Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from a recent session with Kristin Speer of Accelerated Search Consulting.
This week, Kris Speer shared an e-mail she received from a NETSHARE member that addresses a problem that is common to everyone over a certain age. The e-mail reads:
I am 52 years old and look younger than many 52 year old men. I have heard the following comments as I have continued my search and wonder if I am only kidding myself that Corporate America would be interested in my talents:
· "We typically hire younger talent and grow from within."
· "You are really overqualified for the position available."
I spent the majority of my career in real estate management, acquisitions and development; however, the current economic climate has caused a significant contraction within the residential and multi-family real estate markets and it could be 3 to 5 years before we see any substantial gains in activity. What strategy would you recommend I take to obtain a reasonably rewarding position in Corporate America? Are there particular industries that seek experienced talent from outside their industry?
As Kris reminded everyone on the call, the concept of retiring at age 55 to 60 is a thing of the past. With added longevity, workers have to work longer to support a longer retirement plan. Where retirement typically lasted 10 to 15 years, now it lasts from 15 to 30 years or longer.
For older job seekers, when you apply for a job that you can perform in your sleep it’s bound to raise questions. And you need to be ready with answers that will satisfy the hiring executive on the other side of the desk. Consider this response. Yes, you have climbed the corporate ladder. You’ve worked the 100 hours a week to reach your goals. You’ve competed and won in the corporate world. You have done everything that has been expected of you and come out on top, so now it’s time to do what you want. You have taken stock of your expertise and your career and determined what it is you truly love to do, and the position you are applying for will not only afford you an opportunity to do the work, but it will allow you to make a contribution to a company that you respect and believe in.
Your goal now is to share your expertise and help the company reach its next level. You plan to be there for the long run, and not just make a quick stop before moving to something else. You want to build something, and mentor others along the way.
This argument may not sway everyone, but it gives you a solid response to questions that are bound to arise. Who knows, you may change the perceptions of some hiring managers with open minds.
