How 'Older' Professionals Can Get a Job
A synopsis of our AMA call exploring the potential for experienced leaders
This morning a participant said out loud the little voice that strikes fear into the heart of us ‘older’ workers.
“I am a 61 year old woman. Who will hire me?”
That was a powerful question. An example of the brutally honest sharing that happens in our Ask Me Anything style meetings.
That is also why I love them - and will not record them. We need a safe space to share our deep fears with supportive peers.
Control Your Narrative
I loved the point that we should own our narrative from the start. Not let HR, or worse, some young whippersnapper define us as ‘old’.
We can control our story starting with our LinkedIn profiles. Then our résumés and cover letters. Finally our informational interviews and actual job interviews.
The key idea is to showcase what you bring to an organization. How your expertise solves their problems - that they see and ones you see for them. Show - don’t tell - how you will be a better asset than them youngins.
I’ll surely laugh if I’m asked how I manage adversity. A week at a San Francisco startup has nothing on one day navigating Lagos or Port-au-Prince.
As another participant said, “We are not old, we are resilient! “
Strength in Numbers
A huge reason I started this newsletter is to find camaraderie. I cannot job search alone. Too depressing. And after this industry-wide layoff, too soul crushing.
I love that we talked well past the official 9am end of the call. It was reaffirming to hear many other people - and people more ‘mature’ than me - share their hopes, horrors, and realities.
You’ll note that both of the Coming Up links point to chat sessions. Please use the chat as you need. We are in this together!
Coming Soon…
I am working on a few ideas for you. Please tell me which of these I should prioritize.
Finally, thank you again.
There are so many things I could be doing. So many things I should be doing. But I find my happiness, my mission in helping you. Now I’m off to a happy hour!