For senior job seekers, the best strategy is to frame your decades of experience as a massive asset while refreshing your modern skills. Focus on demonstrating tech-savviness, customizing your resume for specific applications, and leveraging a strong professional network. [1, 2, 3] (MN Career Force, Goodwill, Allworth Financial)
Key Strategies to Stand Out
- De-age Your Resume & LinkedIn: Do not list high school graduation dates or experience from more than 10 to 15 years ago. Keep the focus on recent achievements, software proficiencies, and relevant roles. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] (LinkedIn, MonsterJob Search, iHire, Facebook, USAging)
- Emphasize Adaptability: Highlight your resilience, ability to mentor younger staff, and eagerness to learn new technologies. Frame your application as a proposal that solves the company’s specific problems. [1, 2, 3, 4] (Goodwill, Dept of Labor-NY, Australian Seniors)
- Tap Into Your Network: Utilize your deep industry connections. The majority of senior-level roles are filled through word-of-mouth rather than posted on public job boards. [1] (The National Council on Aging (NCOA))
- Update Your Interview Persona: Project high energy and enthusiasm. Have thoughtful questions prepared to ask the interviewer to demonstrate active engagement. [1, 2] (Workforce Solutions Panhandle, Dept of Labor-NY)
Local Arizona Resources
For targeted assistance and training, take advantage of the following programs and services available in Yavapai County:
- ARIZONA@WORK: Visit the ARIZONA@WORK Yavapai County page to find local job centers (locations in Prescott, Cottonwood, and Prescott Valley) where you can get help with career planning, skill development, and resume building. [1, 2, 3] (Arizona@Work, Reddit, The National Council on Aging (NCOA))
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): If you are aged 55 or older and unemployed, this paid job-training program matches you with local non-profit and government agencies to help you build modern skills. You can contact the AARP Foundation sub-grantee at (602) 841-0403 or learn more directly via the Arizona Department of Economic Security. [1, 2, 3] (U.S. Dept of Labor, Arizona Dept of Economic Security, FindHelp.org)
- National Resources: Don’t forget to explore job-hunting tools specifically tailored to mature professionals on the AARP Job Board. [1] (AARP)
There is an interesting PDF brochure from the U.S. Aging organization titled “Employment Options: Tips for Older Job Seekers” which is available by clicking this link that will take you directly to the PDF – https://www.usaging.org/files/Older_Jobseekers_Brochure.pdf
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NALS does not have a partnership with any of the above organizations. The information given is readily available online and we are merely providing links to these articles, companies and organization for informational purposes only.