So staying up to date is crucial, not only with trends and certifications in your industry but with technology. Fortunately, “I find most senior executives are doing all they can to stay up to date, including using social media and keeping up with the tech tools that keep coming onto the scene,” she said.
Don’t assume a straight line
It’s a wise move for people over the 50 mark to take aptitude tests to make sure that their interests and aptitudes still meet the needs of the industry they are aiming for. This can easily be done by industrial psychologists, who use a standard package of tests to measure aptitude and motivation, said Warren Lundy of Feldman Daxon.
Even if you are up to date, there can be a lot of competition for the job you do and it might be wise to examine shifting to a niche in more demand. “People who have spent their whole life in line positions with big companies are particularly prone to thinking the only thing they are suited to is more of the same,” Mr. Lundy said. “But you’ve got to realize that, in a large organization, there may be hundreds of younger employees who are looking to move into vacant management roles.”
A better alternative might be to look at a smaller organization, especially one that is fast growing and has a predominantly young staff, that would value someone with experience in putting together projects and has skills that can help the company grow, he said.
Make maturity an advantage
In an interview, older candidates should pre-emptively manage the age issue by presenting it as a plus. “People don’t hire you because of your tenure, they hire you for what you can do for them. Translate your years into results,” Mr. Lundy said. “Present tangible evidence rather than philosophy. You’ve got a track record and have had a history of solid performance. You are not one to take on a commitment and not fulfill it.”
Employers are also likely to respond to the fact that you may be less distracted by family issues than people in mid-career might be.
Be willing to flex
“I’m finding there is a lot of demand for people in their 50s and 60s who are open to contract work,” Mr. Lundy said. Often, a contract role or consultant assignment can turn into full-time position, Mr. Lundy said.
“When you interview for these jobs, the best advice is to focus on the nitty-gritty of the unique value you can offer immediately. Don’t try to be all things to everybody. Once you are in the door, you can show your breadth.” Recently, he had a client who took a short consulting contract for a product launch, “and when they found out that he was a CA, the client started asking him to help develop the business plan, and it turned into a great full-time opportunity.”
Appearances count
You can’t hide your age but you should be doing what you can to not draw attention to it, Mr. Kearns said.
