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7 Tips to Start Your Second Career

Posted by Amanda Augustine on Tue, Sep 18, 2012
  
  
  
  

Question:

I am 65 and nowhere near ready to retire (physically and emotionally) but I need to find more meaningful work than I'm doing now. What's the best way to overcome the age issue when approaching potential employers?

– J.F. of Annapolis, MD

Answer:

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve spoken to recently who are looking for new opportunities later in life!

Do me a favor and Google the following term today: “encore career”

An “encore career,” also called “recareering,” is defined as an employment transition made during the latter part of one’s career, typically to the social sector or a public-interest field, such as education, the environment, health care, government, social services or nonprofits.

It makes sense. You’ve worked hard throughout your career, doing what needed to be done to pay the bills and put the kids through school. Now the kids are out of the house and you’re considering downsizing. You don’t want to work 60+ hours a week anymore, and you’re OK taking a pay cut to get there. And most importantly, you’re looking for a job that’s not “just a job” – you want a role that helps you give back to the community and that makes a social impact.

You’re not alone. 

A 2011 research study conducted by Penn Schoen Berland concluded that nearly 9 million Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are in encore careers, with an additional 31 million interested in pursuing one. It’s an appealing option for job seekers at retirement age who either need to continue working to maintain a paycheck and medical benefits, or want to continue working while making a lifestyle change.

Here are some things to consider before you leap into that next chapter of your career:

  1. When considering an encore career, think about the key strengths and skills that made you successful in your professional career, and explore opportunities where you think they could be applied. These skills, along with your passion for a specific cause, will be your greatest selling points during the search.

  2. Once you’ve chosen an area to pursue, it’s important to immerse yourself in industry news and terminology. The easiest way to start is online. Create Google News alerts using industry-specific terms or organizations’ names to receive relevant articles; identify major organizations associated with your cause and join them; and subscribe to industry-specific online newsletters, blogs and Twitter feeds.

  3. Join professional groups online and offline via LinkedIn Groups and Meetup.com to join in conversations and attend networking events. Identify any connections in your current network who work within your targeted industry and take them out for an informational interview – this is a great way to gain valuable insight into the market and uncover potential opportunities.

  4. Look for volunteer and internship opportunities (yes, internships!) in your chosen area so you can add industry-related experience to your work history and make new connections. When possible, pursue these opportunities while still working as a full-time professional to make the transition smoother once you’re ready for the switch. 

  5. Stay current with technology. You don’t have to be a maverick on Twitter, but you should understand how it works. I recommend exploring each of the more popular social media platforms for work: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. You should be proficient with computers, navigating online and Microsoft’s main products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel). Microsoft has some great free online tutorials you can take, or you can explore courses given at your local community college.

  6. Show your energy and passion. Employers who open their arms to encore job seekers expect the candidates to be older, but that doesn’t mean you’ll completely avoid age discrimination during your transition. Do what you can to promote the active, vivacious part of your personality during networking activities and in interviews. Think about your wardrobe and appearance, energy level and the topics you bring up during casual conversations.

  7. Be prepared for a long ride. The average American in an encore career takes 18 months to make the transition, and 67 percent of those folks had reduced or zero income during that transition period. If you want to pursue an encore career, start saving now, and be mentally prepared for the journey ahead.

    It’s not impossible, but it will take time and money to get there. Here are some of my favorite resources for encore job seekers:

      • Plus 50 Initiative: Innovative program organized by the American Association of Community Colleges that is currently being offered at 25 community colleges around the country. Also, Google “Encore Fellowships” for more programs.

      • AARP: Nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people ages 50 and older. A section of its website is dedicated to work, retirement planning and recareering.

      • Idealist.org: Job board dedicated to volunteer, internship and paid opportunities within the nonprofit sector.

      • JobsOver50: This source offers career advice and job listings for part-time work and internships.

    Amanda Augustine

    Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

    Tags: , , ,

    Comments

    Fabulous post. Great guidance along with places to seek additional information. Very well thought out and thorough.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:19 AM by Clara Irizarry
    Are you KIDDING me?! "Want to give back to the community." ??? NO WAY - are you talking about the NEIGHBOR with the barking dogs who couldn't care less about those next to him, or the local Zoning board that denies my variance application. I wouldn't give one flea bitten PENNY to this town and I'm SURE as hell not going to "give back" anything because as far as *I* am concerned - THEY NEVER GAVE ME ANYTHING TO give back! 
     
    You are ALSO wrong - I LOVE to work 60 hours - to get something DONE - see it work, get it built - do what others can't do because they GIVE UP and take the easy way out - like taking an 80% cut in pay and becoming a "social worker" - HAHAHAHAHA - then afterward saying, "Wow, I didn't realize how HARD this was otherwise I never would have done it." 
     
    So, I think the writer of this article needs to get a GRIP - you're talking to the 1% that have a next egg of 2+ million in the bank, NOT the 90% that have barely anything saved.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:20 AM by Bob Plugh
    Those were great ideas and tips 20 years ago. New strategies are needed now. Networking doesn't work any more because there just aren't many jobs out there.  
    Internships? Great for the company who gets free help for a while.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:48 AM by Anieta
    It would be nice if the ESC would actually hold companies accountable for not discrimating against people based on age. One major employer in our area actually has your DOB as a required field when applying. Would be interesting to know how many applicants over 50 get an interview.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:51 AM by Jana Parks
    There were some good tips. I'm over 50 and about to lose my job. I need another that will still pay those bills and help my children through college. I'm not looking for an "encore" career, I'm looking for a good paying job and I worry that my age works against me.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:39 AM by Kevin
    Amanda, I applaud you for posting comments from negative people because when I read them I realize how lucky I am to have a positive attitude. As many great philosophers have said, life brings you what you think most. By keeping a positive outlook we can see the good things in people, situations and outcomes. We become what we think about most. 
     
     
     
    Have a Great life and keep up this valuable communication. 
     
     
     
    Sincerely, 
     
    Joe Murray
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:39 AM by Joe Murray
    Did anybody note the photo of the author? Maybe 30 yo at most? Yes, she did a swell job of putting together some google info into a nice little soundbite re this subject ... But she doesn't have a clue as to the difficulty of getting work for the 50 plus man who is competing with people her age to 40 who already have 10 years of in-depth tech experience. So yea, I can go out and learn new software and tech experience too ... but seriously who are you going to hire? a 35 techy with 10 years experience or a newbie at 50? I'm in the creative field and am experiencing the siesmic shift ... techno skills now supersedes original concepts, messaging design, and creativity — i.e., But do you know how to program a mobile app?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:50 AM by John
    I would have to aggree with the most of the comments here. This article written by a what looks to be a girl in her twenties is barely relevent to the average job seeker over 50. For one; a generation ago a job seeker over 50 was barely heard of. Today " The Encore" carrer lablel seems like a slap in the face. Does this writer really think that the average over 50 job seeker is ready to " give back" When in reality everything they have worked so hard to build has been taken away?  
    Come on Ladders you can do better. Lets see some real writiing and advice and maybe even by an individuale that looks like a grown up .
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:57 AM by Carmen Ware
    I have to agree with most of you here. It used to be when you applied for a job you called a company and scheduled an interview. You at least got a face to face interview with a live person. I have lost count of how many resumes I have emailed and have no idea if they were even received! I have more experience than most applicants in my field but because my experience begen in the 80s my application is trashed on receipt. Job discrimination is alive and well and nothing is being done about it. And to the one "positive" responder... I am positive in 99% of my life but I also recognize a lost cause when I see one. When you are forced to send a one dimensional profile of yourself to a faceless entity it's hard to compete with someone half your age.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:18 AM by Anne George
    The article is written to address possibilities and opportunities you may have not considered. The expectation to find a hidden secret to increase your income in a non-native competitive field with a pool of applicants having years more experience is sadly unrealistic. 
     
    The days of getting an interview by using a 2 pitch white font in your resume with a hundred keywords are gone. If you don't have the skills or experience it will, as Amanda cites, take an average of 18 months with little to no income. This comes from going back to school, which cost money, and learning a new skill set. If this isn't an option, this article is outside of your scope.  
     
