Use these 10 Rules to Your Advantage in the Job Search!

Over 50 ?

Jean Erickson Walker, CMFwww.jeanericksonwalker.com 503-816-5956

jean@jeanericksonwalker.com

“This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rule 1: Take control of your career

Know yourselfUnderstand the marketplaceIdentify your market nicheCreate your marketing planBecome a career entrepreneur

“Be an entrepreneur, an explorer, challenged and excited about the frontier of your own life.”

The Age Advantage by Jean Erickson Walker

If you think it is, you’re probably right; if you think it isn’t, you’re definitely right.

Rule 2: Recognize your age is an advantage

Hiring Advantages

Depth and breadth of experienceGood judgmentInterpersonal skillsWork EthicsCommitment to company goalsCredibility with stakeholdersPolitical “savvy”

Perceived Hiring Disadvantages

InflexibleLack social media skillsCorporate mentalityDifficulty working for younger bossToo high salary expectationsIngrained prejudices and biasesLocked in past ways of doing thingsAuthoritative leadership style

Rule 3: Understand the marketplace

Then vs. Now

Focus on status quoRapid, unpredictable change

Silos

Process

Loyalty

Market

Project

Team

Rule 4:Differentiate yourself

Identify your market niche

“Fortune favors the audacious.”

Erasmus

What is unique about you?

No two starfish are alike……it’s about who you are, how you do what you do, not about your titles, employers or even your skills and accomplishments.

Do a Thorough Self-AssessmentWhat is your unique product or service?What are your product guarantees?Who is the ideal customer for your product or service?What differentiates you from your competitors?What are your core values?What are your top three priorities in life?What are the common threads of your successes throughout your career?When are you most energized, most creative, most productive?What are the circumstances, the culture, the profiles of the organizations and the people where you are most successful?

Create an Impact!

Resume

Cover Letter

Interview

Your brand is your guarantee. Is it consistent, comprehensive, visible? Is it focused on action, outcomes and promise for the future? Is it authentic?

Rule 5: Dare to dream...

Don’t confuse the edge of your rut with the horizon.

Rule 6: “Start looking for work that needs doing.” William Bridges

ConsultingContract workProject managementInterim leadershipInternal consultant

Rule 7:Create your marketing plan

Remember, it is a process, not an event

Take a Strategic View of Job Listings

What does it say about the company’s needs?Is the company leadership team in transition?Who is the company’s primary competition?What is happening in the global marketplace?Where are the Private Equity firms investing?What are blocks the company may not be anticipating?

Rule 8 : “Do something. Do anything. Get Going. Posthaste.“ Tom Peters

Finding a job is a full time job. Plan your work and work your plan.

Keep your eye on the goal

Keep challenging your perceptions, ask fundamentally new questions throughout the process, test the validity of your assumptions and make adjustments. Never assume the next ice flow will be the same as the last.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” Hannah More

Rule 9:Networking is the key

It’s Who You Know that Counts

Create a powerful Linked-in profile, reach out to grow your presenceStart a blogGet involved in professional associations; go to conferencesParticipate in networking groups at your levelVolunteer: Be visible!Call up old customers, vendors, professional colleaguesRe-connect with recruitersJoin a community task forceWrite an article; teach a class

YOU have the power!

Rule 10: Go find the future!

Be here now, be somewhere else later. Is that so complicated?