Job search tips for people over 40

By Jaime A. Heidel


In a cutthroat world of layoffs, downsizing and unemployment, it's important for jobseekers over 40 to stay one step ahead of the game. Though jobseekers over the age of 40 often face a different set of challenges than their younger counterparts, they also bring a lot to the table.

The Biggest Challenges for Jobseekers Over 40

If you're a jobseeker over 40, you know how frustrating the job hunt can be. There's no doubt you face different challengers than younger candidates.

Higher Compensation Demands

When you're young, unattached and newly graduated, you can take just about any job that comes along with little regard to pay, benefits or perks. However, when you've got a family to support, things are a bit different. Jobseekers over 40 often command a much higher pay rate than younger workers and expect a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their family.
While understandable, these factors may prevent more experienced workers from successfully competing with younger candidates. It's a catch 22. The company you're interested in needs your experience and education but wants your salary expectations to be that of a 20-year-old. It can be very frustrating, not to mention demoralizing.

Social Networking and Technology Deficits

In order to stay current, corporations are using social networking and new technology. Some jobseekers over 40 are reluctant to learn the latest technology and methods of communication, which may cost them a job opportunity. To be competitive with younger jobseekers stay up on current trends.

Family Obligations

Workers over 40 tend to be settled down with families to support and schedules to maintain. Employers who need workers after normal business hours may be reluctant to hire someone they perceive as being inflexible about overtime and travel. If you're able to be flexible maker sure a potential employers know that.

Being "Overqualified"

According to Tom Bodin of OI Partners, "One of the biggest apprehensions employers have about experienced workers is that they will leave when a job with a higher salary is offered to them. Jobseekers over 40 need to demonstrate how their background, skills, and experience will provide the necessary solutions to solve problems and increase revenue so that everyone's salaries will increase."
In other words, employers want to see what you can bring to the table, what you can do to improve the overall performance and operation of a company. Being "overqualified" can be turned into a very strong asset if you can prove your ability to benefit the company as a whole and that you won't be keeping an eye out for new options that may become available down the road.

The Strongest Assets Jobseekers Over 40 Have to Offer - See the assets and the complete article for more tips