    No need for the age discrimination from the over 50s. If you missed the point, so be it. And for the 33% of you over 50s who still have a job or money while looking for a field change, it is appropriate to seek experience through these alternate avenues. Some of you missed the point of the response. 
     
    However, the response did not adequately address the OP question "What's the best way to overcome the age issue when approaching potential employers?" 
     
    Amanda, when you reread your response, I believe you will understand the question still requires a directed response, and I'm certain all the individuals that were so easily upset have calmed down and would like an expert viewpoint on the issue of how to approach potential employers when over 50.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:21 AM by Kris
    You have to be joking. I'm 48 and I've had the energy and work ethic of 5 people all my professional career and demonstrated results, charisma and professionalism to back it up. I would not think 5 minutes of cashing all that in to be an intern in non-profit...thats where I started when I was 21. Have a little more confidence in our age group. Why don't YOU try re-inventing yourself vs giving out 101 advise about the need to be on LinkedIn etc.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:22 AM by jack
    Amanda, This is a huge issue out here in the marketplace. Once you hit 50 the clock starts ticking with employers. After doing 28 years with a major Fortune 500 company, at 55, I was told that the company was moving to the 60% percentile versus the 95% in wages they wanted to pay their people. So, they said, take a package or who knows what will happen latter. As Senior HR contact clued me in as to what was happenning. With the economy stumbling, Corporations need to answer to shareholders and the best way to improve earnings is to grow top line revenue and/or reduct espenses. Well we know revenue (GDP) is not happenning, so "wack" let's cut people, and let's cut our high earners and older workers. This helps on the labor costs and, if your self insured on the healthcare cost, which is way out of control.  
     
     
     
    So, what do you do at 55, only worked for one company with one kid in college and another in private school, mortgage, obligations, etc.?  
     
     
     
    Best advice is to be real. Good advice from Amanda. The 50+ bullseye is real so, as you would do in your investments, "diversify".  
     
     
     
    While you are still working and drawing a paycheck, do your homework. Find that niche what you can specialize in, research, market test, incorporate, business model, network, and eventually launch........prior to the Corporate Bad Guys getting you.  
     
     
     
    I have used this model for the past 9 years and am have made more money and such personal satisfaction. As the CEO, I have have no shareholders, investors or managers affecting my happiness.  
     
     
     
    Finally, Corporations are missing the boat when it comes to those workers between 65 and 75. They can get highly experienced and want to work. They will take less money for most have pension, social security and benefits. So, a savy employer might want to think about some sort of hybrid model to best manage his labor needs.  
     
     
     
    It has been a challenge and a mental triathalon, especially if you have been in the Corporate cuture as long as I have. But, it can be done. I plan to compete as long as I can compete.  
     
     
     
    Hope this helps some folks.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:26 AM by Good Luck
    what about the EOE thing? Is AGE not included in the statement? I am 59 and I like to work full time and get full benefits and payment...and want to keep like that for at least 10 years. Should I go "independent"???
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:30 AM by Naive
    No ENCORE for Amanda!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:31 AM by Donna Kain
    Amanda, 
    I also admire you for posting comments that are discouraged. I am one of those eternally optimistic people, even though I was laid off for 7 months a couple of years ago and wondered about how we were going to pay our mortgage. Optimism can lift you up to see things that are invisible when you are depressed. I have hope that everyone will find the best in their own way.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:36 AM by All the Best
    Alan a bunch of rude, angry, bitter old men. It is exactly because of these know-it-all attitudes that employers are reluctant to hire older workers. At 57 I am in this situation, and and found Amanda's suggestions very helpful.  
     
    It is so ironic that one of the main complaints is the age of the author. At our age, if we are successful in landing a corporate job, we'll probably be working for someone Amanda's age. It would be wise to learn to respect someone a generation younger than yourself. Hey, there's a topic for your next article!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:51 AM by Alan
    I think the naysayers here are missing the point of the article. The message of the article is that if a person over 50 is choosing a career change then here are some options on how to get there. Amanda is not suggesting in any way that the road to an encore career will be easy. In fact, I think she says the opposite. She is merely showing those people a path that they can try that might help.Don't look at the words she uses as black and white. There is grey here. For those over 50 who have lost their job, you are right... you are in a very difficult position for the reasons you mentioned. You never wanted to be where you are today without a job.I know, I am one of you. But now that we are, maybe some of these ideas can help us. There is no secret pill a 50 year old can swallow and the next day you have your dream job. And I think she would agree with us. You may be reading the post because you are stuck in a hole. Let's be open minded and look at these suggestions as a possible way out. And regarding the comments on how the author is too young to understand the situation, aren't you guilty of the same profiling you are complaining about for those of us over 50?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:54 AM by Doug
    Wow. Talk about age discrimination...So what if this writer is young. She is a professional who has researched her topic. I am fifty+ and have been looking for a job for fourteen months. What Amanda posted really hit home with me. It is important to keep current with technology and social trends. The job market is very different from when we began our careers. I appreciate every bit of help offered to me to find a new position. I am very interested in giving back to my community and no, I don't have a large sum of money tucked away. It's true many of us are stressed to make ends meet but there are also people like me who recognize the value of using my 30+ years of working experience to give back to the community and help others. Focusing on the positive can only help us with our job search.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:01 AM by Kathi F.
    Yes, Amanda, YOU are showing YOUR age not to mention your Polly Anna perspective! Why is it we can't band together and force the age discrimination issue? Even AARP's new 'recarreering' website is misled. I got a supposed job lead from an 'age friendly' employer who turned out to be the large, privately held multi media company who dumped me for all the reasons the 55+ workers site here. Frustrating.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:03 AM by Dismayed and discouraged
    Amanda, when you are in the 50+ age bracket, you will be singing a different tune. At your age, you have NO clue what it's like to be over 50 and unemployed. I am. Have gone on interviews, but I can see from the questions they ask, and the other candidates, I am "too old." The token over 50 candidate so they comply with EOE. There is rampant age discrdimination. I have been out of work for 7 months and have snet out hundreds of resumes--nowadays, it's all online, so once they see you age.....no, they cannot ask, but they do ask for education, certifications and licenses with dates attached, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do the math. I cannot afford to intern, or take a pay cut so severe that would cause someone your age to live at home with mom and dad. 
     
     
     
    When I look online for "sites hiring this month" etc., they are all entry level jobs for minimum wage......and no one can live on that and be independent. 
     
     
     
    Mark, I think you need to get someone in the 50+ age range to write this column!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:03 AM by rob
    I've worked for 40 years to have a comfortable life for my family and myself. Now the "great" recession has taken it all away and being over 50 has become a handicap I didn't realize existed in our "great" country. I can't take another salary cut, I can't intern and give free labor to some "great" company that is too greedy to pay its corporate slaves. I don't need an "encore" career I just want to continue my current career. Amanda, I've done everything you have suggested and more and it's useless and out of step with reality. You still haven't addressed the issue of the over 50 professional who is out of work or under-employed. Good luck with that!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:13 AM by Joel
    What an incredibly condescending article. Nice to know I can get by with a pat on the head and work in the "community".
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:24 AM by Ted Striker
    I lost my job at 54 years old after exceeding all manner of performance targets for 20 years. My boss was promoted and the person who filled the gap between my previous boss and me wanted to build their own leadership team. I was out of full time work for two years. I appreciate the suggestions Amanda makes. Those kinds of ideas are quite useful. However, I think the point being made by others, not always graciously, is that job transition groups are filled with 100s of people, both male and female, in their 50s and the impact of being in that situation is painful. We are the disposable generation. It was the worst two years of my life, for sure. I discovered, that though I was willing and able and professionally capable, the jobs went to people in their 20s. Most companies don't have a birth date on the application but our work history readily reveals our age and the door is often closed for people over 50. I'm grateful for employment now but work two jobs instead of one.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:31 AM by Carl
    Are you kidding me? Except for perhaps a couple hyperlinks, your post says nothing new; nothing innovative regarding jobs for people over 50. Same old stuff!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:31 AM by John Cary
    I am 57 and my job was eliminated 2 months ago. I need a job with good pay and benefits, not advice on how to take a low/no pay job. 
     
