.

If that isn’t an option, a friend who is a talented amateur will get good results when they take many, many photos. It’s been suggested to me that it may take as many as one hundred frames to allow you to become comfortable being photographed and present the natural shifts in expression that create the best images.

Making Your Best Impression

Enter PhotoFeeler.com, a website designed to offer users free, unbiased responses to the effectiveness of Profile photos. According to their research the top factors in creating a positive impression are Profile photos that convey likeability, competence and influence. The following are most important in order to express these qualities:

• Eyes:
  Make eye contact with the viewer. Look in the direction of the camera, and focus beyond it. This will create an impression of immediacy.
• Smile:
  A smile is important. Show a few teeth if that feels natural to you. Research has shown that smiles showing teeth convey a more likeable impression.
• Dress:
  Dress professionally and simply in a current style. Avoid dazzling patterns. Keep the focus on you rather than your clothes.
• Double chins:
  Double chins and sagging jaw lines can be camouflaged by moving the jaw forward while holding the face steady.
• Crows feet and other lines:
  The impression of facial lines can be lessened with light photo editing.
• Simple background:
  A blank wall is best, if possible. The goal is to have something that is not distracting.

Now the fun part – choosing which photo to use.

Choosing Your Best Photo

You can ask your friends for feedback but you’ll likely get a wide range of opinion that won’t help you make a decision. Instead upload your photos to PhotoFeeler where strangers will rate your photos on which ones are most effective in conveying friendliness, competency, and influence.

You may be surprised by the results. Your photo where the lines on your face are prominent, but where you have a genuine smile, might be the winner.

Profile photo resources:

• New Research Study Breaks Down “The Perfect Profile Photo”
• Free feedback on which of your photos is most effective: PhotoFeeler
• How to pose to get a clean jaw line: “It’s all about the jaw” video by Peter Hurley
• Free photo editing software:
  • Gimp – https://www.gimp.org/
  • Fotor – https://www.fotor.com/
  • PIXLR – https://pixlr.com/

More About LinkedIn for Job Search

• 10 Elements of an Effective LinkedIn Profile
• Fast Formula for a Powerful LinkedIn Professional Headline
• 5 Secrets to a Knockout LinkedIn Profile Summary
• Why You Need a Photo on Your LinkedIn Profile

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post LinkedIn Profile Photos for Job Seekers Over 50 appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Joe Carbone’s program is designed for the long-term unemployed; but the steps indicated will be beneficial for your job search, no matter how long you’ve been out of work.

Do you have what the program outlines in place in your own life? If the answer is no, with the help of part 1 of this series, and by what will follow in this part, you can create it.

Doing this on your own takes initiative and the willingness to ask for what you want. Are you ready?

This part focuses on what you need to do to keep your skills and experience current.

• It is easier to find a job when you are working, whether in part-time or temporary employment, or an internship, fellowship, or other experiential position such as a volunteer position.
• Working while you look for full-time work shows commitment and eagerness to work – what employers want.
• It is particularly important for Boomers to have current, relevant experience because it will neutralize employers’ fears that they have been “coasting” and not keeping up with the times.
• Any of these options will not only help you keep up your skills (and possibly gain new ones) but they will also give you a new pool of people to add to your network for support, job leads and references, as well as add to your resume, and help you structure your time and stay motivated.

The “Platform to Employment” program links participants with internship opportunities with companies that are hiring. What a great idea, but still not that common. To find out if there is a program available where you live check sites like “CareerOneStop” or “Encore.” (see the links below in To Learn More).

Creating Your Own Opportunity

Most of you will be finding (or creating) your own internship or volunteer opportunity. Here are some tips on how to:

1.  Internships:

When you search for an internship you’ll find that the majority of existing structured internships are geared to traditional age college students. To find employers willing to host older interns, search for internships that are “open to college graduates of any age” or “nontraditional internships.”

An internship may not be right for you. Most internships last for several months and as an older worker you may already be juggling a part-time job and family responsibilities.

2.  Volunteering:

The good news is that you can still get current experience by creating your own volunteer position, tailor made for you, where you can contribute your skills, learn and update your experience, and create new connections. When your new employer sees how well you work, you may also get hired!

• List the skills you already have, the kind of problems you like to solve, and the skills you want to update or learn.
• List organizations you would like to work for that may need your skills.

Pick the first organization to investigate.

• Learn more about the organization. Read their website, research them on Google, and follow them on LinkedIn.
• Find a person you can talk with at that organization, through your LinkedIn connections or by directly calling and asking who would be appropriate.
• Arrange an informational interview to learn more about the organization and their current needs.
• Are you interested? No. Then go on to the next organization on your list.
• Yes? Tell them you are interested, and that you have some ideas on how you can benefit the organization. Add that you’d like to write a proposal and meet again to present it.
• Write your proposal, or letter of interest, or outline. Write your ideas down to clarify what you can contribute and what you want to learn. Include the reasons why you want to work with this specific organization and why you are a great match for their needs and culture.
• Arrange another meeting to discuss your ideas and listen to their interest, or their concerns. If they appear to be concerned about taking the time to work a new person into their organization you can point out that as a seasoned worker you will need little supervision.
• Clarify your and their expectations for your role and how and when you’ll work, and you’re hired!

