Marketing Your Maturity and Wisdom

Career Development

Marketing Your Wisdom and Maturity

Marketing Your Wisdom and Maturity Revised 01/2010

1Career DevelopmentCareer Development

Marketing Your Wisdom and Maturity

What Are Our Learning Objectives?

Creating a competitive advantage in the job search process requires us to look at what we bring at each stage of our career. For experienced people at mid point in their career or for those moving closer to retirement, this is the time to recognize how you want to contribute today and the uniqueness of what you bring. The learning objectives for this class are to: Take a look at what you need to know about

yourself

Enhance your ability to know the demands of the market

Learn how to present yourself as a viable candidate

Discover what is essential to compete

Develop an awareness of your competitive edge

Reevaluate your tools and strategy



Know Yourself What’s The First Step?

Knowing yourself is where effective marketing needs to begin. Getting very clear about who you are today and what you bring to the table is the essential first step in being competitive. Reevaluate the following: What are your motivated skills

What are your interests

What do you value

What are your natural talents

What is your focus and direction

What’s important to you

Pay special attention to: What you have to offer today

What you have learned that has changed you

What has shifted in you What you want to be known for



Know the Market What Do I Need To Know About The Job Market?

A valuable way to set yourself apart and show the benefit of your maturity is to really understand the world of work and business. The following are ideas to get you there.

Learn what skills are desired for your area

Discover what competencies are expected

Make sure you are using current terminology

Embrace technology

Educate yourself on how globalization works and has changed the world of work

Keep up to date on business and market news

Join professional organizations and networking groups



Competitive Skills for Today’s Job Market

The job market is very competitive and requires skills beyond product knowledge. Review the Competencies column and rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10. Identify your strengths and look at areas for development. In preparation for networking and interviewing, look at how you will present specific ways that you have used and added value with these critical competencies.

Rating On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)

Competencies

Descriptions

Big Picture Thinker

Provides perspective, future focus, visioning, with a broad view of issues and challenges. Well read and knowledgeable about the business, organization, and market.

Communication Skills

Articulate, writes and speaks succinctly, and listens to understand. Confident speaking voice. Able to synthesize information and accurately restate what others communicate.

Customer Focused

Maintains a standard of consistent responsiveness, information gathering, and follow through. Builds strong relationships, gaining trust and respect. Handles conflict well, diffusing difficult situations.

Decision Making

Self-driven with the ability to assess situations and make independent decisions. Determinations based on information, analysis, experience, and wisdom.

Flexible/Adaptable

Able to effectively shift directions and priorities when faced with the unpredictable. Copes with change and ambiguity, staying engaged while quickly developing a new focus. Open to new ideas.



Competitive Skills for Today’s Job Market

Rating

On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)

Competencies

Descriptions

Initiative

Motivated solution provider that looks beyond the job description. Uncovers business opportunities to benefit the group and highlight individual talents. Seen as a contributor that impacts department goals.

Innovative

Open to new ideas... Seen as resourceful and may act as a catalyst to change. Looks objectively at new ways of doing things. Creative in thought and action.

Self-Awareness

Knows strengths, weaknesses, how they are seen by others, opportunities, and limits. Seeks feedback, receives input without defensiveness, and gains insight from mistakes.

Team Player

Relates well, builds rapport, and consistently contributes to the group. Possesses a diplomatic and tactful style. Known for having a collaborative spirit.

Technical Acumen

Skilled in using various software products; Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint. Proficient in essential technical functions of the job. Open to learning and using new technologies.

Time Management Uses time effectively, organizing work loads,

setting priorities, and meeting deadlines. Can effectively handle multiple activities, using resources well to accomplish a goal.



Know How to Present Yourself How Can I Present Myself Effectively?

In presenting yourself, if you have concerns about your maturity being an issue, consider two areas that are critical to an employer. They want to know if you have the current skills and training they are seeking. To let them know that… Focus on the recent past

Express accomplishments powerfully

Project how you will add value

Emphasize the unique skills and experience you

bring Illustrate a big picture view

Use current language about business, trends,

technology

They want to see if you have a positive attitude. To show that… Let them know you are a team player – not a

seasoned pro with all the answers Speak about recent accomplishments and

exposure Express that you are an ongoing learner eager

to add to your knowledge Don’t be a victim

Keep up your energy

Expose yourself to inspirational thinkers



Know How to Compete What’s Needed To Compete?

The best situation is to be seen as a current, up to date citizen of the world while you reveal the richness of the wisdom and confidence you’ve gained through experience.

Consider the following qualities. Think about how they can impact an employer’s view of you as a viable and valuable candidate. Savvy with technology

Recognizes how skills transfer

Ongoing learner

Flexible to changing business conditions

Embraces opportunities to stretch

Possesses and builds interpersonal skills

Welcomes feedback

Recognizes generational motivators

Brings exposure to rich experiences

Keeps current – world, pop culture, trends, global economy, online resources for information sharing

Utilizes multiple ways to be informed for a broader view

Reads, listens, learns

Open to different styles and ways of doing things



Know Your Edge What Are The Qualities To Emphasize?