    I would like to hear the perspective of someone in my age group who has been successful obtaining another position despite their age. I'm tired of deleting old positions from my resume. 
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:36 AM by Susan
    Amanda, You've done a great job here. . . for those who will accept second place running. However, what happens to those who have exceptional talent/skill at what their careers have wrote, and they don't see how wasting that talent in a lesser environment will do anything but degrade their psyche. No, be an advocate to fix the system, rather than circumvent same.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:39 AM by Richard Ziert
    After a long corporate career, I have been out of work twice in the last ten years and realize that we old folks are our own worst enemy when it comes to pitching our value to an employer. We don't just know how to do things, we have done it enough that we know the best way to create successful results that our juniors can not know. 
     
     
     
    When I have attended meetings and networked with unemployed "highly experienced" people, they find too many ways to be lazy about finding a job where they can contribute. The world has changed and you don't get a job by filling out an application and waiting. You need to clearly define and believe in your real value, network with significant people live and with social media to get your name out there with positive connotations.  
     
     
     
    I am about turn 60 and I am in the running for a great job against people my children's age. I can do the job better and I will, I know that. 
     
     
     
    Having a 12-year old tell us to go out to pasture and find an encore career is degrading and truly discriminatory as she believes that we are only capable of going to pasture. The Ladders should be ashamed. 
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:39 AM by Romanee
    I appreciate Amanda's suggestions. I too am over 50 and it took me over a year to find a full time job with benefits in my career. I have also decided to diversify, so that I do not have to go through this emotionally and financially draining experience again. My passion is Wellness and Healthcare, and that is where my future focus lies. We all need a plan B. You make a living from 9 to 5, and you make a fortune afterwards.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:50 AM by Marta M.
    Yes, some of the points she included are valid,i.e keep up on technology. I decided a number of years ago to go independent. It is not easy since I need to be constantly marketing myself while working at a client. If you want a reality check, check out " The Betrayal of The American Dream" by Donald Bartlett & James Steele. Not many answers, but it clearly describes what has happened for those over 50.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:54 AM by Patrick J Brennan
    It is all about "attitude". My suggestion. Look at a cutback as an opportunity to start your own business using the skills you have acquired while working for "the man". Collect your unemployment checks while building the business. Then you won't ever have to worry about being laid off. Not easy but worthwhile.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:59 AM by G--57
    Well, I am 55 years old, and am living proof that you can retool and restart. In 2006, I was downsized from a major corporation where I worked in contract management. I decided to research the health care industry, which was and is booming. In 2007, I started nursing school, and in 2011, graduated with a BSN in nursing. I am now working as a registered nurse for a major hospital. I also use my former contract management experience in committee work for the hospital. 
     
    Was it difficult? Yes. Was there a pay cut? Yes. Is it a challenge to cross generational lines? Yes. But, there is immeasurable reward in helping people. It's a new economy. Cubical land of the 1990's is over. If you want to survive, you must be nimble and willing to take risks, no matter your age.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:01 AM by Laura
    This article felt like the verbal equivalent of someone patting me on the back as they're leading me to the exit while saying in a patronizing tone, "You've done a great job up to this point, and I hope you enjoy whatever you'll be doing next." I applaud all those who submitted rebuttal comments here, and I point a finger at those who support this professionally lazy, anecdote-gathering "effort."
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:01 AM by Scrynt Cauldein
    Why do you assume that over 50 in the job market implies starting over (as if no experience in anything)? How about addressing over 50 with reams of diverse experience, yet jobs listings virtually all seem to be entry level or anathema to diverse backgrounds?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:05 AM by Mike Landis
    After "retooling" with a my second Master's degree at age 50, about the only thing I have accomplished is burden my family with a student loan. I was teaching adjunct at a local community college for a year,was a finalist for one of three full time professorships, and guess what? Three women, all who were a minimum of 15 years my junior were hired, maintaining an all female faculty as well. I have filed an EEOC complaint against the college base on both sex and age discrimination. It won't go anywhere, I am sure, because I am male, white, and 53. I have applied to dozens of companies, but only Dow, Shell, Habitat for Humanity, and Southwest Airlines had the decency to send me a rejection email. Face to face interviews? Come on. I have started a lawn mowing service. Mowing lawns with 2 Master's degrees; yep, that's a real self-esteem booster! Amanda, let's see how its going when you are 50! We'll see how you great ideas work for you....
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:18 AM by Mike
    Excellent Article Amanda . Appreciate the courage to post all the negative comments. I am surprised by these negative people sitting at home, over estimating themselves and living in a Fool's Paradise . First of all anyone who is over 50 and capable of finding a good job should not be even reading this article. They should be already be employed and enjoying life. They have no clue on how the job markets are emerging and the changes technology and globalization has made. The article is for those who are over 50 are having difficulties in finding a job , find their skills are somewhat outdated and need some refurbishing and are willing to consider a career change to improve their chances for getting a job . All those negative comments actually give strength to what Amanda is telling us. We are not prepared to accept that we need a "CHANGE" or are bold enough to even accept that past experience is "HISTORY". Talk to your prospective employer and you will not be surprised that the main reason of your rejection is your strong conviction in riding on your past experience. Good Luck to all those who are still engrossed in wishful thinking and are totally oblivious of the ground realities.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:19 AM by Syed Rahman
    Did everyone read the introduction to the article. It clearly provides the context within which Amanda is providing advice. I doubt that this article is targeted to the out-of-work, over 50 crowd that continues to prefer employment that continues a previouly selected career path. It is very clearly structured to provide advice to people in the following situation, "the kids are out of the house and you’re considering downsizing. You don’t want to work 60+ hours a week anymore, and you’re OK taking a pay cut to get there. And most importantly, you’re looking for a job that’s not “just a job” – you want a role that helps you give back to the community and that makes a social impact". 
     
     
     
    There is no doubt that age discrimation is a very real impediment for workers in our age bracket but, this article was not meant to provide a roadmap for those of us seeking to stay on the same career path.  
     
     
     
    Amanda, I found your article insightful and helpful, for those seeking a new career, within the circumstances you outlined.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:21 AM by Clint
    These comments attest to the extent to which older workers are being marginalized; what a waste of talent and [sad] indication of the change in American business values... to our detriment.  
     
    On the other hand, folks, I strongly urge you to proof-read your resumes and cover letters much better than you have these blog posts. I couldn't decipher some of these and we never know who is reading, right?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:22 AM by Donna Knoell
    some good resources. 
    not sure why the title of the article included the word 'still' though...
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:24 AM by
    Wow, what an amazingly unoriginal article. The advice given is applicable to any job seeker. It would be really great to have some new ideas instead of the rehashed "givens" that every person looking for work already knows: 
     
    Think about skills, check. 
    Immerse oneself in industry news, check. 
    Join Linked In, etc., check. 
    Blah, check. 
    Blah, check. 
    Blah, check. 
     
    And by the way, it's very important when WRITING anything (including a resume, but even a blog post, Amanda) to use correct grammar. The phrase "most importantly" should be "most important." Do me a favor and Google Strunk and White.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:37 AM by Robin
    I want to speak for all the over 50/60 job seekers that are not in the "encore" of their lives. What is the problem with having amazing experience that may catapult a company into a successful future? If you are vibrant, intelligent, energetic and planning to work for another 20 years or so why do employers reject us without even a thought to what we may offer?? Maybe it is because "we" keep reminding them that the 50/60+ population wants an "encore" and not a extended career??
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:38 AM by Lynne Boehm
    I have conducted over 10,000 interviews in my career. 20 years with the most recognized company in the world..and I'm over 50. 
    I hear you! What can you do about it? Make sure your resume focuses on your accomplishments - highlighting what you bring to the table. Tailor your resume to the specific position. Move your feet and do everything you can do. Be current. It sounds self-serving to say - since I am an interview coach - but "get an interview coach!" Your family and friends are going to say "oh you look wonderful dear - or - you sound great." A professional will know what the companies are looking for and will tell you what they really see and hear when they see you coming. Bitter, angry and frightened...or Powerful, Confident and Savvy. Choose wisely.  
    Diane Bochy  
    TheInterview.US.com
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:58 AM by Diane Bochy
    The economic crash left countless small business owners with no bank capital support. My own development company collapsed and my life savings were wiped out. With a mortgage, kids in college, the challenge meant finding any job possible. As everyone discovered, traditional employment evaporated and nothing remained but hourly jobs performing repetitive tasks. At 62, I took a job in a grocery store. Four years later, my medical is 100% paid for and I make $35,000. My wife took a teaching job, we cut every non-essential out of our budgets and the kids got grants for continuing their education.  
     
