How Boomers Bridge the Age Gap

This past week, as I presented to an overflowing room of 50+ job seekers in Rochester,NY, the concern was the same..."How do I get a hiring manager to see that I can be of value to the organization, that I'm not over the hill?

So here's the point - it's not about being young; it's about being contemporary. (contemporary:Belonging to the same period of time: (Heritage American Dictionary)

So here are my 5 tips for being cool (up-to-date, with it, current):

1. Read  the business section of the  area newspapers. What organizations are creating new products, changing business strategies, developing new positions, or adding to their menu of services? Who is relocating, expanding, downsizing? What new businesses are being featured? Not only is this a great way to identify job possibilities, but in the context of being contemporary it keeps you "in the know."

2. Be aware of what's happening in your field. Have organizations changed the way they perform the functions related to your work? What new systems or programs are becoming increasingly popular? Read FastCompany, Wired, and Web 2.0 magazines. You'll find interesting  features about new business trends, progressive leadership and creative Initiatives. Browse other leading business magazines, also, but these are about as contemporary as you can get. There will be opportunities to subtly reveal some appropriate trend you read about. Actually, just mentioning that you read the magazines will be impressive.

3. Watch American Idol.  Okay that may be a little extreme, but if you can carry on a friendly conversation with the potentially younger manager or coworker, you can build relationships. So, know what's happening in their world - just a little. Think sports. (Women, take note) Bridge the cultural age gap.

4. Update your training.  Maybe you completed all of the professional certifications and degrees required for your profession - in 1990. Well, that's a long time ago in this fast moving, high tech world. To seem current, you need a recent educational endeavor on your resume. (Evidence that your brain didn't self-destruct at 49, as some would believe.) There are many opportunities for short training programs at community colleges. Attend a professional association presentation. Select something of interest to you that will also enhance your professional qualifications.

5.Volunteer. Contributing your services to a worthwhile cause will increase your confidence, add to your energy level and demonstrate that you are still "in the game".

For more information about strategies for the Boomer Job Search, consider our two-part teleseminar. It's packed full of effective strategies and steps that will give you the edge in this competitive market.