Now let’s consider the amazing qualities you bring because of living life, developing wisdom, and building experience. The following qualities are undeniable benefits to your life stage and need to be emphasized. Wisdom

Experience

Knowledge

Accountability

Good judgment

Problem-solving skills

Team building

Crisis navigation

Negotiating compromise

Ability to assess cost-benefit trade-offs

Established identity

Self-awareness

Sense of purpose

Ability to work with different styles

Strategic thinking

Conflict resolution skills

Broad perspective

Interpersonal Savvy

High level communication skills

Know how to listen

Confidence – comfortable in your skin

Emotional intelligence



Know Your Strategy What Else Do I Need To Reevaluate?

In addition to creating a profile, consider effectively marketing your maturity as you develop your job search strategy, create your tools, and prepare for interviewing.

Bring this awareness to… Writing your resume

De-emphasize dates Soften job titles If concerned about being

overqualified List courses, professional development,

organization memberships Emphasize accomplishments, results, skills Demonstrate initiative Use current terminology & key words Reflect current trends in format/content List technology skills that are up to date Include volunteer/community activities

Writing Cover Letters

Avoid cumulative experience statements Avoid rehashing job history Pull key words from posting and clearly link

your skills to the position Emphasize that you are a proven commodity

with current, pertinent skills Crafting a business card

Use concise, strong language for skills and attributes

Choose creative, current look Creating an online presence

LinkedIn – Create a strong profile and include your personal link on your resume. www.Linkedin.com

Social Networking sites – keep your page and interactions professional.

Personal Website – Way to highlight your technical skills. Add to resume.

Online resume – The wave of the future. Use a great free site, www.visualcv.com



Know Your Strategy What Is The Value Of A Profile?

Building a Profile The profile is a concise visual aid that at times may have more impact than your resume. It focuses on the future and describes how you will contribute, creating for the reader an understanding of how you might fit in their department or organization.

The Profile describes:

What you want to do

Which competencies you will use

What various titles the job could have

What the situations are where you could add value

What areas or departments would be a fit

Another benefit from creating a profile is what you will discover about yourself in the process. It’s also great prep for networking and interviewing! On the following pages are two sample Profiles and then a worksheet for your use.



Sample Profile

Your Name Here

PROFILE What I Want to Do: Manage and develop efficient workflow processes and procedures to ensure optimal productivity. Develop and coordinate the activities of operational and project teams. Help create a well functioning team that exceeds quality performance metrics and quality client service. Which Key Competencies Will I Use: Team Management Coaching/Mentoring Support/Guidance Project Management Tracking Reporting Capacity Improvement Planning Organizing Conversion Planning Task Planning Meeting Deadlines Process Improvement Problem Solving Implementing What It Might Be Called: Operations Manager Client Service Professional Retail Banking Officer Project Manager Audit Officer Compliance Officer Business Analysts Planning Manager Implementation Manager Consulting Manager Reconcilement Manager Investigation Officer When I Could Add Value: Businesses want to improve overall team performance Departments want to maintain a professional work environment and quality client service Companies need to meet project milestones and department deadlines Departments need streamlined workflows and new systems implemented Detailed reporting is required to influence line-of-business service goals Overall leadership is needed to guide projects and teams Where I Would Most Likely Fit In: Retail Financial Services Audit Risk Operations Commercial Banking Central Operations Implementation Services Treasury Services Product Implementation Client Services



Sample Profile

Your Name Here

PROFILE What I Want to Do: Contribute to the success of a derivatives business by performing timely and accurate management reporting, enhancing internal controls and ensuring regulatory compliance. Which Competencies I Will Use: Analyzing/Strengthening Accounting Systems Competitor Analysis Project Management and Multi-Unit Coordination Derivatives Experience Problem Identification and Troubleshooting Expense Reduction Financial Projections Asset Securitization What It Might Be Called: Project Manager Financial Manager Controller When I Could Add Value: • Group is losing money internally and cannot pinpoint the cause. • Organization’s profitability is not keeping pace with that of its competitors. • Identified need to comply with new FASB/SEC disclosure requirements. • Need to control/prevent losses caused by weak or missing internal controls. Where I Would Most Likely Fit In: Accounting Risk Management Audit Internal Controls



Profile Worksheet

Your Name Here PROFILE

What I Want to Do: Which Key Competencies Will I Use: _____________________ ____________________ ___________________

_____________________ ____________________ ___________________

_____________________ ____________________ ___________________

What It Might Be Called: ______________________ _____________________ ___________________

______________________ _____________________ ___________________

______________________ _____________________ ___________________ When I Could Add Value: __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Where I Would Most Likely Fit In: __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________



Know Your Strategy

What is it? When Do I Use It? How Will It Help Me?

Creating your Commercial Your commercial is a short introductory statement that works like a verbal business card. The components are…

A title that clearly describes what you do Your top three or four job specific skills Focuses on skills you want to continue to use May include attributes that set you apart and how

you could contribute in the future The following situations are some of the places this tool can be used…

Networking Meeting introductions Interviewing Performance reviews Development discussions ‘Elevator conversations’

The following are some of the ways your commercial can help you.

