Finding Your Job

Work connects people to something greater than themselves--life meaning. It serves to stimulate the intellect while allowing individuals to achieve personal goals and have an impact.

As we've said before, allowing people to continue to work longer is good for individuals, corporations, government and society. We can only hope that negative stereotypes, unhelpful employment practices and antiquated pension policies will change to encourage rather than discourage older Americans from working. As boomers approach retirement from their primary career, they will be thinking and planning their next employment.

In Chapter Six of What's Next In Your Life, we discussed age discrimination. Career coaches agree that attitude and approach make a difference. Job seekers who are positive, energetic and have a "bounce in their step" are viewed as young and vital, and that perception translates into success in finding work. Open yourself up to the possibilities and let your optimism shine through.

Let's discuss resumes. As many of you know, there are three types of resumes: chronological, functional and combination (both chronological and functional). Job seekers need to develop the resume that best sells them for their target position. Tailoring your resume to specific skill and experience requirements can pay dividends.

You will need at least two pieces of correspondence for your job search: a cover letter and a thank-you letter. Both letters should be carefully written to a specific individual regarding a specific job.

Let's talk about the need to carefully organize and orchestrate your job search. Soon you'll be brainstorming the 200 network contacts you have. To keep them straight, you'll need some organizational tools.

• Contact management system's can store network names and contact information
• Software programs are available that will, not only store contact information, but also sort it by category and remind you for follow ups
• Paper-and-pencil techniques can also work for those lacking technology tools

In addition to tracking your network, you'll need a reliable calendar system. Again, you have many electronic and paper alternatives.

Finally, you'll be doing considerable research on positions, employers, industries and geographic locations. Establish an orderly filing system so you can store this important information, yet have it available at a moment's notice. You might get a call in the next minute from an employer and, to be articulate and at the top of your game, grab the appropriate file.

Researching employers and job openings has become a lot simpler with the Internet. The research process should begin once you've completed your self-assessment to determine what positions fit best. Once you have several job titles in mind, you need to discover who would be the potential employers. You want to target the kind of work, but also employers, who best meet your needs.

The Internet, reference guides and publications can be helpful in making up your target market list. Sooner or later, you do need to get out and talk to people who can guide you further. Think about people you know who might have information about your target job, industry, employer or geography.

All of us have at least 200 network contacts. It will take some brainstorming alone and with family, friends and colleagues to come up with your network list. Make lists of relatives, friends, neighbors, school buddies, leisure-activity buddies, church members, professional advisors (bankers, accountants, lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc.), present and past work colleagues, etc. People who come into contact with the general public (dentists, barbers/beauticians, bankers, etc.) can be extremely helpful because of their large and diverse network of contacts. You'll want to prioritize the network contacts you think will be most helpful. Next, you'll systematically set up networking meetings with them.

The purpose of your networking meetings is to gain insight into how other people perceive you in terms of work as well as guidance in selecting the targets you should consider. As you network, you're not only trying to glean input from your network contacts, but you are hoping to connect with their network of 200.  .

Informational interviews are possible with "cold contacts"--people you don't know. You'll need to do some research to identify people who are knowledgeable about the job, industry, employer or geography that interests you.

Assuming your research, networking and information interviews are successful in uncovering appropriate opportunities; your sources might help identify an emerging job opening before it's officially announced. Finding unannounced openings is a win-win for you.

• You might be able to interview for the position with no competition
• You might be instrumental in helping the employer think through what duties and responsibilities fit the job
• If the employer tailors the position to your strengths, you'll end up with a "best fit" position

Know that you might need to consider advertised openings as well. Many jobs are now posted on various online job banks.  Job opportunities for workers 50+ are listed in What's Next In Your Life as well as in the Idea Library on this Web site.

Although age discrimination is illegal in the United States, it can still be a problem. However, you can counter the stereotypes of older workers by:

• Being prepared
• Articulate
• Energetic
• Enthusiastic
• Confident about the value you bring

The depth and breadth of your skills and experience can outweigh factors that could work against you. Having said that, make sure you are computer literate and possess the knowledge, skills and tools that are expected for a given position.

Once you've identified an appropriate opening, you need to think through the interviewing process. There are two styles of job interviews.

• Those that focus on questions about you and your work style
• Others that concentrate more on questions about your skills and ability to do the job

An individual person or a team can conduct the interview. Your first interview might be a "screening."

• Screening interviews are usually conducted by someone in Human Resources or by a junior member of the team
• If you pass the screening interview, you'll be invited back to meet with the hiring manager or team

Team interviews are tricky because it's difficult to connect with all the people and switch your attention from one to the next based on who is asking the question.

• If the interview process isn't clear, ask your contact for the names and titles of the interview team
• Try to find out something about each interviewer's background, career history, personality and communication style
• Better interview results come from better preparation.

Open-ended questions like "Tell me about yourself" present an opportunity to highlight the qualifications you bring to the opening. Questions about your biggest failure or biggest weakness need to be answered honestly but with addition of the positive things you've learned from the failure or the personal development you've gone through to overcome the weakness.

Don't react negatively to any interview questions, including those about age or health. Consult books and online resources about interviewing to prepare for your interview.

Look professional and energetic when you interview. Determine the proper attire based on what is typical for that work environment, then dress slightly above average.

Typically, an employer will only check your references if you are a finalist for the position. If you've made it that far, you know what the company or organization is looking for in the position. Think through your three best references for the particular position.

When it comes to job offers, the ideal situation is to have more than one in hand. If you have more than one, you can legitimately negotiate a higher salary for the more desired or "best fit" opportunity.

The first 90 days are crucial on a new job. Get to know all the major stakeholders during this time. Over-deliver on what was outlined as the priorities for the job. Don't forget the importance of communicating effectively with your manager, co-workers and subordinates. Understand the culture and "fit in."