Long-term unemployment is recognized as anyone who has been unemployed for six months or more. Currently 5.8 million Americans define that category; and among them, there are many people over 50 years old. Older adults face unique challenges when seeking employment.

Course Technology publishes a variety of professional, reference and technology titles. One of its current releases is Job search after 50 by Carol A. Silvis.

Silvis has a master’s degree in Adult Education and is an assistant director and department chair at a Pennsylvania business institute. It also presents workshops and seminars for schools, businesses, and professional organizations.

Eight chapters that include Silvis’s message. Below are the highlights of each topic to help you jump-start your job search as a mature worker:

Abilities and qualities

The job search process begins by matching your unique skills to a company that needs them. Define your work purpose. Whether full-time or part-time, it will guide you in your job searches. Shift the focus from your age to how your workplace, transferable skills, and life skills meet the employer’s needs. Also consider your personal traits, such as energy and vision for the future, vs. the old-fashioned ways of a mature worker. Share only relevant vs. listing all the duties you have performed during your 30 year career. Too much experience can avoid an employer. This is the era of lifelong learning. Keep your skills current by attending classes, workshops, earning a degree or certification, participating in online webinars, etc.

Resumes and cover letters

No professional evaluation would be complete without paying attention to resumes and cover letters. For older workers, the key elements for a successful approach include:

• Achievements vs. Homework. Highlight your unique value-added achievements in the companies you worked for vs. mother’s duties.
• Contact information. Provide links to your professional online presence, including blogs and / or websites.
• Digital resumes. Write a specific resume for each desired position. Use industry-specific keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO), to increase the chances of being read by a person.
• Education and training. If you earned your degree more than 20 years ago, skip your graduation date.
• Summary of ratings vs. Aim. A summary of qualifications highlights your main achievements, skills, education, and personal traits. It is a short paragraph or bulleted list that employers can easily scan; and provides more information than a goal.

Always include a well-written cover letter. Increase your chances of capturing the attention of an employer; and provides the opportunity to expand on information that is not appropriate for the resume, including salary history.

Technology

Today, computer skills are essential, both in the workplace and while searching for a job. Increasingly, employers require such skills to hire; and many available jobs are now posted exclusively online. Research a company’s website to determine its key players. Use industry-related keywords in online applications, cover letters, and resumes. “This is not the time to say that you are too old to use technology or not,” says Silvis.

Now, social media is a necessary component of your job search. Maintain a professional presence on the big three platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Many employers use these sites as hiring tools; And mastering them can increase your chances of being discovered for industry-related positions.

Networking

Networking is a ubiquitous word; and their need is often minimized, especially for mature workers. “Building a strong support system is important for job seekers, especially as they age,” says Silvis. It’s challenging to search for jobs in a healthy economy and even more difficult in an anemic one.

Build and nurture long-term relationships; and you are online. It is also a two-way process. Before building a contact list, define your networking goals. The most successful network includes a combination of both personal and professional contacts. Be aware of everyone you meet, including your dentist, hairdresser, post office clerk, etc. Choose enthusiastic and optimistic people. Finding work is often a numbers game; And it’s never too late to start or resume networking.

Attitude, appearance and energy

It’s not easy to stay positive when you lose your job before you’re ready to retire; but you must, especially as a mature worker.

It’s hard to hear that your appearance needs an update, but it can be a hindrance in your job search. Hairstyles on bald men and outdated hairstyles can also convey outdated skills. Consider doing a makeover at a department store or salon. Not only will it improve your appearance, but it will also increase your self-confidence.

Employers look for candidates who fit in and bring positive energy to the workplace.

Mistakes Job Applicants Over 50 Make

• Not getting along with other generations. Today’s workplace is multi-generational, with up to four different generations working together. As a mature worker, you must ask yourself how it would feel to be interviewed by someone your children’s or grandchildren’s age. Could you interact as a colleague instead of a father figure?
• Lack of will to change. A younger interviewer may be concerned that an older worker is trapped in his comfort zone; and resists change. Expand and consider how your skills can transcend industry, if your previous field is extinct.
• Being overqualified. “Not to mention having too much baggage, even in the form of experience,” says Silvis. Focus on specific skills and accomplishments, not your previous degrees, which can make you seem overqualified. “
• Don’t embrace technology. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the software that employers require in search ads and job descriptions.
• Lack of enthusiasm. You must convey your enthusiasm and enthusiasm for getting the job through your gestures and words. Express your anticipation.

Who is hiring?

Job seekers over the age of 50 may be surprised at the number of job options that are rarely considered. They include:

• Full-time or adjunct teacher / tutor. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity for you, as an older worker, to pass your experience on to younger generations.
• Entrepreneurship. Start your own business, using your skills and niche experience.
• Government. Think outside the box when it comes to government jobs. Consider Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the departments of transportation, parks and recreation, etc.

Instead of applying for traditional jobs, use your imagination and creative skills to land an exciting and enjoyable job in a fun environment, or create your own. “Sometimes a complete change of location offers the most rewarding opportunities,” says Silvis.

Create a success plan

Statistically, mature workers endure a longer job search. Persevere. Be willing to put whatever you have into your job search, until you are successful. Set goals, write them down; and take consistent action to achieve those goals. Divide the main goals into secondary goals that serve as benchmarks for your progress. Tie each secondary objective to action steps. Keep in mind that setbacks are inevitable, but they persist.

Hope to find the right position for you. Reinvent yourself, if necessary; and adapt to available jobs. Challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone; and try new things. Visualize success. Be constantly aware of what you intend to achieve and what you will like when you realize it has been accomplished.

No one will care more about your career and job search than you. Along the Job search for over 50sThe “Take Charge” summary boxes serve as signs of responsibility for your career success.

Finding employment in middle age has its own challenges; and Silvis shows us that it is possible. Preparation, perseverance, and positivity are key. Many federal, state, and local funded libraries and programs offer workshops on topics including behavioral-based resumes and interviews. Be sure to use your community resources to gain a competitive advantage; and achieve your job goals.