Over 55 or under, some truths about a successful job search

According to a recent Reuters article, a study conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute shows that record numbers of workers over 55 now plan to work until age 69. Dept of Labor projections are quoted as indicating that the 55+ population will account for an astounding nearly 93% net increase in the U.S. Civilian Labor Force between 2006-2016.

Those are significant numbers, and older workers need special help succeeding in the current economy. This article has much that they would be advised to take to heart. However not to discount the plight of older workers cracking the employment nut, I saw much in this article that I found true and useful for younger job seekers as well.

The article lists "The Significant Seven" most common mistakes older Americans make when they are looking for a job as evidenced by various types of faulty thinking.

I meet lots of younger folks who fall into the same flawed thinking. I recommend whatever your age you question if you are making any of these fatal assumptions: (I've added my notes after each of the seven)

1. "I"ll just do what I did before."

(reality: ALL work evolves rapidly, especially in a time of radical cost-cutting.)

2. "My experience speaks for itself."

(reality: NO ONE's experience speaks for itself right now. Even your "letter-sweater" experience needs a more readable resume and positioning in a field glutted with extraordinary talent.)

3. "I don't have time for this touchy-feely stuff about what work means to me."

(reality: in a market where readily available talent far outstrips demand, passion for the work itself and/or the product will be the decider between you and the other qualified candidates.)

4. "I know! I'll just be a consultant."

(reality: it just takes clients. Have you kept a vital network of potential clients to call on, and do you know what unique value proposition you are offering them? Hmm, same steps needed to conduct a job search, but over and over again...)

5. "Of course I'm good with computers."

(reality: use of technology in business and hiring has evolved extremely rapidly. Almost anyone who has been holding down a full time job rather than following this evolution is out-of-date. "Good with computers" no longer just means processing data in Word and Excel; it increasingly means engaging in conversation about the implications of data via LinkedIn, Facebook, blogs, Twitter...)

6. "I'll just use a recruiter for some career coaching."

(reality: recruiters don't do career coaching, they sell you what they have clients buying. And they do not have clients buying right now. The recruiting industry has shed jobs widely and is rapidly evolving too.)

7. "I've always been successful, so why should things be different now?"

(reality: we are in a different economic condition and have experienced rapid and widespread job losses as well as increased competition. Thinking it SHOULD be different than it is, is not as helpful as acknowledging how things ARE.)

OK, enough of the bad news. I really try to focus on the positive in my blog.

There were five tips for 55+ job seekers that I agree with wholeheartedly, and also feel are quite relevant at any age. Again I have listed them with my thoughts after each:

1. Acknowledge the Realities of the Job Market.

(reality: you are defenseless against something you deny exists. I see job seekers of all ages use flawed strategies and beat themselves up because of denying that things are the way they are right now.)

2. Reframe Your Experience to Demonstrate Future Value.

(reality: no one gets to rest on their laurels right now. Every hiring manager wants to know what you will do for him or her now and in the future.)

3. Nuture Your Network.

(reality: now more than ever, essential to get hired at any age. Amen, amen, amen.)

4. DOS is Dead - Update Your Computer Skills.

(reality: even if you left a high-tech job six months ago, this applies to you! Tick-tock, tick-tock, technological evolution marches along.)

5. Do the Math - then Manage Your Ambivalence.

(reality: job seekers at all ages who haven't worked out how they really feel about working and about specific opportunities run the risk of sabotaging themselves. Slow down and think things through. I guarantee it will make your process go faster, not slower.)

To read the full article: Buddy Can You Spare a Job? MetLife Mature Market Institute Study Examines the Aging Boomer Workforce and Provides Steps for Older Job-Seekers.