Toronto ExecuNet Speaker, Bojan Pavlovic
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Are you concerned about your age in your job search?
Hardly a day passes in my Career Management Practice without hearing “I’m too old; I feel I’m being discriminated!” Yes sadly, discrimination exists everywhere but there could also be a number of external issues inhibiting you from advancing in your career.
Despite your maturity, you can bring a wealth of talent to a potential employer. I heard recently that 55 is the new 40!
Here are some strategies I recommend to assist the mature job seeker meet their goals and simplify the search.
1. Reinvigorate Your Resume
Does your resume portray yourself to the optimum? A combination format is generally the best format to choose to emphasize your personal brand, soft and hard skills and a comprehensive list of accomplishments in each appointment. Summarize the early part of your career and show the dates! This is an honest document, your are building trust and credibility with a future employer. If the dates are omitted red flags are activated!
2. Evaluate your position in life
This is the time to take stock of your past and look to the future. What are your personal and professional goals, skills values, interests and individual traits? What is so special about you at this stage of life? Why should I employ you? What is your differentiator? What exactly do you want to do? Too many questions to answer? Seek help from a Career Coach.
3. Stay Positive
Staying focused and positive is a major component of job search success. Career transition at any time is stressful, however in latter years emotions run deeper with more at stake. Anger, rage and frustration can take a huge toll on one’s morale and can consume you. Seek professional advice, read personal development books or listen to motivational CDs.
4. Become a Subject Matter Expert
The market is fierce and competitive; you have to position and market yourself as a winner! Everyone has their areas of strength. Are you an expert? If not, increase your visibility by writing, presenting, optimizing social media messaging and consulting, relaying a consistent message of knowledge in a particular area. Try to support the designated area of expertise with references ready to articulate your area of proficiency.
5. Networking, Networking and Networking
You cannot have too much networking a very important ingredient to your career, business and personal success. After an extensive career, your network should be comprehensive but do you maintain and nurture it? Are all your contacts ready to help you? Don’t hold back in asking your network for help. They might need your help some day! Be diligent in your approach to spend valuable time with people who can provide influential leads.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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