Giving Yourself What You Need to Succeed

1.  Do you understand, and are you prepared for, a current job search?

• Your resume is age appropriate, headed with a profile, includes your achievements, and is key-word optimized.
• You’ve written a compelling cover letter.
• You have a 100% complete LinkedIn profile and have cleaned up any “digital dirt.”
• You are prepared to common and behavioral job interview questions with stories that outline challenges, the actions you took to solve them, and the results.
• You are ready to present yourself with focus, energy and enthusiasm.

2.  Do you have the support and structure you need to stay motivated and on track?

3.  Are you currently working, and are your industry knowledge and marketable skills up-to-date?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, congratulations! You are well-positioned to be a convincing candidate.

If some of your answers are no, the best use of your time will be to be proactive and take the actions outlined in the “Platform to Employment” program and in the “Shave Time Off Your Job Search” articles to fill the gaps.

Bottom Line

Give yourself what you need to succeed, and you will see the difference in how employers respond to you.  And, the result will be a cut in the time it will take you to land a great new job.

To learn more:

• For more about free and low-cost options for updating your skills – “Beating Boomer Bias – Learning New Skills”
• CareerOneStop
• Encore Careers Fellowship program, begun in Silicon Valley in 2009, is now in 42 metropolitan areas.

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Over 50: Part 2 of How to Shave Time Off Your Job Search appeared first on Job-Hunt.

While it’s true that many employers hesitate to hire older workers, their concerns focus in specific areas.

One assumption that many employers hold is that older job candidates won’t be technically up to date.

The first part of this article outlined a step-by-step plan to correct that perception and be seen as current and desirable, primarily through developing a smart online profile.

But, What if You’re NOT Technically Up-to-Date!

What if you read about the importance of developing an online profile in the first part of this article, and thought, “I can’t do this,” and felt even more discouraged.

Or, what if you’ve been out of work for more than a year and the skills needed for your job have changed? Or you were in the same job for twenty years and you were able to get by without keeping up.

Now you feel stuck because your skills are stale.

• Maybe you’re telling yourself that you can’t do social media programs like LinkedIn. You just don’t “get it” or it’s overwhelming.
• Or perhaps you feel stuck in your challenging circumstance. You’re out of work and your savings are dwindling. You want to upgrade your skills but feel you can’t afford to take classes.
• Or perhaps, like one woman I met recently, you’ve put your foot down! You’ve decided, “you’re through with learning and changing.”

How to Get Rolling to Catch Up on Learning New Job Skills

This article is designed to help you fill the gap in your technical skills — because it’s important:

• To your pocket book. You likely need and want to keep working if you’re reading this article.
• To your ability to continue to have a positive, enriching, interesting life as you age.

Remind yourself, “I’ve overcome many obstacles in my life, and I can do this too.”

I want to encourage you to make the effort. If you are in your fifties, or in your sixties, you likely have a full third of your life left to live, and if you’re fortunate, maybe more.

An experiment:

1. Imagine you have a full third of your life left to live. Divide your current age in half. If you’re sixty, that would mean you have approximately thirty or more years of life left. And let’s imagine you want, or need, to work until you are seventy, full or part-time.
2. Think back to what you were doing 25 or 30 years ago. What were you doing? What were the circumstances of your life? And here’s the most important question – what did you learn during that period of time? I imagine you learned a lot. Take a moment to celebrate, and raise a toast to continuing to learn and grow in the next third of your life.
3. One step further. How did you learn? And of those experiences, which were the most enjoyable?

However you’ve been happiest learning in the past will likely be the key to your most comfortable, inspiring learning in the future.

• Do you like taking classes? Or learning in a small group?
• Do you like reading a book and following steps on your own?
• Do you work better sitting down with a friend who explains and answers your questions?
• Do you like to learn hands-on? You like to practice, practice, practice, learning from your mistakes.

Whatever your style there are options available for you to learn what you need to learn that are accessible to you, and low-cost or free.

You’ll need to do some research, talk with your friends, and search online to find your best choices. Below are some suggestions to get your thinking started. These are all options that my clients, and I, have used successfully – and satisfyingly.

If you like taking classes

• Check out your local universities and community colleges. Classes at community colleges are less expensive, but many universities offer free and discounted classes if you are above a certain age.
• No colleges conveniently near you? Study online. Many fine, accredited schools offer classes online, from Stanford University to your local community college. The Open Courseware Consortium and KahnAcademy are two of several sources offering free classes, and in several languages.
• Explore job training programs. If you live in the USA, find out what’s available in your area from your local CareerOneStop Center, part of the CareerOneStop system from the US Department of Labor, or call the U.S. Department of Labor’s toll-free help line (877) US2-JOBS.
• Many libraries now offer free computer classes, check out yours.
• YouTube offers a cornucopia of great instructional videos to help you learn specific skills and social media programs.