    It's been tough, but my work environment is filled with examples of new products and new category introductions. New trends, new tools, new opportunities and an endless stream of interesting contacts come through my store's doors everyday. It's been an excellent networking hub for me and I have written several consulting proposals which are capturing some investors' interest.  
     
    What Amanda is really saying is "move outside the box". Sure, it's uncomfortable and certainly presents real economic pains, but you never will know what new opportunity will present itself if you only sit at the same old train station.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:04 AM by Carter
    In my view, the key to extending your career in your chosen profession to 65, and even beyond, is 1) to become involved in a professionally-related organization, which creates a broad network of similarly interested professionals of all ages for you to be involved with, and 2) give powerpoint talks at their luncheons/dinners and conferences on interesting experiences or topics. These focused activities give you increased credibility with age that showcases and accentuates your experience and knowledge, and thus increases your value in the labor market, even if your current employer doesn't appreciate it. In additon, volunteer to chair a committee or conference session and then eventually seek an office in the organization. Try and do this with at least one professionally-related organization, and you then have both a support network AND a good job prospect network for when the unexpected layoff or firing occurs. Non-profit, non-related service is of limited value in advancing your career in your chosen field. Stay focused on service in your professional area. I've been caught in two major downsizings in two big billion dollar companies in the last 10 years, and I'm now on my 3rd company since 2003, and thus am now a VP with another billion dollar market cap company. I was laid off as a technical supervisor, found work as a Business Development Manager, layed off again, and found work as a VP-Business Development, because I understood an emphasized my understanding of corporate economic goals in my interviews and on my resume'. Each job change I increased my position and compensation, and as to the downsized layoffs, although very, very painful and unexpected at the time, they challenged me to make all these efforts through my professional organization. Yea, it meant less family time, but for an extra 10 years of a good job, it will likely all be worth it in the end. We'll see in 6-9 more years when I hit 62-65, but for now, I'm making good progress, and even turned down an unsolicited job offer last year, that came as a result of my visiblity from my professional organization activities. Lastly, be pleasant and nice in everything you do. Your reputation as a smart person is not enough. There are lots of smart people that you are competing against in the market. You've also got to be known as someone that plays well with everyone in the corporate office, young or old, rich or poor, nice or mean, smart or stupid. The office and professional perception of you is reality, whether fair or not. Work at being nice and respectable to all. Hope this helps. "56 & aging everyday"
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:24 AM by 56 & aging everyday
    Amanda, you just did not answer the question you posed. Should we color our gray hair, make the resume look younger, lie about very old history, and/or use age defying face cream? We are looking for you to tell us what you have learned from recruiters you network with about how they view older candidates and what levels the playing field, if anything does.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:32 AM by DC
    It's necessary to have skills that are equal to or better than the skills of the younger people. The low level of reading and math test scores means that if you have highly developed skills in technology, eventually you can get some work. So my advice is, if you're not a high tech professional, at least try to know some software inside out - Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint. Find any opportunity to learn any computer skill inside out. Also, any accounting credits you get in college can count towards employment with the IRS and the level increases with every accounting course. There is work out there, but's sink or swim, for young people as well as old people. I see lots of educated, talented young people with a very dim future unless they have advanced computer software skills.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:48 AM by Lynn
    "Still in the Job Market" ?? "Later in Life"? Ah, wake up! Try prime earning years for seasoned professionals. As for technology- anyone can learn to use an application or media channel, not a deal breaker at any age. Besides, most professionals over 45 are familiar with using real computers prior to Windows'95. Try again.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 10:59 AM by G
    Encore careers
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:01 AM by Victoria
    article
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:04 AM by Barbara
    I am over 50 and have been in a job search for some time now, so anything suggested here should be taken with a grain of salt. My advice to others in my position is this: rather than avoid the issue and let others draw their own conclusions, it may be better to address the issue head-on and try to influence any conclusions made regarding age and how it may impact your ability to do a particular job. For example, point out that you've experience AND the energy. Point out that the average employeee changes jobs every x (pick a number) of years and that you are prepared to work at least that many years. Point out that you are willing and expecting to work for an income level appropriate to the position...regardless of age. Point out how you will fit in and positively influence the company culture. 
     
    The idea is to make the employer think about you, the position requirements, and not let them pigeon-hole you based on real or imagined biases based on age...or any other characteristic. 
     
    The unfortunate part is that most job application and recruiter web sites do not provide much opportunity (other than a cover letter) to allow these points to be made. My job search experience has not been a good one. Most recruiters look only for checkboxes and do not take any time to identify talent.  
     
    I appreciate that Amanda made a nice effort to answer this question, but agree that the answer does not go deep enough. 
     
    For all of us 50+ job seekers, keep on trying! Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. Sometimes it's simply being in the right place at the right time. If it's possible to work hard at being lucky, then perhaps that is the right approach. Best of luck, everyone!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:14 AM by Curtis Levermore
    Nowhere did Amanda adsress the question:"What's the best way to overcome the age issue when approaching potential employers?" 
     
    Sadly, most of us over 50s have seen our retirement fade into the distance as our retirement accounts fizzled over the past few years. Our resumes betray our age, and propespective gatekeepers spike our applications because we won't be there long enough for them to wring us out. Yet most working people change jobs in less than ten years, especially younger workers, so one would think we older more stolid types would look attractive from that standpoint...but apparently not. Like the fact that everything is measured quarter to quarter, workers, even at senior manager levels are considered expendable if profits slide. 
    It isn't Amanda's age I take issue with, it is her assumption that we be resigned to having to surrender our goals and take some 'junque job' because we are approaching terminal velocity in our careers. Sorry, I'm not ready to be put out to pasture at 59...I need to rebuild my 401k for pete's sake...I can't retire for at least ten more years now. And I certainly can't take a drastic pay cut intentionally. 
     