Gain clarity on motivated skills, unique attributes, and focus and direction

Increase confidence to engage in business

conversations

Provide a framework for expressing yourself in performance and development discussions

Help position you with business associates around

your skills and aspirations



Your Commercial How Do I Get Started?

Use this worksheet to create your commercial. Fill in the sections and then put it all together.

Title

Top three or four job specific skills

One or two special attributes/soft skills

How I could contribute in the future

Now put it all together!



Know Your Strategy

Developing Your Networking Plan

Be open to different groups, organizations, clubs

Look for creative ways to interact with people Research organizations that target baby

boomers Be willing to share your knowledge Look for opportunities to be consultative Demonstrate your savvy with current

trends/technologies Volunteer Use online avenues like LinkedIn and to meet

people and make yourself more visible Preparing For Interviewing

Expect your interviewer to be younger than you

Show that you are current in your skills Express flexibility, creativity, adaptability Make known that you are team oriented Emphasize comfort level with multi-

generations Stress desire to learn new skills Describe professional development Express how your wisdom keeps you open

and effective in problem solving and providing solutions

Limit how many stories you tell Show how you are energetic and persistent Indicate ability to navigate ongoing change Be ready to describe how you take initiative Demonstrate likeability

Preparing For Tricky Questions

Age-related Working for a younger manager When you graduated from high

school/college



Know Your Strategy

Why do I need to understand generational diversity? What do the different generations value?

Building Awareness About Generational Diversity The ability to relate to the different generations impacts your relationships with managers, direct reports, peers, and customers. This skill is an important on to market about yourself and indicates another way you add value. Each generation consists of:

• A span of years • Shares a unique set of values • Reacts to the generation before them • Looks at their generation as a standard of

comparison • Looks at the next generation skeptically

Traditionalists (born before 1945) – respects authority, tradition, hierarchy, rules, values hard work, loyalty, commitment and wants to be appreciated for their expertise Baby Boomers (1946-1964) – values hard work, teamwork, competition, avoids status quo, prefers face-to-face communications, wants your full attention Gen Xers (1965-1980) – values self reliance, global perspective, informality, uses technology, independence, ongoing feedback, wants a balance of work/life, prefers email communication Millennials (1981-2000) – values change, casual, autonomy, giving back, highly confident in abilities, multi-tasks, prefers texting, wants to share an opinion, challenging assignments



Know Your Strategy What else can help me present myself?

Creating Results Phrases The following activity is another way to prepare for effectively presenting yourself. By determining a skill or attribute that you would like to emphasize, you can then create a ‘results phrase’. This phrase (or phrases!) can be used effectively in networking, at pertinent places in interviews, during negotiations, as part of your online profiles, and in email correspondence.

Choose an attribute or skill you would like to emphasize

Write a short phrase about the skill. Start your phrase with a short set-up like…

I’m recognized for… A skill I’ve developed that has impacted my performance is…

An attribute that stands out about me is… A skill that adds to my effectiveness is… A quality I’m known for is…

Ex. “An ability I’ve developed is an appreciation for different work and personality styles. This helps me see the value of different people’s ideas and approaches to problem solving and results in more effective collaborations.”



Resources Where Can I Find More Help?

The following is a list of online resources that might be useful. http://www.quintcareers.com/ many articles and other great information http://www.retirementjobs.com/index.html over 50’s. Free for basic or 5.95 for 30 day premium membership (12.95 for 90 days) http://www.civicventures.org/nextchapter/overview.cfm Search for Next Chapter in your community The Boomer’s Guide to Good Work – available free http://www.civicventures.org/publications/booklets/boomers_guide.cfm MetLife/Civic Ventures New Face of Work Survey at http://www.civicventures.org/publications/surveys/new-face-of-work.cfm http://www.careerjournal.com/ Wall Street Journal Career Site – relevant articles http://money.cnn.com/news/economy/index.html Fortune Magazine Career Site http://www.aarp.org/money/careers/ Articles, job search help, Best Companies http://www.careerbuilder.com Lots of articles http://www.ncoa.org/ Information on many topics including work & volunteering http://genplus.blogspot.com/ Reinventing 50+, addresses issues facing older workers http://www.grayhairmanagement.com Search site with one time fee of $85



Resources

The following books may be of interest. The Power Years by Ken Dychtwald & Daniel J Kadlec, 2006 50+: Igniting a Revolution to Reinvent America by Bill Novelli, 2006 Portfolio Life: The New Path to Work, Purpose, and Passion After 50 by David Corbett, 2007 Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life by Marc Freedman, 2007 Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life by Marika Stone, 2004 What Do You Want to Do When You Grow Up?: Starting the Next Chapter of Your Life by Dorothy Cantor, 2001 Don’t Retire, REWIRE! by Jeri Sedlar, 2003 The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas Friedman, 2005 Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high by Kerry Patterson, 2002 Getting To Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury, 1991

Marketing Your Maturity and Wisdom

Career

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