Reading books and articles

• Your local library is a terrific resource. If your library has a small collection and you can’t find what you need, ask the librarians to order it for you from another branch.
• Buy books second hand. Many used books on Amazon.com sell for $.01 – one red cent.

Learning one-on-one

• If no one you know is willing to teach you, hire a tutor from a local high school or college. Students are always looking for part-time work.
• Get creative. One client volunteered at his church’s business office in exchange for help learning accounting software. (They offered him a job.) Another failed a typing test at a temporary agency and asked to practice on their computers when they weren’t in use. With help and encouragement from the agency employees, she learned the entire Microsoft Office Suite, and then they hired her.

I hope by now you’re excited and ready to get started. To keep your motivation up stay focused on what you want to achieve and the great rewards getting an interesting job will bring you. The first step is to commit to upgrading your skills – and you can.

Bottom Line on Learning New Skills After 50:

“Life is change, growth is optional. Choose wisely.” Karen Kaiser Clark

More Information:

• Job Search Advantages of Being Over 50
• Successfully Fighting the “Overqualified” Label
• LinkedIn Profile Photos for Job Seekers
• 5 Ways You Look Out-of-Date
• Find Part-Time Jobs with Benefits
• Guide to Freelance and Independent Contractor Jobs

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Over 50: Beating the “Too Old” Bias & Learning New Skills appeared first on Job-Hunt.

His story is an inspiring tale with useful tips for anyone who dreams of “doing what you love” regardless of the job or career.

In his own words, Alan shares his story.

Here is Alan’s story:

“I’ve always been interested in art. As I went through life it was always something under my skin, tapping at me. Eventually it needed to break out and becomes full blown, which it did. My brother, who is 5 years older, is an artist, so I knew what the life is like. In college I studied business.”

Choosing a life well lived

“I started working at Penn State University, recruiting engineering students from the corporate community, then left to manage Training and Development for an international manufacturing company. There I watched companies come in and out of business, hire, reorganize, and lay off employees. I was training managers and front-line people and saw no real job security as when our parents were working. Back then you would work for a company for forty years, retire, and get your gold watch and pension. Now corporate America is evolving and morphing constantly.

“Many people go through life doing jobs that they really don’t like. They’re working for the paycheck. They’re putting bread on the table and a roof over their heads, but they’re miserable, and some people are so miserable that they lose their health. From my perspective, the real job security is in developing depth and breadth of skills in whatever you’re interested in. If you choose a path that you are powerfully interested in, that suits your values, you are more likely to be successful. Most people are best at what they are passionate about.

“Whether we’re working for an employer or working for ourselves making values-based choices is one of the most powerful things you can do. Where we are today is based on the choices we made, every step of the way, throughout our lives.

“Identify your values and whatever is important to you and take some committed action in that direction; it could be small steps, it could even be baby steps. If you are afraid, if you build a plan and keep moving toward your values, that fear will start to dissipate.

“After twenty years I returned to Penn State to head up the adult continuing education division. Throughout those years I continued to paint, and even sold some paintings. I never studied art formally, I’m basically self-taught, but I’ve tried to absorb as much as possible from the renowned artists I admire. Practice, practice, practice, just like anything else.

“If you want to be an artist, or a musician, writer, or whatever you want to be, in your spare time, rather than watching television, get out your materials and keep practicing. When a workshop is available on the evening or weekend, enroll. That’s the way to really start the ball rolling. There isn’t a magic pill. Identify what you’re interested in, what’s important to you, and take baby steps forward.

“You don’t have to earn your living as an artist if all you want to do is paint. Just get out a pencil and paper. If you want it as a livelihood you’re going to have to learn to create some buzz around yourself and your art or no one will see it. I spend half of my time painting on location, plein air painting, and painting in my studio, and the other fifty percent marketing.

“When I had an art reception at the Sarasota Orchestra Harmony gallery the Arts Director for Living on the Sun Coast magazine said to me, ‘99% of artists know how to create art but they don’t know how to market themselves. I wanted to meet you because you do.’ I had reached out to her prior to the reception and said ‘I’d like to make you aware of my show and send you information about me.’ She put images of my work in the magazine, and then came to the reception. That was very flattering, and helped me grow my art business.

“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire, not things we fear.” Brian Tracy

“The trigger point of my life was when I had my heart attack back in 2008. I started asking myself, ‘Do I really want to be in the office, then come home and kick the bucket? What do I want to be doing with whatever time is left on this earth?

“Prior to that every winter my wife and I would always vacation in the Caribbean. We’re warm weather people, ocean people, water people. . . There is something about the tropics that is very soothing to my soul. We started talking about doing something really different and not looking back.

