Job Search for Women Over 50

Ageism is ubiquitous yet difficult to combat. For one thing, hiring managers, aware that age discrimination is illegal, are shrewd enough to avoid bringing it up. More importantly, they don’t believe they are biased yet may secretly fear that mature workers:

Are less energetic or emotional, prone to fits of menopausal lethargy or instability.
Will act like their mother, correcting others with a wagging finger.
Are oblivious to new trends in technology and social media.
Easily grow bored and restless and choose to retire soon.

Individual coaching sessions can offset age and sex discrimination by helping you to adjust your resume, research careers, network, and ace your interviews so you can find meaningful employment as quickly as possible. If you'd like to combine job search strategy, resume work and interview preparation, check out the Job Search Package.

Resumes for Women Over 50

Only go back 15 years on the chronological part of your resume. (Some people choose to list their entire employment history on LinkedIn and a shorter version on their resume concluding with a sentence that encourages hiring managers to review their LinkedIn profile.)
Leave the dates off your education.
Get current on relevant technology and take off outdated technical terms.
Remove your mailing address.

Select Age- and Women-Friendly Employers

Do your research to find employers that less prone to ageist practices. Consider a casual visit to the place of business, review photos on the website, and ask people in your network. AARP lists national employers who welcome older workers.
Take the time to gain clarity about your career objectives, message yourself effectively, network intelligently and prepare for interviews.
Employ your due diligence; take constructive feedback on all the tools -- resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, networking strategy, and interviewing from younger professionals in your network.
Project an optimistic, curious disposition that dispels any concerns about your energy level or willingness to learn new skills.

Do the Inside Job

Examine your own attitudes towards age and gender and how you would respond to your resume and interview style when you were still in your 30s or 40s.
Consider your competence in the workplace and use tools like CBT to reject negative thoughts and dialogue.
Reflect on your looks and whether an updated look would serve you well.
Develop and practice a clear basic message that makes it clear to everyone what kind of opportunities you are seeking and what skills and experience you offer.

Network and Get Support

Carry out a robust networking strategy, both online and in person.
Maximize your time with friends and family who see your assets and practice your basic message with your close circle, refining it as you start to use it with others.
Review the section on Interviewing when you're over 50 and schedule a coaching session with one of us.

Job Search for Women Over 50

Resumes for Women Over 50

Select Age- and Women-Friendly Employers

Do the Inside Job

Network and Get Support

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