If You're Over 50 and Want to Change Careers, You'll Need To Do This 1 Thing Well
September 27, 2018
If you don't do this, you won't be able to convince employers to give you a chance.
September 27, 2018
Learn how to land a career you love
Even if you are looking for a job while employed, you may feel a strong sense of rejection when not selected for an interview or offered a job after an interview—especially if it has been a few months or you have had a few interviews without an offer. It is also likely you feel isolated (even invisible), especially if you aren’t working. At work, even if you weren't buddy-buddy with your co-workers, you were likely acknowledged in the halls or other common areas with a smile, nod, or at least a non-verbal acknowledgement that you exist. At home, alone in front of the computer, it is easy to become demoralized.
Work also provides us with a large part of our sense of selves, which is something you may be missing if you are in the middle of a job search. How do you think of yourself? When asked to introduce yourself, don’t you most often say, “Hi, my name is _______. I’m a ________”? Sitting at home alone for a few months may underscore the fact that apparently you aren’t a (fill in the blank).
As adults, our work serves to structure the rest of our lives as well. When we sleep, eat, play—everything revolves around our work schedule. If you aren’t working, you may fall into bad habits that are not helping you feel any less rejected or any better about yourself or your situation. If you are working, you may not being doing your best on the job. If you aren’t, maybe you have started sleeping in, not getting dressed, skipping meals, and/or not going outside. Did you brush your teeth today? How about your hair? If you aren’t working, are underemployed, or struggling in a position you hate, you may not feel as confident as you once did. This lack of self-confidence often feeds into the sense of rejection and demoralization—sending you into a negative spiral that can be a challenge to climb out of.
Think about how you feel about your current situation as objectively as possible to better plan for your future. Having a plan and some next steps outlined can go a long way toward helping you out of this negative spiral.
So, what else can you do? Here are a few tips for dealing with job rejection:
1. Set Realistic Short- And Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals give you something to focus on and look forward to. Short-term goals ensure you are moving in the right direction and moving toward your long-term goals. Daily goals will get you out of bed in the morning.
2. Do Your Best
Do you approach your job search by sitting in front of your laptop, hour after hour, searching for openings and submitting countless applications? Maybe you have completely given up and are just going through the motions, not even convinced you are a good candidate. Take the time to customize your resume and write disruptive cover letters to stand out to employers. That way, you will be one of the few selected for an interview (and hired!). The extra time and effort has value, and it can help you will feel like you are really doing something meaningful.
3. Change Things Up
Don’t do the same thing every day. Search for jobs one day, follow up with hiring managers on another, and dedicate one day to networking. Don’t forget to eat, sleep, get dressed, exercise, and go outside every day. Make your own schedule and stick to it!
4. Make Sure You Have The Skills You Need
How hard can a job search be? Believe me—you don’t know it all; no one does. Read blogs, articles, and/or books about career planning and job searching. Explore your field or potential occupations to determine if you need more skills to be competitive. Read articles or watch videos related to your desired job or about job searching and interviewing every day.
5. Garner Support
You may already feel bad if you are not contributing financially to your household. This makes it hard to ask for help. But you can't do it alone. Ask for help outside of the family if need be. Reach out to friends, old co-workers, and church or community members. You need someone who will listen to your ideas and give you feedback.
6. Network
Chances are you probably know how to network, but maybe you are too dispirited or you don't see the value in it. Nonetheless, it is a necessity and can result in your next job if you make the time and effort to contact and maintain connection with others. Join a LinkedIn Group or volunteer. It is most important to start and continue to get out there and meet people. Maintain your connections!
7. Get Creative
If you are just going through the motions or are focused on replacing the job you lost, you might be missing opportunities. If you feel that you must have a specific position or salary before considering a job you may be missing out on some great prospects! Look at every relevant job posting and make an interview bucket list. If you do this intermittently, you will have a better indication of what jobs are offered and you may discover a new direction that is perfect for you!
8. Be Realistic
You may own a home. You may be comfortable in your current location and may have loved ones nearby. But if there are fewer opportunities, you may also want to think about moving to where there are jobs, or consider applying for remote positions. In order to minimize job rejection, you need to make sure your expectations are realistic given your current circumstances. If not, it's time to think outside the box.
By employing these tips, you will reinforce the fact that you are doing everything you can to improve your circumstances, boost your self-confidence, and put you in a position to get noticed by more employers for more positions. Give it a try—it can only help. Good luck!
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Join me in this series of articles where I'll take you through what differentiates some of the current business roles, along with a vivid example to demonstrate. Let's get started.
What Is The Difference Between Digital Transformation & Change Management?
Transformation Digital - Free image on Pixabaypixabay.com
Let's first define digital transformation. I like the definition that Salesforce uses: "The process of using digital technologies to create new – or modify existing – business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. This reimagining of business in the digital age is digital transformation."