“Before going into the office at Penn State I’d watch an HD program that I’d recorded of the sun coming up at Homosassa Springs, Florida. It showed a lagoon with manatees and fish and tropical birds singing in the background. I played that every morning before I went to work.

“I truly believe I imagined us into our current home in Florida. The mind is so powerful that we can make something happen if we think about it often enough and hard enough.

How did you get to this point in your life?

“I often ride my bike around the neighborhood here, and on really beautiful days, which are most days, I pinch myself. How did I get to this point in my life?”

“It really comes down to what’s between your ears and not compromising your values when making life and career choices.”

To see Alan’s art, visit his website, Alan Zawaki Fine Art: The Tropical Artist. If you want to learn more about his journey from corporate America to artist, read his book, “Choosing a Life Well Lived: How to Recreate Your Career and Life Through Value-Based Choices.”

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Boomer Career Pioneer: Retiring to a Life-Long Dream appeared first on Job-Hunt.

I’d like you to meet Lauralee Barbaria, one of the most inspiring people I know. In her fifties, Lauralee took the risk to reinvent herself and change careers, and she has just landed the job of her dreams. She’s just started as the Director of the Green M.B.A. program at Dominion University.

Lauralee and I spoke recently about her transition. She talked about her obstacles and breakthroughs. And she offered encouragement to others who want to cap their working lives with new challenges, synthesizing all they’ve learned in their careers to make a difference.

Here is Lauralee’s story:

“There were times in my transition I felt pretty lost, and the process took me more than two years.

“As I reconnected with my passions I realized what I care about most at this stage of my life is what I’m handing on to children and grandchildren, my legacy, but it’s not a legacy of money.

“I want to feel really good about how I’m spending the rest of my life, and that means two things to me. Making sure that what I do with this part of my life validates how I spent the first part of my life, and acknowledges the things that I hadn’t done – and wished that I had.

“Part of what helped me figure out what I wanted to do was reflecting on my history and becoming clear about my gifts. I started out as a teacher, which is one of my ‘true gifts,’ the gifts that bring the greatest satisfaction and growth. I sorted my ‘true gifts’ from my ‘near gifts’ which are the things I do well, and got rewarded for, but which aren’t my true gifts.

“After teaching I was a professional athlete which helped me learn about teamwork, being competitive, and not being afraid to try things.

“Then, I had a long career in information technology where I learned problem solving skills, how to work collaboratively and how to be a change agent, to change the way people think.

“Then I trained as a mentor and coach, and found another ‘true gift’ which is to help people find their way in what they’re thinking. When people think about finding a new career, often they don’t know where to start. I didn’t and coaching helped.

“I have passions for travel, learning, and adventure, and I found a deepening passion for the environment, particularly in sustainability. This is where I decided I wanted to make an impact. So I went back to school, at Dominion University, in the Green M.B.A. program.

“When you start school at the age of 55, it’s easy to believe that your skills aren’t relevant and transferable, and the idea of interacting with much younger students was daunting.

“It was heartening to realize that my career and life experience – that the traditional age students didn’t have, is a great mix with the technical experience that they have – that I was behind the curve in learning.

“Boomers definitely bring talent and valuable input to the class room. We just have to share it in a thoughtful way. Just because we did it ‘that’ way in the past, doesn’t make it right for now.

“Sometimes I felt afraid. A big learning for me was that it’s OK to be afraid, and it’s OK to show weakness, because people will reach out and engage with you when you’re authentic. You can learn techniques to deal with fear so it’s not debilitating, and the support system you’ll build by asking for help will help you though the hard times.

“I also can’t emphasize enough how important that is in moving forward to talk about the value you bring. When you leave your familiar role you forget the satisfaction of doing something well and being validated for your work, and it can be really hard to overcome that barrier. What I did to ‘capture my value, believe in my value’ was to ask people about where they saw me bringing value, how I was doing it, and how they could see me bringing value in a new role. I did a lot of questioning.

“Lastly, I told myself ‘Go for it. What do you have to lose?’ Well, I had money to lose, and I had stature to lose. My family might not understand. But, really, when you think about it, Phyllis, when you think about the worst thing that could happen, you can find a way around those worst things. If you take the time to critically approach those questions you’ll find solutions. You’ll find ways around the road blocks.

“When you’re ready to job hunt have someone help you with your resume because you can’t see the best in yourself as well as somebody else can. Put your personality into your resume, write about the things that make you shine and get excited.

“Networking with other Boomers brought unbelievable support. Boomers in business, out of business, retired, newly retired; they all offered to share information or contacts.

“Also, practice interviewing in front of a video camera, over and over and over. I’d spent many years as the interviewer and had forgotten what it’s like to be the interviewee – much to my chagrin. For my new job I interviewed with four groups through four levels and it was quite arduous. The video interview training helped.