    So, Amanda, can you answer the actual question?  
    I thought not.  
    No one can.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:15 AM by K.C.
    Good article. I am shocked at all the bitter comments posted here. Time to get out of the rat race and do something you love. To echo another comment - no wonder these people don't get jobs with such poor attitudes! (from an over 60's)
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:17 AM by Ron
    Very interesting article about 50 year old job seekers in the prime of their careers. The issue is that we are not to old, its the way companies now see looking for applicants as a secondary function of the company. They can't find good applicants because they hire a recruiting company that can't even hold their own employees. I have found many recruiters to be only as good as the information the company gives them. Then stand back because they will weed out so many canidates that are qualified for the job to meet 100% of all requirements that were given. It's to the point of comical. I submitted my resume under a false name to our recruiter and with 15 years of experience and was not even called for an initial interview with the recruiter. They system is flawed and Human Resources managers should be accountable for not understanding one of their basic job functions of speaking directly to all candidates and letting an outsource orgnaization that hires people daily that do not understand the company they are working for or their needs for a new hire canidate other than they have a degree. To which in my opinion college degree's these day's are worthless unless it is a specific degree like engineering or medicine.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:29 AM by MMatlock
    How to recareer
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:31 AM by Ven
    I am 59 and have been out of work for 9+ months. Folks, let's not focus on the age of the person who wrote this, but rather on the attitude. She is saying to present a positive face during the process and she is right. At her age she represents many of the people who are making the hiring choices. The biggest complaint I have heard is that employers see my background of upper management and figure that I will flee to that area at the first opportunity. What I am looking for is someone to offer up a suggestion as to what to say to this nonsense. Many younger people job hop constantly and that is something that needs to pointed out, delicately, to the decision-makers. Rather than criticize Amanda, how about helping each other out and get all of us back to work. If anyone can offer a suggestion on how to overcome this sizeable objection we can all benefit.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:36 AM by Terry
    The biggest hurdle here I think is that, as previously mentioned, one can no longer convene a meeting with an HR professional where you can meet face to face and have an opportunity to expound upon your skill set. The human element has been removed and we must now "talk" to computers that look for trigger words in your resume and then short-list you out of the thousands of unqualified applicants that clog up the system with their "I'll apply anyway-what's to lose" to then speak to another computer which then creates another short-list and then another and then another. The chances of you ever having an opportunity to look into the eyes of a potential employer is remote at best. Oh - and one of the disqualifying triggers is AGE or "Date of high school graduation" so if you think you'll ever make a face-to-face, forget it. Computers rule-forget people!!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:38 AM by Andrew Pink
    OK, le's give this young woman a pat on the back for even thinking of us in the 50 plus set. But as one can see from all these comments, age diiscrimination is all over the place. Not to brag -- just underline a point-- but I'm a cum laude graduate of Princeton have 20-plus years writing and editing newspapers and magazines, I've produced two Hollywood films with a well-known director that aren'thuge budget productions but are doing OK.I do Linked In, FB, PIninterst, Twitter, blah, blah. And I can't even get a job as a media relations assistant! They want the "second job out of college" types who appparently know everything about social media. Well, they may. But a monkey could learn that stuff in a week or two. But good judgment, long-term relationships, strong writing skills and common sense all take awhile to develop. And that's what those employers seem to be overlooking. Yes, these comments reveal a certain level of bitterness, but it's incredibly frustrating to be passed over time and again for someone younger with inferior qualifications.There has to be SOME way of attacking this age discrimination issue. Perhaps we should go back and study how the people in the early days of the EEOC attacked racial bias in hiring. Ideas welcome
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:46 AM by Mary E.
    I’ve been a recruiter for over 20 years and I also coach job seekers of all ages. I’ve interviewed thousands of people at all levels for large and small companies. If you are over 50, it is more important than ever to keep current, as well as exude a high level of energy and confidence. Now is the time to do everything you can to market yourself properly: on paper, on-line, and in person. You need to now how to get a recruiter’s attention and make every touch point count. It’s essential to develop a job search strategy beyond sending out resumes to ads and practicing interview responses with a relative. The job market is tight and competition is higher than ever. Therefore you need to be able to get a recruiter’s attention, plus hit a home run each time you talk over the phone and/or meet in person. Find a professional who is able to coach you on how hit those home runs.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 12:11 PM by Cathy Perez
    Ok, 50+, ; Although employed in government services and paid well because of my position, I have some safety net. But it is clear there is limited opportunity to make any type of transition without 2-3 years of income stashed. A worst case scenario of getting a job in corporate sectors and then getting cut 6-8 months later should always be in the mind given this environment. 
     
     
     
     
     
    Age discrimination will continue. The boomers are in the crunch.  
     
     
     
    But I would suggest that overseas branches of the corporations could use American ingenuity. Perhaps this is were the experience and leadership of those years will pay off. 
     
     
     
     
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 12:43 PM by Eric Godat
    One of the things I hear from Hiring Managers and HR professionals are the terms qualified and coachable. Although experienced candidates have strong credentials, I hear that they often wonder if they are coachable. Organizations want indviduals that they can mold into their culture, not tell them what their culture should be. So, for those that have a the experience, make sure it is clear in your resume on how you can change, adapt and conform to the new corporate culture and be a Team player.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 12:52 PM by Coach
    A lot of the reality checks and suggestions made here do sound both sobering and encouraging. 
     
     
     
    Nevertheless, to suggest that if every person over 50 (or over 21) follows the recommendations that they are guaranteed a position is highly unrealistic. Maybe that's what real life teaches you after X years, the accelerating rate of rejection. Even if you hit a home run at every call or highlight every accomplishment as employers allegedly say they reward, some hiring managers and persons on the hiring committee have certain biases they just can't overcome. Reality is America is not a country that values its elders; marketing is endlessly driven to the 18-to-34 crowd. 
     
     
     
    Moreover, do employers themselves ever pay attention to their own careers? Many do not, and to them certain techniques advised here borders on overkill. They themselves have these, yet they're working. You can also commit the error of doing too much, and some employers will find that threatening. 
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 12:58 PM by Justula
    A lot of the reality checks and suggestions made here do sound both sobering and encouraging. 
     
     
     
    Nevertheless, to suggest that if every person over 50 (or over 21) follows the recommendations that they are guaranteed a position is highly unrealistic. Maybe that's what real life teaches you after X years, the accelerating rate of rejection. Even if you hit a home run at every call or highlight every accomplishment as employers allegedly say they reward, some hiring managers and persons on the hiring committee have certain biases they just can't overcome. Reality is America is not a country that values its elders; marketing is endlessly driven to the 18-to-34 crowd. 
     
     
     
    Moreover, do employers themselves ever pay attention to their own careers? Many do not, and to them certain techniques advised here borders on overkill. They themselves have never used these, yet they're working. You can also commit the error of doing too much, and some employers will find that threatening. 
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:03 PM by Justula
    And now all the people look-up websites (such as Intellius, Spokeo, etc) and even google facilitates potential employers' biases and ill conjecturing by revealing all kinds of private information about you including, your age,relatives, home value, etc. A further suggestion to your article would be to ensure this information in cyberspace is cleaned up or unavailable before starting the job search. Be prepared to spend a month or two doing this; to add insult to injury, some of these websites suggest you hire companies such as reputation.com to do this job for you-appalling!!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:04 PM by Otto
    I read the article about finding work and several comments on the article, and I'd like to throw in a few opinions of my own. First, I think the article misses the point that many of us over 50 or 60 are still vital and still interested in working in the field in which we built our careers. It makes no sense to start over in another career, because then we lose the one true advantage that we have over folks just emerging from college - experience and the hard earned knowledge and skills that came with that experience. It does not matter that I cannot use Twitter or some computer applications that are unique to my field, unless the tools are more important than the knowledge gained from using them. Everything that I know about computers and computer applications I learned retroactively, and I know what I need to know to do my job. People who grew up in the generation after mine are always going to be more facile with computers than folks in my generation, because they grew up using computers. What many supervisors and the HR people who stand between electronically submitted employment applications fail to understand is that computers can put out slick products, but the products are only as good as the data fed into them. It takes knowledge to separate computer generated solutions that are credible from those that are not. It truly takes the hubris of the young and least qualified to emphasize the importance of computer skills over the ability to understand the time-tested methods for acquiring real knowledge. What does it say about our priorities when so many computer-literate people are functionally illiterate when it comes to writing reports? It is naive to state that we old-timers just need to go back to school to compete for jobs. The implication is that we stopped learning after graduating from college. Personally, I spent 10 years after college on graduate studies and more time taking short courses on subjects of interest in my field. Throw in all of the books, reports, and journal articles that I've read over the years to stay current, and you realize that learning is a life-long process. The chief weakness of this article is that it puts the onus on experienced professionals to catch up to the newbies, when really, shouldn't the newbies be trying to emulate those who came before them to learn concepts and methods that they might not even know about?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:10 PM by Art Geldon
    The flawed premise of this article is that people over 50 have already retired! Check the statistics and discover how many of us still have to work because any retirement funds have been gutted by the market crash. I will have to work until I'm 75 to save enough to 'retire' my few remaining years...so I'm STILL in the job market actively! So are many of my engineering colleagues!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:10 PM by Charles Baldwin II
    Sved Rahman contends that, "We are not prepared to accept that we need a "CHANGE" or are bold enough to even accept that past experience is "HISTORY". Talk to your prospective employer and you will not be surprised that the main reason of your rejection is your strong conviction in riding on your past experience." 
     
     
     
    I would like to challenge this assertion because the entire model of seeking and extending employment is flawed.  
     
     
     
    Why do so many people focus on their HISTORY? The entire employment recruitment system is based on that. You are asked for experience. You are asked for employment history in a job application. The latest interviewing style focuses on "behavioral interviewing," the mistaken notion that past performance is the best indicator of future results. (Sorry, yet if you've matured throughout life, you know that you're not the same person you are at age 50 that you were at 25.) 
     
     
     
    And, of course, to be fully compliant and obedient, you are asked to submit a resume, a useless document that only talks about what you did for somebody else. 
     
     
     
    The thing that needs to change is from the focus of HISTORY to the focus of PRESENT. Not too many employers are willing or even know that what they need to welcome and actually demand is replies to the question, "What can you do for me now?" 
     
     
     
    If employers stopped asking for past-oriented devices, candidates of any age would gladly submit explanations how they would do the work starting today. And whether the applicant is 26 or 62 doesn't matter. 
     
