Ep. 093: Job Search Strategies for Older Workers with Jacob Share

Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

If you are an older job seeker, you have probably wondered if your age has been a factor in not getting an interview or a job offer for a position you wanted.Ageism is a very real thing, but not every rejection is due to age discrimination. Guest Jacob Share says being the right cultural fit for a position is the most important factor in your being invited into an organization. People want to hire people they will enjoy being around on a day-to-day basis.If you are finding it difficult to get an interview, Jacob recommends using LinkedIn as a tool to find other people who have similar characteristics and experience. Observe which companies have hired them and reach out to current and past employees. Ask for a copy of their resume so you know exactly what type of information the company is looking for. Many positions in today’s job market are filled by personal or professional referrals, so networking can be an important aspect of your job search.We discussed tactics you can try to squash common concerns a company may have about your age:

• Your experience may merit a higher salary than the company has budgeted for.
• • During the interview, state how your experience can add up to cost savings in other areas.
• They may be looking for a long-term employee and think you could retire soon.
• • Make it known you intend to grow with the company and describe your loyalty to previous companies.
• You may not be able to work for someone younger than you.
• • Cite examples of how you are already working with younger people.

This Week’s Guest: Jacob Share

Jacob Share is the founder of JobMob, an award-winning blog that serves a global audience. His site offers straight-talking advice based on Jacob’s own experiences finding jobs in the United States, Canada, France, and Israel.

Get Jacob’s resource, The Midlife Job Search Report, for free when you become a JobMob insider. Jacob is working on a new book and a group coaching service.

Ben’s Job Search Resource: Comparing Cultures

Ben’s resource this week is an alternative to Glassdoor.com and Salary.com. Comparably.com is a tool to help you find salary ranges by job title, location, and by employer. Comparably excels at figuring out the culture of the organization.

Find Your Dream Job Listener Question: Getting Unstuck

Becky, Ben, Jessica, and Mac offer advice to Michelle Stevens from Portland. Michelle asks, “How do I keep from getting pigeonholed into roles I do well but don’t want to remain in?”

These segments are sponsored by Mac’s new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere. The book offers practical, actionable, and proven tools to help you get clear about your career goals, find hidden jobs, and ace your next interview. Get the first chapter of this useful resource free.

Be a part of the Find Your Dream Job podcast! Join in:

• Ask your job-related question! Email it to [e-mail], or leave us a message at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive either a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere.
• Share your best job resource with our listeners! Send your resource to [e-mail], and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.
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Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.