“The biggest change in me though participating in the Green M.B.A. program was in my thinking about leadership – and I think this is where Boomers can have the biggest impact. If you want to make change on a local, or on a global level, the new way of thinking is that there is no silver bullet or single magic answer.

“What you’re looking for is a holistic view of all the pieces of a problem and how they interact so you can put together strategies that are dynamic and flexible. Leaders help look at all of the interactions of a system, systemic thinking, so that we don’t have unintended consequences. Leaders need to be relationship builders and collaborative. This is a transformation for those of us who grew up protecting our turf, because now it’s everybody’s turf.

“Participating in the program was an awesome experience. Now that I’m leading it, I’m excited about increasing the scope of the Green M.B.A. program to impact wider and wider circles – to bring sustainability around the globe.”

Recommitting yourself to making a difference (in whatever area calls to you) is a way to gain enthusiasm – as Lauralee abundantly illustrates.

One of the challenges of growing older can be the ‘been there, done that’ feeling, the sense of dryness or ‘going through the motions’ that can come from long spells of doing your duty without joy. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s in your career, or as a volunteer, if you throw your heart into it, you’ll find new passion, and the energy to overcome whatever obstacles you run into along the way.

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Boomer Career Pioneer: Started Her MBA at 55 appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Mark and I recently discussed his transition. He spoke candidly about the challenges and excitement he found in his transition. Anyone considering a career change later in life will find useful encouragement and practical tips in his story.

Marks’ story, in his own words:

“My story is a journey of starting over, starting anew. It began tragically. In 2004 I was 52-years-old and at the peak of my career as an executive in the high tech industry.”

“I was in China outsourcing a factory when I heard that my wife Carrie had an accident. She’d fallen in our home and passed away suddenly. I was devastated and began questioning my motives and purpose.”

“I had invested thirty years of my life in populating the world with computers and now wished I had spent more of my time at home, with my wife and kids.”

“Even before the sad death of my wife, I’d been growing more and more concerned about the effect of downsizing and outsourcing. I saw how it tore apart the lives of my employees and their communities.”

“In my questioning was a seed of a new beginning and I began a quest to find something I could feel passionate about again.”

“A lot of Baby Boomers are reaching this transition point for many reasons. Some are very tired of their sixty-hour work weeks, and Blackberry-driven existence.”

“Some have been laid off or downsized themselves. Many of us are at a point where we need to look at what we want to do next.”

“I’d had a successful career working for large companies like Intel and IBM, and also for smaller start-ups. I’d worked as an engineer, a purchasing agent and as a director of engineering. But now I knew I wanted to refocus my energies to make a social contribution and leave a positive legacy.”

“So I began to explore. I first thought of being a chef. I love cooking but realized that the job is very physically demanding; you spend the day on your feet and work odd hours.”

“I realized that passion isn’t enough. I needed to combine passion with realism to create a sustainable career – something I could stay engaged with for the second half of my life, another 20 years of work.”

“I became curious to learn more about the growing ‘age-wave’ and discovered how unprepared our society is for the impact this immense shift in demographics will have on the world.”

“Through guidance at my local community college, Portland Community College (PCC), I researched gerontology as a field. I found I could leverage my experience to give back to an under-supported population.”

“My vision was to assist and motivate older adults as they entered the next phase of their lives. I saw it as a tremendous opportunity, an area that was really growing.”

“At PCC almost all of my classes were online. This alleviated one of my discomforts about going back to school, the thought of sitting at a desk with lots of young students.” The school was also accommodating, transferring in all of the credits from my Bachelor of Science in engineering I had earned 30 years ago. This enabled me to get a degree in gerontology in a year and a half.”

“While at school I worked part-time as a peer mentor through an intern-like program sponsored by ‘Civic Ventures.’ I worked at ‘Loaves and Fishes’ which is our local meals on wheels, at ‘AARP Oregon’ and at ‘Elders in Action.’ ”

“I owe a lot to PCC. They helped me get a degree, experience, and to segue quickly into employment. I left with a resume with relevant experience through the internships, a network in my new field and one of the most ideal jobs I could imagine.”

“When I graduated, Elders in Action offered me a paid position. My current title is ‘Volunteer Engagement and Social Media Manager’ which is quite a mouthful.”

“I am able to use my management skills to recruit volunteers and make sure they have a good experience. I work with 150 volunteers who help our clients connect with community resources that assist with issues in the areas of housing, healthcare, crime, and elder abuse. Our organization is dependent on their passion.”

“Also, my experience with computers helps me be on the edge of the new stage of communications – social media. This helps us stay in touch with our partners, our volunteers, and the community at large.”

“Every night when I return home I feel deeply satisfied. I love interacting with people who are thankful for assistance.”

“Older adults are very collaborative. They may not do what you would like, but it’s always an interesting discussion. Many of our clients are low income, and they need a little extra help, especially in current times. With a bit of problem solving they’re off making a difference in their lives.”