So, what's change management? You'll receive different replies depending on who you ask. For example, project managers view change management as the process of obtaining approvals for project scope, schedules, or budget changes. IT professionals look at change management as the process for approving, testing, and installing new hardware or software. Prosci, the global leader in change management solutions, views change management from an organizational and people perspective. Their definition of change management is "applying a structured process and set of tools for leading the people side of change to achieve a desired outcome." For purposes of this discussion, we will focus on the organizational perspective.
The Most Magical Place On Earth And Digital Transformation
Disney Castle, SingaporePhoto by Jorge Martínez, instagram @jmartinezz9 on UnsplashNow that we've defined digital transformation and change management, let's start with a great example of a company that successfully implemented a digital transformation. But first, let me challenge you to guess who the company is. I'll give you a hint: their motto is "The Most Magical Place on Earth." You guessed it. The company is Disney World.
The Disney MagicBand, introduced in 2013, was part of a robust technology revamp to the guest experience, allowing guests to manage their reservations, make payments, and access their hotel room. Continuing on their transformation journey for guests, Disney announced in March 2021 the MagicMobile service, which operates like the MagicBand but on a mobile device. Disney indeed has reimagined their business in the digital age to meet its customers' changing needs.
As George Westerman, MIT Center for Digital Business, says, "When digital transformation is done right, it's like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, but when done wrong, all you have is a really fast caterpillar."
Microsoft's Reinvention Through Organizational Change
Now, let's look at Microsoft's change management relative to the organizational structure. When CEO Satya Nadella came onboard in 2014, he announced that its ability to change its culture would be a leading indicator of its future success. This type of message coming down from the CEO is both powerful and essential to successful organizational transformations.
As he shared his new mission, one of the key changes he wanted to champion was to create a more collaborative and imaginative environment. He would do this by first removing the barriers created by a siloed approach. And thanks to Satya's leadership, Microsoft has been successful in its organizational changes, as shown in its stock prices and employee morale. Continue to watch Microsoft as they change and adapt to the markets they serve.
Sarah Clayton, Senior Partner at Korn Ferry, shares, "Few things are more important during a change event than communication from leaders who can paint a clear and confidence-inspiring vision of the future."
Change Management Interlinked With Digital Transformation
Change neon light signagePhoto by Ross Findon on UnsplashAs you can see, organizational change management is vital for the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives. While each term has its unique definition, the very nature of digital transformation necessitates change management protocols. Think about the Disney World example. When they executed their digital transformation to MagicBands and MagicMobile, they prepared their organization for the change, crafted their vision and plan, implemented the changes, and embedded the changes with their processes and, most importantly, their culture. They continue to review progress and analyze results to ensure they are providing guests with the ultimate customer experience.
Digital transformation will continue to be an essential strategy for companies and their C-suite teams, especially if they want to remain competitive in this rapidly changing environment. Take a look around and watch the companies that embrace change management. These companies view change management as an essential tool that ensures a successful digital transformation.
P.S. If you liked this article, check out the previous article in the series that explains the difference between strategies and operations.
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But here's the problem: of those four million people (and plenty others), I can tell you that—sadly—millions of them are going to end up back in the hourly jobs or the type of work that they hate.
Before Quitting Your Job, Find Your Purpose To Unlock Your Career Potential!
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♬ Stuck in the Middle - Tai Verdes
The reason why millions of people will end up back in a job they hate is because of one simple thing: if you don't understand how to break down who you are as a professional, what kind of work you prefer to do, what kind of companies you're attracted to, and how to connect the dots around that, you will not find more satisfying work. You will not find your purpose.
Eventually, bills are going to pile up. People are going to be stuck returning to jobs that will make them more miserable than the jobs they quit. Unless you do something about it. Unless you manage to find your purpose and finally unlock your career potential.
Want To Learn How To Unlock Your Career Potential?
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Here's what you'll learn:
- What kind of work you should be looking for based on your lifestyle and needs
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- Which of your skills you should focus on leveraging in a job so that you feel happier at work each day
- How your personality impacts what type of work you should be looking for
So, if you're one of those people who has been a part of the Great Resignation, and you're saying, "I don't know what to do next, but I know I don't want to do what I was doing," come join me. Let me show you what you need to do to find work that actually makes you happy.
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The good recruiters are paid by employers (as much as 20-30% of the annual compensation for the position) to find the right people for the job, so when you work with one, understand that their loyalty is to the employer. They are not necessarily there to help you find a job unless you have what they need to fill the job opening. In order to spark interest in recruiters, you have to show you meet most—if not all—of the qualification requirements for the job.
Here are six things recruiters want to see on your LinkedIn profile:
Headline
Your headline on LinkedIn is essentially the descriptive line that comes with your profile (before people click on it). By default, it will list your name and current job title. Recruiters depend on this piece of information to decide whether or not to click on your profile.
What you can do: Tell the recruiter what you have to offer in a few words. A job title is okay, but it has to inform the recruiter of the specific industry you're in as well. For example, "Account Manager" doesn't say a lot, but "Healthcare PR Account Manager" says a lot more. You also want to optimize your LinkedIn headline with keywords so you can be found by recruiters when they search for potential job candidates with specific skill sets.