     
     
    Employers who do want to talk current job requirements and can actually do so, however, are few in number. All the more reason to appreciate the ones that do. (Reality is many employers do not know what actual job competence is!)
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:17 PM by Justula
    I have the solution! After reading your article and many of the comments, I am more convinced than ever that the only meaningful help for people over fifty getting jobs must come from government. If the Federal Government (FG) were to offer employers a meaningful tax incentives for hiring people over 55 maybe employers would reconsider their “unspoken age discrimination policy.”  
     
    Government has its benefits as well. Since so many people over 55 are going back to school and getting these easily attainable Federal loans, government should recognize that we need to work in order to pay them back. Surely, government never expected us to pay back these loans out of pensions that many of us are not even getting. 
     
    I recommend that we petition the ESC and the FG to offer persuasive tax incentives to hire people over 55 to employers of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. 
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:29 PM by Gladys Frieson
    Maybe the author is 50 but smart enough to use a 25 year old photo online. Heh.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:55 PM by Sally Vandersha
    The same disbelief and anger I felt when reading this was addressed by so many other people that I have very little to add. Except: 
    I lost my job due to a lay-off, and was happy to be out of a toxic environment. Where was it? With a nonprofit, where I landed after the economic melt-down created a change in my plans to go into consulting after 30 years of working my behind off.  
    In January when I wanted to sign up with the Ladder's program for finding a job, they wouldn't allow it because I wanted OUT of nonprofit and back into consumer goods and services.  
    I then had my resume reviewed for improvements by the Ladders, and was told that it was GREAT! they could add nothing and I was encouraged to use it.  
    It is now September, I have gotten 0 results from the resume, 0 interviews, and 0 offers.  
    I am 58 years old, won't ever retire if I can help it, and don't want to spend my entire 401K and savings to reach 66.  
    There is a HUGE issue out here in the real world with corporate perception of a 58 year old, as well as the expectation that someone at 35 has the same knowledge and expertise that comes with 30+ years of leadership.  
    I would really like to see companies like the Ladders and Linked In start to lobby for things such as the suggested tax credit for hiring over 50's or credits towards a company's cost of medical benefits for over 50's, when those price tags increase so much that the hiring group doesn't want to touch the candidate. 
    Get a grip, and re-think this article. Nonprofit is NOT the way to go to keep current; I found the 2 I worked with to be backward regarding technology, poorly led, and fiscally questionable. Additionally, they are the most political organizations ever, complete bombs for teamwork.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:01 PM by Jen Crook
    It's too bad the title of this article wasn't more well written. Very few people retire at 50 or even 60, and we are all experienced, viable employees for many companies. We are still working because we have a lot to offer. We are also still saving for our retirement. Many of us have been in "encore" jobs all our lives - Teachers, social workers, healthcare workers. There is nothing "encore"about them.  
     
    There are some good tips here, but  
    older workers still want real jobs. Experience is the factor, not age.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:14 PM by MEL
    Otto stated, "And now all the people look-up websites (such as Intellius, Spokeo, etc) and even google facilitates potential employers' biases and ill conjecturing by revealing all kinds of private information about you including, your age,relatives, home value, etc. A further suggestion to your article would be to ensure this information in cyberspace is cleaned up or unavailable before starting the job search." 
     
     
     
    So true, and that's why a number of us (myself included) post what we do anonymously. Nowadays, there is tremendous fear that anything we say or do may be held against us by any and all employers. So much for freedom of expression. 
     
     
     
    Incidentally, I've had many private conversations with employers about the very topics raised here. These talks are typically held far away from the overly choreographed false world of resumes and interviews. Some are very frustrated and would like to accelerate the hiring. Some know they too will reach that "magical" age where years are a liability. 
     
     
     
    However, once these very same employers who want to change the world for the better are thrust back into their corporate environments, all bets are off. As individuals, they've got ideas. As members dealing with group dynamics, they've got bosses to contend with and their own livelihood to think of. 
     
     
     
    So some great ideas continue to get posted anonymously. Maybe some change will happen incrementally, if only out of necessity. We dare not use our real names nor have Facebook pages because even the best intended words can be branded as "too controversial" by some employers who expect 110%+ full conformity. (Don't be fooled by the lines of "we want self-started motivated independent thinkers." That's at odds with "team players.") 
     
     
     
    At least some Millenials do say, "I've seen the corporate garbage my parents were subjected to, and I don't fall for it." Will that spirit carry over into hiring practices when they're supervisors? Mystery continues . . .
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 3:51 PM by Justula
    The solution to the very obvious age discrimination that you can't prove but knows it's happening, I contract. Don't waste your time trying to be an employee but if you are a contractor the company never knows your age as all your documentation is held by the recruiting company and cuts your checks. As long as they don't have to provide your health care (some recruiters do provide health care-some don't) and don't have to pay benefits they don't care how old you are and they never know. Take a few years of experience off your resume. Don't give information like the year you graduated. It's a dead give away. My last contract was 30 days and I took it because it brings your resume current. This contract was renewed 6 times. It was suppose to cover Chicago to Miami with 10% travel and I never left my fuzzy slippers! Get a new certification to update your resume. There are more IT jobs on the job boards today than I've seen in 10 to 12 years-so go get one of them as a contractor!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:21 PM by Shari Compton
    Hi Amenda; My name is Hung Tran, I'm 58yrs old, I worked at the Wells Fargo bank 13yrs with 6yrs in cash control. They fired me by not meeting the speeding requirement on 1/2010. I tried to apply a lot of job including teller and cashier but no one respond me. Would you please help me out.  
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:35 PM by Hung Tran
    The number of responses to this article is really eye opening to me! What we over-50 job seekers need is a media savvy spokesperson who can spread the word on all the benefits that a company can garner from hiring an experienced employee. Start with the front page of Newsweek and trickle down using social media marketing! Any takers?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:52 PM by Emme
    The number of responses to this article is really eye opening to me! What we over-50 job seekers need is a media savvy spokesperson who can spread the word on all the benefits that a company can garner from hiring an experienced employee. Start with the front page of Newsweek and trickle down using social media marketing! Any takers?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:53 PM by Emme
    Our baby boomer workforce is one of our unique natural resources that sets us apart from the rest of the world, highly experienced, educated, successful and still with a lot of gas left in the tank. With all the pressures to cut cost and improve quality, it seems logical that employers need to tap into this resource, especially where these baby boomers have social security, 401's and Medicare coming. Benefits are 30% of an employer's expense. Our company has used this strategy and has effectively grown and prospered in tough times without private equity, investors or borrowing. For all you employers out there try opening up discussions that will save you 50% on your labor costs and get your HR folks and hiring managers excited about talking to the 65 -75 group.
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:56 PM by Bullish on Baby Boomers
    Emme- 
     
     
     
    I think you're on to something. I, too, am just shocked at the number and depth of the 50+ situation. I know I've got 10 or more great years in me. Just think what that magified by several thousand would mean for us, as a nation...or, on a micro level, an organization. It's a shame our health insurance costs make us an "expensive" hire, at least from HR's eyes.  
     
    More than a shame, it's not very smart. Younger folk need our experience. At the same time, we have to stay current....lots of opportunity, it seems to me!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:50 PM by Mary E
    This article is the best example I've seen for why companies should hire workers over 50. "Still working?" "Later in life?" Are you kidding me? I'm 55, not 95, and know better than to insult my intended audience with drivel about an "encore" career or "recareering." 
     
    It might be wise to remember the over-45 crowd is currently running the world. Also, the real reason in many cases that people over 50 have a harder time finding jobs is that we expect to be paid well for our knowledge and experience. Many companies want cheap help, and despite the assertions made in this article, we are at the height of our earning power, not doddering old age. 
     
    The Ladders usually has great articles. This one not so much. How about having someone write it who's been there?
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:01 PM by Pj
    Like wow. I understand why so many of you are upset with the author: you're frustrated and angry, most likely due to unemployment, but you should not take it out on her. And many of you obviously just need to vent, and many others are looking to point a finger. Well, I am there, too: over 50 and unemployed since January, but not getting up in arms over an article written for the sole purpose of helping us, nor blaming others instead of doing more to remedy the situation. Maybe you naysayers should take a look at what you have written (in addition to what you have actually said): spelling and grammatical abound, yet you are holding yourselves out as experienced and knowledgeable. As experienced workers, one would have thought you would have learned to control your emotions and convey coherent thoughts. Was there any post offering help and suggestions?No, only the article itself. Thanks, Amanda!
    Posted @ Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:56 PM by Really
    Boy...Amanda certainly has stirred some strong emotions with this article! 
     
