Becky was telling me about a recent job interview at a local technology firm that left her frustrated and confused. She described her interviewer as a “girl” half her age who dressed casually, asked unexpected questions and spoke in shorthand. As an older worker, Becky is not alone in her reaction to the traits and behavior observed in “the younger generation”. But understanding new ways of communicating and working can really help older workers in their job search. Read More
How the Hidden Job Market Works
Are you skeptical about the hidden job market, or maybe not even sure what it is? It sounds a little mysterious, but the hidden job market is real and it does work to help get people hired. Read More
Help! I Have No Online Presence!
A job seeker asks “What is online presence and why do I need it to find a job?” In today’s job search, you can have great qualifications and excellent connections, but without online presence, you may be overlooked. Online presence is your value displayed and expressed online. It’s what people find when they search on your name. It’s how recruiters and hiring managers notice your expertise and how you show your value to others in your industry. Read More
3 Quick Things to Shake Up Your Job Search
Feeling stuck in your job search? Here are three quick things to do right now that will revitalize your search and get you back on track: Read More
Answering: Why Do You Want this Job?
The interview question “Why do you want this job” or “Why do you want to work here?” is a variation on “What interests you about this position and our company?” In a dating situation, this is the equivalent of “Why me?” or “Why are you interested in me?” Your answer should be about why this employer is unique and special in your mind and how your skills are a match to their needs. Read More
Job Search Lessons from the College Admissions Season
Across the country high school seniors are receiving college admissions decisions this month. It’s an exciting and nerve-wracking time following months or even years of preparation and work. In many ways, the college admissions process is similar to job search. If you’ve been through the roller coaster ride of college admissions, or helped your teen through, there are lessons there that apply to job search. Read More
When You Don’t Get Your Dream Job
When I was in my late teens, my dad took me out to buy my first car. We found the perfect one, a rust colored Ford Pinto hatchback. (Does this date me at all?) I was so excited, but on the way to take a second look and make an offer, my dad said, “Never fall in love with the car. You want a great car, and you are going to have a great car. There are lots of them out there. But don’t think THIS car is the perfect one, the only one that will make you happy.” Of course I fell in love with the car and my dad had to drag me away when we couldn’t reach an agreement with the salesman. Later we ended up buying a Pinto station wagon. In my mind, it wasn’t nearly as cool as the hatchback and the color (“flesh” as we called it) was nowhere as awesome as the rust. But in time I saw it was rather ideal, the station wagon offering much greater cargo space during my frequent moves in those years. Read More
How to Network Wherever You Go
My friend Dee and I were snowshoeing a few weeks ago, when we ran into a man with an infant in a baby back pack and a dog at his side. We stopped to chat, admiring him for snowshoeing alone with his little one, asking how the baby liked the ride on daddy’s snowshoes. Dad mentioned that he snowshoes often to clear his head and solve creative problems for his web services business. Dee asked about the business then mentioned she has a friend looking for web services. Before you knew it, Read More
Working with Employment Agencies
Many job seekers work with placement agencies or temp agencies to increase the reach and effectiveness of their job search. There are some advantages to this, but also reasons to be cautious. News coverage of poor treatment and even scams by agencies has some job seekers wary.
Here are some good reasons to work with an agency: Read More
Frustrating Job Search? Don’t Play the Blame Game
When you face a job search setback, such as not getting hired after an interview, where do you place the blame? The economy? Your age, race or gender? The foolishness of hiring managers? Blaming external factors over which you have little control may be convenient, but it probably does little to Read More