Advice for Older Jobseekers:
Careers expert John Lees FREC suggests a range of strategies for older job changers.
- Don't miss out your date of birth on your CV (put it on the back page). If you miss it out, the employer's attention is immediately drawn to your age
- For the same reason, it's generally not a good idea to refer to the ages of your adult children (they may be older than the person interviewing you!)
- Finally, it may not be useful to indicate the year you obtained your qualifications. It may seem like ancient history to the recruiter
- Make your CV focus on what you have achieved, and what you have to offer, not on your age
- Include an email address. Employers often assume that older workers are not IT literate
- Remember that employers buy experience. Demonstrate how your know-how and maturity will be a benefit
- Don't focus on the bad news stories. Look at the high proportion of men and women in your age group do actually find work, and build on their success strategies
- Focus on your future skills by learning lessons from the new economy
- Try not to reminisce: "in my day." Talk about the future. Show flexibility and a willingness to learn
- Don't apologise for your age, lack of recent relevant experience, and do not convey desperation.