Lessons Learned in the Process

Mark’s advice for Boomers who are thinking of changing careers to find more meaning:

• It’s key to spend the time up front to find something that you can be passionate about as well as make money at.
• Changing careers involves risk and you have to confront the fear of the unknown – and it’s worth it. The unknown can hold great possibilities for new engagement and meaning.
• If you’re moving from the for-profit to the not-for-profit world be prepared for a reduction in salary. Many Boomers who opt for work at a nonprofit are willing to accept less income in return for the opportunity to make a contribution.
• Leave your arrogance at the door. Nonprofit culture is different. Many organizations are succeeding with their mission, even if they’re not extremely efficient. If you act like you have all the answers you won’t get the opportunity to fully contribute your skills.
• Listen. Take your time to adapt to the tempo and tone of your new organization. Be observant and you’ll discover ways to explain how you can help – and you’ll find the opportunities you seek.

As Mark Noonan’s story demonstrates, it’s possible to transcend tragedy and find personal and professional renewal at any age.

Bottom Line:

Are you longing for this kind of change? Take the time to identify your passions and priorities at this stage of life, and consider the nonprofit sector, especially if you want work that matters and you’re willing and able to adapt to the opportunities and constraints of a service career.

As H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, “Remember that the happiest people are not those who are getting more, but those giving more.”

For More Information:

• “Have You Considered a Non-Profit Career?“
• Elders in Action website
• Elders in Action Facebook page

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Boomer Career Pioneer: From High-Tech Management to Advocate for the Aging appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If so, are you wondering if that’s “polite” wording for “too old”?

Or, are you one of the Baby Boomers looking to cut back and have a job with less stress and responsibility?

Are you concerned because you’ve heard you won’t be considered because you are overqualified?

To a job seeker, the idea that you wouldn’t be chosen for a job because you have more education or experience than the job requires just doesn’t make sense.

Why not hire the most experienced person?

Hiring Manager Concerns About “Overqualified” Job Candidates

But hiring managers or recruiters often look at candidates with more education and experience differently. When they see higher level qualifications than the job demands what they’re concerned about is:

• You won’t be challenged and will quickly become bored by the job.
• You’re going to expect a higher salary than is budgeted.
• You’re only considering the job because the job market is tight. As the recession eases you will leave for a job that is a better fit.
• Your manager, who may be younger or less experienced than you, will have a difficult time supervising you.
• You’ve been a manager or executive, and you won’t adapt well to taking orders.

Hiring Manager Concerns About “Old” Job Candidates

Or, you may be correct in thinking “overqualified” is code for “’you are too old for the job.” Fortunately, you can proactively address the major concerns employers may have about hiring older workers.

They wonder if:

• Your skills may not be up to date, particularly your technical skills.
• You may not have the physical and mental fitness to keep up with the stresses and hours needed to do the job successfully.
• You may not have the flexibility to adapt to working with others who may be as young as your children.

If you’ve been reading this column, particularly the Beating Boomer Bias and Beating Boomer Stereotypes articles, you already know strategies to disarm these employer biases. You can find these articles in the directory to the right of this post in “More on Boomer Job Search.”

Neutralize the Concerns

If you are, in reality, overqualified, here’s how to neutralize employer concerns:

  1.  Research  

Research the opening and company thoroughly, and then tailor your resume to the position. Elaborate on roles that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and deemphasize the rest. This is particularly important if the experience was linked to greater authority and responsibility than the position you are now applying for.

  2.  Explain  

In your cover letter be sure to present the reasons why you are interested in a job that requires a lower level of education or experience than you possess.

If you don’t explain in the cover letter, the employer may make the assumption that you just didn’t read the job description carefully and don’t understand what they are looking for. You may not get the opportunity to interview.

Possible explanations to include in your cover letter –

• I’m interested in moving back into providing direct service to clients because that is the position I found most gratifying.
• I’m comfortable with accepting a lower salary if it means doing work that is meaningful to me.
• While I’ll still give 100% when I’m on the job, I’ve decided that at this stage of life I want the flexibility to be able to spend more time with my family. Therefore I’m interested in a part-time role such as ___________.

  3.  Address the Issue  

In the interview take the initiative to expand on your reasons why you are interested in a job where you have more skills and experience than are required.

Don’t wait for the employer to raise the question. Even if they don’t say “you appear to be overqualified,” they may be thinking it.

It is your job to reassure the hiring manager that you will not be bored, that you have the curiosity and drive to keep learning new skills, that you are comfortable being supervised by someone younger, and that you will not become dissatisfied with a lower salary.

  4.  Stress the Advantages  

Once you’ve allayed employers’ doubts, stress the advantages you bring.

• Will your experience allow you to “hit the ground running”?
• Do you have the good judgment and superior interpersonal skills of a seasoned professional?
• Have you amassed a rich network of connections in your field?
• Do your qualifications enable you to perform additional functions that someone without your background could not?
• Have you informally mentored younger workers?