    For the posters who bashed her for pointing out that "recareering" or pursuing "encore careers" frequently entails a giving-back mentality or a slower paced work life - cut her some slack. She wasn't implying it was due to AGE that people chose this approach. It was because some people reach a point in life where they tire of the rat-race, have reached a point where they are financially comfortable, but still have a passion for work and therefor look for something new that may have more meaning than their previous career. Hence the about-face which may require retraining via volunteer work or internships. 
     
    Just like our ages don't impact our effectiveness on the job, DON'T dis the girl for being YOUNG. That's just reverse ageism. Shame on those of you who did so. For the topic about which she was writing, she was spot on in her advice.  
     
    And, as for age discrimination being illegal, don't kid yourselves. The easiest way to discriminate against an older worker is to not consider at ALL based solely upon the information gleaned from a resume. It is easy to leave the year of your college graduation off of your resume, but are you going to leave off ALL the years of your work experience, too? Plus, there's always the catch-all of being "over-qualified", if they should mistakenly call you in for an interview. 
     
    Here's my comment, and follow up request to Amanda: Could you please write a second piece aimed at those of us over 50, who are looking to start a new career because we NEED to, not because we want to? I am unexpectedly unemployed, and have been for several months. I am already volunteering in an effort to get training in a new career. Are there any additional tips that you may have for people who are recareering in more dire straits?
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 10:13 AM by Linda R.
    It never ceases to amaze me how many people in this world seem to view life through sh*t colored glasses. The folks out there who are certain they will persevere and good things will eventually come to them will certainly find a place where they belong and are valued; whether its in a new field or by tweaking what they already know and finding their 'Plan B". The others, who spew negativity and continually project an attitude of entitlement will constantly push away any opportunities and the companies and people who might offer them, thus experiencing the self fulfilling prophesy that for them, aging sucks. This world promises you nothing. You have only what you are able to accomplish each day. If you waste it by diving into your own private pity pot and swimming around in there, what do you expect? Stand forward, meet people, young and old, with a smile and confidence in youself. Interest in others and the world around you, a giving heart, having faith in yourself and your own abilities will draw people of like mind to you. When you focus on the positive each day and in each situation, it doesn't make the negative magically vanish from your life, it does change what takes priority in your life. A positve, confident, friendly person is ageless.  
     
     
     
    I'm 57. I have not been employed traditionally for 10 years while caring for an ill family member. I have over 30 years experience and expertise in allied health. Now I have a disease which affects my immune system and makes it impossible for me to work in places where I could be exposed to germs. By taking my own advice and allowing the positive to direct my life choices, a new alternative presented itself and an interesting 'Plan B' that allows me to take advantage of all my experience and still go into business for myself. Struggles? Of course. Is it what I planned? No. Scary? Absolutely! If I did as some of the people who have attacked the author of this article did, I would sit around, bazitch and moan, and literally drive away what could be the best part of my life. I prefer to embrace the change, even though I didn't choose it. And do the same with each new experience that is presented to me throughout the rest of my life. I don't plan on retiring. Ever. And when I look back at the end of my life, I hope to see that my positive experiences far outweigh the negative; and that only happens by consciously choosing the positive. This is not a Pollyanna ideal. Adopting this attitude promotes a lower blood preassure, reduces the incidence of most types of cancer and heart disease and smiling gives you less wrinkles than scowling. We each choose our destiny, even if we aren't aware of it. Blessings, Mari
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 11:05 AM by Mari Adatha
    Hi everyone. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. You’ve given me a ton of great feedback. 
     
    Right away, I want to apologize if any of you felt this post was condescending. That was never my intention. 
     
    I also apologize if my introduction of this post wasn’t clear: This isn’t an article about competing with younger job seekers. I was answering the specific question submitted by the job seeker, which was about changing careers or industries to find “more meaningful work” now that he/she is around retirement age. This article provides useful tips to help take that step. 
     
    To all of you who asked about tactics for competing against younger job seekers, that’s a tough but very important topic. I’ll be posting about that soon.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 12:12 PM by Amanda Augustine
    This was an excellent article and excellent responses, but as often as I reinvent myself after 20 years in fundraising and pr, as before that retail sales, the age discrimination still comes into the final picture. But I still think remaining positive is key to getting a job. As they say, "keep on trucking" I still feel as young as forty.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 12:33 PM by susan kern
    While I would like to change my focus, I do still need to earn a living and likely will for another 10-15 years as I still am the sole support of two grade school aged children. I think this article assumes that those over 50, who used to be seen as being in their prime earning years, are now seen as being "over the hill." In addition, my choice of career lead to long training, not completed until age 35. So, are we now expected to be able to support ourselves and family for 50+ years on the earnings of 15 years or end up destitute? And what about the costs of preparing our children with an education so that they can achieve? I fully expected and want to work until late 60s or 70s. I half-jokingly say that my mantra is "60 is the new 40" because that is truly how I feel, and most who don't know my true age guess it at least a decade younger, but nevertheless the market seems to only want those fresh out of training, while at the same time bemoaning the shortage of qualified specialists. 
     
    Life expectancy has increased, so we must prepare for a longer future. And, many of us have primarily what we have saved for retirement to rely on, with the losses in the market adversely affecting this.  
     
    I do think one has to keep a positive attitude and be able to adapt to changes, but I also think that society needs to once again appreciate the contributions of its elders. Experience does have value. Rejecting it will only condemn the next generation to repeat the mistakes of the previous.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 12:40 PM by Margaret Wacker
    This question is not asking for advice on how to find "an encore career."  
    Amanda may be dense or unskilled -- either way, this is a fluffy response and it sounds like Amanda should look for a lightweight job and Ladders should provide a columnist with heft to offer real advice, as asked.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 12:42 PM by P Pierce
    I found the article interesting but not very practical,I changed careers 25 years ago. it took a lot of hard work and determination but I succeeded, but I was 25 years younger. I don't have the luxury anymore of working one job during the day and preparing for another one by going to classes every night - nor do I want to - I like the area I work in - I just need a way to make a supervisor with 10 years experience understand that just because I have 25 years in his same career area, that I am perfectly and gladly willing to work for and support him - how do you break down that barrier? and how do you convince some nameless, faceless person from filing any resume for someone with over 30 years of professional experience in the round file immediately? If you have any magic words - I'd like to hear them. I worked with the Ladders to redo my resume - the first person I actually showed it to said the first part is nice but too vague and I was encouraged to show only the last few jobs - great, but I have been licensed in my area for over 25 years and I only show you less than 10 years of experience (even though the other experience was far more impressive) what does the potential employer think I did all those other years? Let all of my education and experience get stale?
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 12:49 PM by Glenda M
    Over 50 and searching for work = Encore Career as per Amanda. Seriously? Hey Mark! Do you want us to pay for this? 18 months out of work in a shrinking healthcare associated industry. Highly paid, specific technical training, with many competitors applying for the same few positions. My solution, branch out and use my universal skills and apply them to existing available positions. Bad economic climate, 54 years old, and former pay is twice what employers want to pay means even if I get the interview, I don't receive an offer. Your solution, ask Amanda who offers trading down your career expectations and work for nothing for non-profits. That's not a solution, but a distraction. It reminds me of a statement I read from you;"How is what you are doing helping to get you a job?" I can honestly say the article was a total waste of time, but it did serve to remind me that no matter how much networking I do or service work I perform, I am in this all by myself. Thanks a lot.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 1:09 PM by Dave Glise
    I am an employment counselor (a seasoned one, may I add) and allow me to say really quickly that if you folks who took the opportunity to tear down Amanda for looking young, or to cry about how life, employers, whomever, has treated you badly or discriminated against you-- if you take that same attitude into any other part of your life (and if you did it here, you're doing it elsewhere, realize it or not), there is good reason why you're not getting back to work. Nobody wants to hire a problem. So to you I say with no reservation: GET OVER IT! You won't get back to work until you do! 
     
