CONQUERING AGE LIMITS

[Worklife Column, Manila Bulletin, September 2011]

In my past article, I wrote about age limitations in job ads that many older job hunters are facing. It is a real issue for many and I explained why companies do this and the process HR practitioners go through to set job requirements and specifications. If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes activities of job design as well as reasons for age limits, you can read my article on “Age Limitations” at http://worklifenow.blogspot.com/2011/07/age-limits.html.

TODAY, I’d like to discuss how older job hunters can deal with age limitations. I’d like to explore the many opportunities that abound and how you can conquer this issue. So let’s get started!

What’s Going for You?

Before entering the battlefield, you need to know your strengths. Why should companies hire you instead of younger job applicants? Once you figure this out, you can then capitalize on them. That is your competitive advantage.

So, what exactly is going for you? In order for you to answer this, you need to look inside yourself. List down the positives---your skills, knowledge and accomplishments. What are the skills that you have gained in the many years that you have been employed? What special trainings have you had from your previous work?

Ideally, as a seasoned professional, your future employer doesn’t have to spend a lot in training you. You already have acquired important skills and more importantly, the experience needed to be good at your job.

Perhaps you can emphasize that there’s less trial and error when you are hired which means lesser costs for the employer. That should get them interested.

Seeking Employment beyond the Age Limit

Some companies are very strict with age limitations while others are more flexible. In order for you to find out, you’ll just have to do trial and error. You can send out resumes despite the age issue and just qualify when they call you for an interview.

Once you get a call, you can ask if they are open to hiring slightly older applicants. You may ask this before an interview if you want to save time. Or you can do this during the interview if you don’t mind the extra effort and if you would like to convince the employer to consider you despite the age issue. There is also a chance that it may not even come up. It all depends on the company. So just be cool about it.

Your Untapped Resource

Just in case, you’ve done your best to find a job but you keep on getting bumped over the age issue. Don’t fret. It’s not over for you yet. You have an untapped resource that’s still going for you. Not a lot of people think about this, but it could definitely give you better opportunities. That untapped resource is YOUR CONNECTIONS.

As you age over the years, you meet a lot of people. You gain acquaintances and if you’re smart, you’ve built a good network of connections. See, you can tap your connections for opportunities. They can help you get a good job or better career options. You just have to reach out and keep in touch which is easier now with the presence of social media networks.

So start connecting! Look back to your schoolmates, past co-workers, church mates, associations, friends and family. You can even capitalize on your connections to get hired.
Smart marketing and sales-oriented companies value connections above all.

Finding Other Opportunities

Regardless of age, I believe that everyone should have a back-up plan. For older jobseekers, I would suggest looking into other opportunities while you are job hunting. It may even turn out to be more rewarding for you.

Selling. Start selling. Sell anything that you can comfortably sell. If you have equipment, property, furniture or assets that you are willing to sell, sell it. This will give you extra income and hone your skills in selling not just objects, but yourself too. If you become good at selling, getting a job will be easier.

Consulting and Teaching. Teach other people what you know. This is your chance to give back, learn in the process and earn extra income. Training companies like mine are always on a lookout for people with experience who can teach others. Some companies also outsource projects to consultants. So if you have the skill and experience, consider this field.

Gigs or Rackets. If you have hobbies or talents that can be marketed as a service such as writing, photography, web design, hosting, singing and others, consider getting into service-for-hire work. You can tie up with existing event organizers or outsourcing websites to get gigs or you can ask your friends and family to hook you up with people who need your service.

Sideline Business. Starting a sideline business is pretty easy. There are many things that you can buy and sell, or build and sell. There are now many avenues where you can sell your items like the internet, weekend bazaars and direct agents.

Business Ownership. This is an option for older people who do not or cannot join the corporate world. You may start a business from scratch, buy an existing business or get a franchise depending on your skills, experience, finances and preference. Do take note however that business ownership is very different from being an employee. Having your own business, in my opinion, is more challenging. So prepare well by attending seminars and seeking advice from successful business owners.

Conquering Age Limitations

At first glance, work opportunities seem narrower for older people. But this is only so for those who do not open their minds to the possibilities. Aging is inevitable. You will get wrinkles when you live long enough. But you can defy dull aging with youthful spirit. Rediscover your childhood wonder. Allow yourself to become excited and enthusiastic again. Open your arms to the next chapter of your life. Aging is not about losing opportunities, it is a new stage of taking chances and rediscovering yourself again. Good luck!