Tell the interviewer, and illustrate your answers with personal anecdotes. Follow these steps and you may be pleasantly surprised by the positive reception you receive from employers.

For More Information:

• Fighting the Overqualified Label
  If you are an experienced job seeker, over 45, managing these assumptions can make all the difference in the open job market. Changing just a few things can have a big — and positive — impact.
• Managing the Age Issue with Recruiters
  Managing the “age issue” is a matter of perspective during the job search. For older job seekers, the goal is to turn your age into an asset so that recruiters and hiring managers view you as a seasoned veteran, not as overqualified.  Article by recruiter Jeff Lipschultz, Job-Hunt’s Working with Recruiters Columnist.
• Resumes for the Unemployed and Overqualified
  How to manage the overqualified issue on your resume, particularly when you want to “down-size” your next job.
• The Myth of the Overqualified Worker
  Article by Andrew O’Connell for Harvard Business Review.

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post How to Address Being Overqualified for a Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You can count on it.

It happens to everyone, sooner or later.

Don’t be discouraged, and do NOT give up!

Are You Getting Stuck?

Maybe you started out hopeful and full of energy, but then:

• You try on your interview suit, and it doesn’t fit. You’ve gained weight.
• An employer schedules a video interview, and you feel very awkward using the webcam.
• One of your friends is connected on LinkedIn to someone you want to meet. You not sure how to ask for an introduction, so you do nothing.
• You have all day to work on the project you never had time for, but instead of taking action you play video games.

You procrastinate, and you tell yourself: you’re too old, too fat, too lazy, too broke, or too inexperienced.

You tell yourself, I’m not ready, No one will hire me, It’s too risky, too hard, not the right time, and on, and on, and on.

Before your know it, you’re at an impasse.

Initially you were stymied because you lacked a plan, or knowledge, or a connection, or a resource, or an idea, or perhaps you had too many ideas, or competing ideas. And, rather than solving your problem and moving forward, you stopped — because change is uncomfortable.

Change brings up fears, commonly of looking foolish, of losing a comforting sense of self, and of being rejected as not good enough.

Re-Start Your Momentum

Sometimes you can shake yourself out of your fears. Keeping a daily journal of your progress, exercising, and meditation can all be useful. But many times you need to allow others to help you move ahead.

Before you slide into a cycle of negativity and regret, be kind to yourself. Give yourself the gift of reaching out for structure and support.

In “How to Shave Time Off Your Job Search” I wrote about some of the more popular methods for getting structure and support for your change, working with:

Support and accountability partners
Coaches and counselors
Support groups

I encourage you to read the article and consider your options. Whether you choose a formal arrangement for meetings for structure and support, or to reach out informally to your friends, look for:

• People who can remind you of your excitement about and commitment to, the wonderful future you are creating for yourself.
• People who see the best in you and help you see and experience your potential.
• People who are willing to hold you accountable and expect you to honor your commitments.
• People who are emotionally invested in your success, who will listen to your fears and help you celebrate your achievements.
• People who have knowledge and expertise and who will share information and point out potential pitfalls in your plans.
• People who are great networkers, who will delight in connect with the right people and resources.
• Problem solvers who can look at your situation with fresh eyes.

With support you will multiply your chances of reaching your goals. Who will you ask for support?

Move into Action

Don’t fool yourself and think that with time your situation will improve or that – at a later time – change will be easier and your fears will fade. Usually that is not true, and, with inaction, your fears grow as well as your regrets for what might have been.

However, if you overcome inertia and take action your fears will begin to decrease. You’ll find that action toward your goals will increase your self-confidence and happiness.

All it takes is the willingness to step out of your comfort zone and experience some discomfort. If you want a future in which you feel fully alive, if you want to experience the joy that comes with overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals you need to move into action and stay in action.  Action creates its own positive spiral.

The Bottom Line

Take heart from the third law of thermodynamics – A body at rest tends to remain at rest. A body in motion tends to remain in motion.

Your Personal Professional Success Plan:

• Part 1: Goal Setting
• Part 2: Maintaining Momentum

More About Fifty Plus Job Search

• Beating the “Too Old” Bias: Being Visibly Up-to-Date
• Beating the “Too Old” Bias, Learning New Skills
• 5 Ways You Look Out of Date in Your Job Search
• Professional Success Plan, Part 1: Goal Setting for Success
• Job Search Advantages of Being Over 50
• Find Part-Time Jobs with Benefits

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Maintaining Job Search Momentum: Part 2 of Your Personal/Professional Success Plan appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Non-Profit Job Opportunities

Non-profits are a multi-trillion dollar sector of the job market that includes charities, universities, hospitals, international relief organizations, and member organizations. They are all mission driven and run by volunteer boards of directors, paid staff, and volunteers.

The non-profit sector is experiencing significant growth particularly in critical service sectors, such as healthcare and social services where the need for services is expanding.

