9 Mistakes Boomers Make In Their Job Search

 

 

 by Randy Block.

“I just want a job” is a familiar refrain I hear at my presentations; usually from someone with gray hair. My reply is: “Apply at Costco, Home Depot or Target – and get at least 30 hours for the benefits”.

You know how challenging the job market is out there. In my work with Boomers, claim expertise about the job search process.  But their execution is less than stellar – far less.

The Nine Mistakes Most Boomers Make:

1. Relying heavily on email as your primary communication tool during your job search. People hide behind their emails. When you have the mobile number, explore texting. Another way is to send resume via snail mail. Extensive use of email will date you. Younger managers respond far quicker to texting than email.
2. Asking for directions to navigate to the place of the interview – or anywhere. GPS is here to stay – use it, or get current maps.

 

3. Ignoring social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. are here to stay. If you are not a member of LinkedIn, you don’t exist. Just posting in a resume is a turnoff. Most resumes are not written well enough.
4. In problem solving, thinking and making a case for an answer that worked in “their day” and believing it will work now. Business conditions change too fast for previous solutions to work today.
5. Thinking that any experience prior to 2008 is totally relevant. Be careful here. I don’t think anyone really cares what you did in 1998. It dates you.
6. Making full time employment the sole means for paying your bills. You expect that your 6-figure job will return in the next few months. The closer you get to age 60, the tougher it gets. After 60, your best two options are to start your own company or become an advisory consultant.
7. Looking for that last long term employment position until retirement. No organization can offer you job security. They will remain loyal to you for as long as they need you.
8. Believing that you are “too old” to help solve problems. With a good relevant brand in hand, you need to network with decision makers. See if there is a match and then decide if the position is full time, part time or short-term contract.

 

9. Assuming that the corner office and other “treasured perks from the past” will be prized by the younger professional.

To recap:

Relationship building is critical. WIIFM (What’s in it for me) is alive and well. If there is a match between an organization’s needs and your relevant skills, then there is a match. Then and only then you can decide if the working relationship will be full time, part time or short-term contract.

Hustle, humility and flexibility are key for a boomer looking to create revenue.