     
     
    How do I know? Don't judge me before you know-- I've been there myself. I know firsthand of which I speak. And I walk my mature jobseekers through the same paths every day. So this is my three-word sermon, and I will repeat it: GET OVER IT!
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 1:40 PM by Kim M
    We’ve been forced to remove some comments for violating our blog terms of use. 
     
    We encourage healthy discussion and feedback. However, any inappropriate or offensive comments will be removed. 
     
    Please view our blog terms of use if you have questions. 
    http://info.theladders.com/terms-of-use-for-theladders-blogs
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 1:50 PM by Amanda Augustine
    Seriously, stop bitching and leave the author alone. Although she would make a great encore wife, lol! 
    Grow some balls and compete everyone! Ideation and some blood sweat and tears will move the needle. You have all done business modeling, marketing plans and ROI analysis...for all those Fortune 500 companies, right? Then translate ur skill sets to ur own business. Leverage and learn new ways to "grow up"....screw corporate downsizing and screw how tough it is at 50 something! Dig your heals in and develop your own business plan and put a timeline to execute every phase of it..."the harder you work the luckier you get"....read today's USA Today. Zappi's co- founder at thirty something is going to re- invent downtown Vegas. Does he have more vision than any of you? He executed a terrific business idea and now that affords him this kind of opportunity...which he believes of the challenge as being very much attuned to his Zappo enterprise....he is leveraging successful experience and skills to a new venture....at 50 or 69 are you lacking in that brain trust...has nothing to do with digital technology...we are not being left behind or we are if we let it...wake up! 
    Now about that encore wife, ummm. 
    Clay
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 2:34 PM by Clay
    Sure can tell a lot about people by their responses to this article. Although the author may be young, her comments, research and advice is the best I have ever seen and I have been a very succesful Human Resource executive for over 45 years and semi-retired since 2004 due to LBO's. Wish I could say that I followed her advice but has been hit or miss as clearly takes more work than may seem. Bottom line...great article and advice for those who take responsibility for their lives!
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 3:35 PM by Kenneth "Mike" Shrader
    the percentage of commennters tht get it wrong amazez me. at 63, unemployed for8 months, a permanent disability(shoulder) a negative family member I should be depresed, BUT I have to be positive even though you can se the hiring person's face fall when the see the GRAY hair on the person they called in for an interview. Plus any application that has DOB on it is not legal to ask that and you do not have to respond to it
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 4:19 PM by Kenneth Inman
    Truly one of the most inane and insipid statements on job searching I have ever read. You are advocating the “dumbing down” of qualified people.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 6:49 PM by H Grumb
    To criticize the author of this article because of age is a sign of immaturity. It also reinforces the stereotype that older workers are not ready to accept a younger person as their boss. Qualifications for leadership are not primarily based on age but other more relevant factors like charisma, skill, intelligence and yes maturity, which doesn't necessarily correlate to age.  
     
    What I personally find more frustrating in the hiring process is the seeming lack of readiness by HR professionals and hiring companies to be much more open minded and less wedded to the old rule book. Even in the rare case where an in person interview materializes the same formula seems to be applied to anyone irrespective of individual background and personal experience. Anyone who doesn't fit the mold is eliminated from the hiring process, often irrespective of age but combined with the age factor it makes success in landing a position even more remote. 
     
    Even with the so often talked about "modern skills" the disadvantage remains. As someone who has been at the forefront of web technology as well as social media and with a passion for anything related to web based innovations like mobile apps, I still encounter the basic stereotype that someone of my age couldn't possibly "get it"in these areas. 
     
    Personally, I have long given up on finding employment following the well trodden path and focus on opportunities as a self-employed consultant. While this is far from an easy path and produces less stable income, it at least allows me a degree of freedom hard to find as an employee. Having said that, even as an independent contractor it is hard to compete against people often half may age and with less relevant business experience.  
     
    What needs to change if the present disappointing employment situation is to improve, is more open minded people in charge of the hiring process who are ready and able to think outside the proverbial box and take a chance rather than ticking off boxes on a hiring work sheet.  
     
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 7:00 PM by Joe Buhler
    You make a good suggestion. Is going back to the corporate culture really what you want? You never want to burn bridges when you leave. What I did, since I knew many of my corporation's intimate needs, I rented myself back to them on an as needed basis. I make twice the money as an independent contractor, work 3 days a week, continue to create a need for me, and don't have the corporate politics to deal with each day. So, go create your own value proposition and sell it back to others.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 7:53 PM by Retread
    The comments posted certainly demonstrate that this is an area of great diversity in terms of circumstances and challenges that folks face. I think Amanda's advice is a foundation upon which each individual needs to build according to their personal situation and circumstances. I'm 57 soon to be 58 and contemplating a career change. Fortunately, it's my decision and not the other way around. It's tough no matter what! Good luck to all those out there looking to make the transition. Several comments were right on target, the one asset every employer seeks is a Positive Attitude.
    Posted @ Thursday, September 20, 2012 10:34 PM by
    Amanda, you just did not answer the question you posed.
    Posted @ Monday, September 24, 2012 1:47 PM by
    You may have some good ideas for those older people who are ready to retire, but I am 59, got downsized from my mangement position in 2009 at age 56 and am no where near ready to retire. 
     
    I plan on working till I am at least 70. However, my age is not working for me very well in trying to land a new management position. I wish it would have only taken me 18 months, but it has been a lot longer. Still working "contract" positions through Kelly Eng. Services making about 1/2 of what I used to make while I am still actively seeking a new management position. Encore career can wait till I am retired, with a wife and a son in graduate school don't have time for volunteer or work for free. Have I run into "age discrimination" most certainly, but I will get past it one way or the other.  
     
    Writer needs to wake up and smell the lousy economy we have going on and talk real.
    Posted @ Thursday, October 04, 2012 1:35 PM by Ed
    @ED: The economy is like that because manufacturing has been driven out by the enviro-nazis and because we have spent money on pointless issues instead of development of our industrial position and exported our industry to the commies in China. 
    Now wait for the carbon tax etc. and we have a new public servants paradise where we all are cutting each others hair and toenails to make a living, or we all are making chips - namely fish and chips.
    Posted @ Saturday, October 06, 2012 4:33 PM by Rabe
    The opinion that we 50+ should "give back to the community" by "volunteering for free" and doing "something social" is already very telling about the underlying ideology of the self appointed world improvers. They think we have stolen our money from "the community" and now need to "give back". 
    As an immigrant from Germany I know what this is, we had it in East Germany for 50 years. It is called commies.
    Posted @ Saturday, October 06, 2012 4:59 PM by Rabe
    It would be refreshing to hear what (if anything) The Ladders or other employment agencies or recruiters are doing to help combat age discrimination, such as pitching the qualities of older workers or discouraging attempts to limit recruits to young workers. I have read repeatedly in the column and elsewhere that age discrimination does exist...so why don't you help do something about it? Thank you.
    Posted @ Friday, October 19, 2012 2:39 PM by Carla
    Amanda, 
    While you give plenty of good tips for those of us over 50 ( I will be 60 this mo)that would have worked 10 yrs ago, the fact is age discrimination is beyond rampant. I was laid off from the financial services industry in 2008 and despite resumes sent to half of world, not a single in face interview except with one recruiter who told me to look for volunteer work. Why--I believe the line that asks what year you graduated college is it. Every single application, from sales associate at a retail store to management consultant at a big 3 acct firm asks that question. Then there is the other discrimination. Which B-school did you go to and there is a pull-down list. Your school not on the list, can't finish the application. 
    The only way I have survived, (technically I am financially wiped out and would have lost my house except for family borrowing) has been to cobblestone "independent" work with pushing on professional colleagues for short term projects. I don't know a single person my age who was laid off after 2007 and has gotten a full time regular salaried position. Not a one--despite retooling, new professional certifications and the rest of the blah blah blah. 
     
    No one wants to pay for a salaried professional these days. Washington should wake up to the fact that socialist policy and practice has wiped prospects for the 50-65 yr old demographic 
     
    Posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2012 6:56 AM by Sherry
    want a job
    Posted @ Friday, December 21, 2012 11:54 AM by venkat john
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