As the US moves out of the recession, there will be openings on every level within non-profits. If you possess skills in direct service, operations, finance, human resources, marketing, development, communications, and executive experience, your skills will be in high demand.

Pluses and Minuses of a Non-Profit Career

What are the pros and cons of working for a non-profit? In a 2002 Brookings Institute survey of worker satisfaction in non-profit, for-profit and government sectors – non-profit workers reported themselves most satisfied with their work.

They described their organizations as “…doing the best, most important work…”, by a large margin in almost every area measured.

What contributes to such high satisfaction?

• Legacy – There’s a long term impact you can make by contributing your experience and talents to a non-profit. Many jobs involve working with future generations, and with important issues like environmental sustainability.
• Informality – non-profits tend to be casual and values-driven, offering the opportunity to work with other practical idealists who share similar values, passions and sensibilities.
• Flexibility – Because many non-profits are small and informal, organizations may offer hands-on opportunities to take on responsibility and wear many hats, and may be open to flexible job options like telecommuting.
• Challenge – If you are someone who is excited by the challenge of solving problems with limited resources, you will be stimulated by the non-profit environment.
• Benefits – While salaries at non-profits, at least on lower levels, are in many cases smaller than in for-profit companies, benefits may be more generous.

What are some of the disadvantages?

• Wages – When you begin, you can generally expect to have lower pay than you would in business.
• Hours – People in non-profits often work longer than 40 hours a week, and there may be evening and week-end commitments for fundraisers and community affairs.
• Results – Many of the issues non-profits deal with don’t have clear cut solutions. Progress is extremely incremental when you’re dealing with issues like child welfare, or refugee problems. This can be frustrating, and lead to burn out.
• Expectations – Non-profits may have different or fewer structures than hierarchical organizations, with informal chain of command and role expectations.
• Tolerances – Whatever money is raised is funneled into the mission of the non-profit. This can mean working with out-dated equipment and less than comfortable surroundings.

Is a non-profit career right for you?

As with any other career change, if you’re considering a transition into a non-profit career the place to start is with self-evaluation. Perhaps the last time you really thought about who you are and what you want in life was in high school or college. Your priorities likely have changed. In addition, you’ve developed a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to a new role. It’s important then to look at your work and life experiences, and to identify the abilities and skills you most enjoy using, that you want to carry forward into your new career.

But what’s different in a transition into the non-profit world is the opportunity to align your passion with an organizations’ mission. It’s important to explore your interests and motivations. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

What is calling you? What are you motivated to help with, or to change?

What matters to you? Are there issues like education, child-welfare, low-income housing, lobbying, legal services, community development, sustainability, climate change, global health, microfinance, animal welfare, disaster relief, funding for the arts, etc. … that you feel strongly about?

How to Transition:

1. Research
   You can start to learn about the different kinds of roles that people play in non-profits, like fundraising and volunteer recruitment and management, by visiting a non-profit web portal like Idealist http://idealist.org. There you can read job descriptions and begin to get a feel for what non-profits seek in new hires.
2. Network
   Then deepen and widen your knowledge, and build your network in your new field, by conducting informal interviews with people who hold roles that interest you. Ask them how they got started and what experience you need to become a credible candidate. Ask them who else you should meet, what you should read, and what organizations to join.
3. Volunteer
   The most straight-forward way you can build credibility for a non-profit career, is to volunteer. Focused volunteering will help you develop skills and experience for the role you seek and allow you to sample new roles.Volunteering is a great way to:
   • Confirm whether an organization or role is right for you.
   • Expand your network.
   • Find opportunities to lead a project and show leadership.
   • Raise your visibility in the organization.
   • Demonstrate your commitment to a cause.
4. Build more skills
   Other options to gain experience and credibility are non-profit board or committee membership, internships, a term of service with an organization like the Peace Corp (many organizations have opportunities, for varying lengths of time), Fellowship programs, and learning opportunities like workshops, certificate programs and community college courses.

Creating a Legacy

People decide to work in the non-profit sector for many reasons but for members of the baby boomer generation some of the larger motivations are:

• To leave a positive legacy as a result of their work
• To do something that contributes to a cause bigger than themselves
• To help resolve societal problems for future generations, and
• To answer a call that they feel inside.

If you are hearing the call to contribute to your community, country, or the world, then consider a move to the non-profit sector.

Let yourself be inspired by an idealist from an earlier generation, Margaret Mead, who said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

A great site to begin your exploration of a career that combines passion, purpose and a paycheck is “Encore Careers.”

For More Information:

Read Boomer Career Pioneer: Changing to a Non-Profit Career at 54.

About the author…

Phyllis Mufson is a career / business consultant and a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience. She has helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate career transitions. You can learn more about Phyllis and her practice at PhyllisMufson and follow Phyllis on Twitter @PhyllisMufson.
More about this author…

The post Have You Considered a Non-Profit Career? appeared first on Job-Hunt.