Job Hunters over 50 – Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally for Your Job Search

One of the demoralizing parts of job hunting is that you almost never receive feedback about why you weren’t hired. That means you might repeat the same crucial step that’s causing your resume to be overlooked – again and again. 

At the same time, job hunting can be discouraging if you don’t have a network of folks keeping you motivated. 

That’s why it’s important to reach out to your contacts.

For instance, you can ask your colleagues to review your application materials to see if you’re missing important factors. 

Also, connecting with someone – perhaps a contact who is looking for a new role – is one of the best tips for older job seekers on how to stay focused on their job search. The two of you can set weekly goals – like, for instance, attending one networking opportunity or applying to at least one job a week – and hold one another accountable. 

Stay positive in your interviews.

Though ageism can be a problem, you won’t put your best foot forward if you’re sniffing around for hints of it in your interview. Rather, you should be excited about the interview and the job prospect, rather than trying to suss out discrimination (if it’s a problem, you’ll know!). If you go into the interview nervous or edgy, then you’ll never be able to talk about your accomplishments in the free-flowing, friendly way that will land you the job.  

If you are concerned about combatting ageist stereotypes, you could prepare examples of technology initiatives you supported or describe your interest in collaborating with your future colleagues. 

Make a plan to learn from rejection.

Whether you’re not hearing back after submitting applications, or you’re not landing jobs after interviews, you may feel demoralized, like you’re wasting your time. That’s why it’s so important to boost your emotional stamina by identifying something you have learned after each application. 

For instance, after seeing the same skill listed on three job postings, perhaps you realized you needed to take a training course to develop this competency. Or, after an interview for a position you didn’t get, you might realize that you’re actually looking for a slightly-different role. 

If you feel like you’re progressing in your job search, you’ll stay much more enthusiastic. 

Staying Confident During Your Job Search

The best of the best of our tips for older job seekers? Be confident that you will find a position; your years of experience and selective eye for positions just may make it take a bit longer. Job hunts can be disheartening for anyone, but ageism – both real and imagined – can weigh heavily on job seekers 50 and over. 

Understanding job hunt statistics, connecting with others, believing in yourself, and learning from rejection can help you withstand the emotional rollercoaster of job searching.

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Wondering how to avoid age discrimination in the job search? Read this article.

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