Getting back to work when you're over 50!

"Getting back to work when you're over 50?"  It's a question that occupies the mind of more and more people these days. In the previous post we talked about it and by way of a practical sequel here are some thoughts on doing something about it.
Start thinking change and opportunity! The "unthinkable" of not getting the same job again needs to change to "thinkable." Be prepared to do something different. More than that  ...want to do something different. It can still be the same profession ...but there are different ways to secure it:
- Renewable short term contracts or Interim Assignments can develop into on-going arrangements with the same employer.
- A portfolio of 2 or 3 part-time roles with different employers not only provides variety but can also be more profitable. And the market is there with smaller businesses seeking a viable way of securing your kind of expertise.
Change employer attitudes and perceptions! Rather than accepting that we will be at the back of the queue for jobs ...we need to be up front confronting employers' negative preconceptions:
"Less adaptable to change! ...Uneasy with a younger boss ...Over-qualified!"  Whatever the concern ...anticipate them.  Recall personal situations that not only show that you've experienced and therefore understand the particular issues ...but also demonstrate your positive attitude and handling of them.  Get good at turning problems into opportunities.
Create a compelling CV! Is your's a CV that lists the jobs you've had over many years accompanied with impressive data on turnover, budgets, people etc. That's not persuasive!  With an emphasis on your most recent past, list your achievements ...the things you achieved ...the differences that you made. Identify your distinctive skill, talent or quality that makes you successful ...make it concrete not too abstract!  Develop compelling stories that describe these achievements and illustrate your distinctive skill at work. Practice telling these stories. Work on a compelling verbal CV that you can get across in a minute.  

Get out and talk to people! Getting that job you want is a full on marketing exercise. It needs other people to help you to make a success of it.  So talk to the professionals. Career Counsellors tend to be nice people!
But also talk with your pals and your business network. Tell them what you are looking for and why ( your 60 second verbal CV.) And ask them to let you know if they hear of something on the grapevine.
When I worked in Outplacement 20 years ago I learned that 75% of job vacancies are never advertised. Even in today's recessionary times there are jobs out there needing to be filled now or in the immediate future.
The people filling those jobs will know people that you know. The more people you talk to the nearer you will be to those opportunities.