Summary
Your summary, located in the "About" section of your LinkedIn profile, needs to succinctly inform the reader what you bring to the table. This is where your personal branding statement belongs.
What you can do: Include your personal branding statement, information on your specialty as a professional (how do you like to add value?), and list your core skills and accomplishments. Adding keywords and phrases that are relevant to the jobs you're looking for will also help increase the chances of your profile showing up in recruiters' search results.
Experience & Skills
Recruiters want to know you'll do the job and do it well. On your LinkedIn profile, detail what you've accomplished and how you've used skills to achieve success and results.
What you can do: Present measurable results. This mean you need to quantify your work experience. Recruiters are also doing searches based on skills, so you want to include key skills for the job in your profile and get them endorsed.
Connections
Recruiters look at your connections for a combination of quality and relevance. Quantity is less of a factor (but you do want to have at least 50 quality contacts) because if you have 500+ connections, but 95% of the contacts aren't related to the field or industry for the job, it doesn't offer much value.
What you can do: Begin to engage in conversation with relevant people in your network (in the profession and industry you want a job) by joining the same LinkedIn Groups and participating in discussions, commenting on their post or articles, seeking the help of connections you both have in common to help with the introduction, and sending a direct connection request offering a reason to connect.
Recommendations
Recommendations on LinkedIn are like doing a pre-check of your references. Recruiters want to see that you have other professionals in the field or industry vouching for your experiences, skills, and capabilities. The best recommendations to have are ones that come from your supervisor, clients, and senior colleagues.
What you can do: Depending on the type of relationship you have with one of your LinkedIn connections, ask if they wouldn't mind writing a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. You can assist in the matter by reminding them of an experience that can serve as a focal point for the recommendation. Also, when you write a nice recommendation for others, they will usually reciprocate, or be willing to return the favor if asked.
Profile Picture
A profile picture with your LinkedIn profile increases the chances it gets clicked on. It informs others that your profile is likely complete.
What you can do: Include a profile picture that allows the recruiter to envision you in the position you're applying for. You should look professional, yet approachable.
Get your LinkedIn profile in tip-top shape with these tips if you want to find the best job opportunities that only recruiters may have access to.
Need more help optimizing your LinkedIn profile?
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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Good Karma
Photo by Brooke Cagle on UnsplashGiving back. It's just a good thing to do. Seems simple enough, maybe too simple, but if your business is in a place where it can give back in a meaningful way, I highly suggest it. A study from the Cleveland Clinic on giving found some surprising health benefits that include lower blood pressure, less depression, lower stress, increased self-esteem, and overall greater happiness. Who wouldn't want all of that?
Great Expectations
Photo by Joel Muniz on UnsplashMillennials make up the largest generation in the labor force and will grow to 73 million strong in the US by 2025. With that clout comes expectations and buying power, but we will get to that in a moment. If you want to attract (and keep) top talent, they need to feel that they are working for more than just a business. They want to know they are making a positive social impact. According to a recent study, six out of ten millennials say that a "sense of purpose is part of the reason they chose to work for their current employer." Employees respect companies that are trying to bring positive changes. It makes employees feel good and increases their emotional attachment to their employer. So, if you want to hire better talent that is happier, more productive, and stays with the company longer—you might need a giving strategy.
Bad Reputation?
Photo by Blake Wisz on UnsplashBefore you make a purchase, do you read the reviews? I know I do. So, having a good reputation in business works the same way. People want to do business with "good" companies. Your brand is only as good as people perceive it to be. Charitable giving is an easy way to let the world know what you care about and that you are willing to put skin in the game to make a change for the better. A 2018 study found 88% of Americans say they would buy products from a company leading with purpose. Add that to the fact that millennials now have disposable income and massive buying power. People, especially millennials, care about what they support with their money. Brand loyalty is harder to come by these days but, it can be won through impactful purchasing when you build a relationship with your customers. Champion a cause that people care about and there is a pretty good chance your giving efforts can generate both revenue and goodwill.
Tax Deductions
Photo by Jon Tyson on UnsplashThis one is pretty straightforward. As a small business owner, I hear a collective "Yes please!" when it comes to tax deductions. Typically an LLC can deduct up to 50% of adjusted gross income, but be sure to consult your tax professional regarding your specific situation and the organization you choose to donate to.
Give Strategically
Photo by Nathan Lemon on UnsplashMost businesses get requests for donations to various charities pretty regularly. This kind of piecemeal giving is fine, but will probably never be more than one-directional. To truly maximize your efforts, you need to be strategic in how you give.
Finding a cause that will align with your company values or goals is a great place to start. Cisco is a good example of strategic giving on a large scale. Cisco created a free educational program to train high school students to be computer network administrators. This did two things: it gave job opportunities to high school graduates and helped the company alleviate a potential growth constraint.
For small businesses, and smaller budgets, it might require a bit more work to find strategic charitable alignment but it is worth taking the time to do. And the beauty of aligning your giving with your brand is that you can decide to do whatever you want—start your own foundation, simply give to a nonprofit, or even volunteer your time. The possibilities are practically endless.
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