Training Tips
Welcome to the Job Search Tips Page of OurExperienceCounts.com.We have gathered lots of hints and tips focused directly on you, the experienced job seeker. If you have other tips or hints you feel your fellow mature job searchers can use, please send them to us, and we will publish them in this section.
Tips for getting started in your job search:
-> Make sure your computer skills are current. If not, you can find inexpensive classes at many community centers, locals Y’s, or community colleges.
-> Make a list of companies that you would like to work for. Even if there are no positions available, this exercise will help you focus in on what type of position you should target.
-> Do an emotional inventory to be sure you have resolved any negative feelings you may have about your previous position. A counselor, trusted friend or former colleague can often provide insight as to what emotions you knowingly, or otherwise, present when the topic comes up.
-> Make a simple project plan you can use to make progress on your search, even on days you don’t feel particularly motivated.
Take our free Quiz : Assess your readiness to start your job search – Are You Really Ready to Begin Your Job Search
Please take our series of complimentary workshops to “Get Your Job Search Started Right”:
- Ready
- Prepare for a Quick Start
- Get Set – Understanding Today’s Job Market
- Job Search Action Plan- Your Tool Kit
- Go! Search Success – What are the Phases?
Want to learn more? Read about our complimentary workshops.
Resume Tips:
-> Never put your date of birth, high school or college graduation date, or any other date which will date you, on your resume.
-> Never go back more than 12 – 15 years on your resume. As far as most employers today are concerned, any experience beyond that may as well have been in the Stone Age.
-> Create your resume in a modular format. Always highlight the accomplishments that most closely match the position you are targeting.
-> Mimic the same exact words in your resume that were used in the job posting. This will ensure the recipient, and the scanning software, can easily identify the specific position you are targeting.
Take our Resume Workshop: “A Winning Resume Does Not Need to Cost a Fortune”, to learn how to create a resume that will move you to the next step in the hiring process.
Want to learn more: Read why should not spend $100’s to get your resume done.
Interviewing Tips:
-> Dress professionally for an interview. Never show up looking like an “old fart” trying to appear young and hip. Doing that will lose you the job as soon as you walk into the door.
If you go into an interview and the interviewer appears to be the same age as your youngest kid, you need to make them feel comfortable that you can work with them. Treat them as equals.
-> Never bring up the subject of your children or grandchildren in an interview. Keep your conversation about business. Personal info can be exchanged once you have the job.
-> Never say anything negative about previous companies that you have worked for or bosses that you have had. By being negative about your past work experiences, you give the impression that you will be negative about this job as well. We all have had many years of work experience, some good and some bad.
-> Although it is illegal to directly ask, many interviewers will indirectly try to ask you questions about your health. Don’t take that as an invitation to tell them all about your last operation. One, they don’t need to know, and two, our younger competitors and/or interviewers, seldom find the topic interesting.
Networking Tips:
-> You’ve been in the job force for many years. You’ve met lots of people. Now is the time to swallow your pride and get re-acquainted with them. You never know who can help you, unless you ask. Don’t be shy – ask.
-> If some approaches you for help, always help in any way you can. This may not be exactly scientific, but good karma does really come around.
-> Join something. Find a group that you would like to be part of and join. Many organizations, especially in these times, reduce the cost of membership and events if you just ask. Remember, social gatherings are great networking opportunities, too. Always be ready with a business card so people will be able to locate you for a follow-up conversation.
