With rain pouring down, summer has
really ended so time to start blogging again.
Today is a special day, today is the
day that I turn 45. I strongly believe in the cliché that “40 is the new 30” combined
with “you are only as old as you feel” …. but still, it feels like some sort of
life milestone.
I don’t seem to be the only one who
feels this way as I meet a lot of candidates who worry that at a certain age,
you pass some kind of invisible barrier after which you are stuck in your job.
We all know that we are expected to
work into our late sixties while a lot of employers remain fixated on hiring
people in their mid-thirties. But does this also mean that at some point, you
are simply too old to change jobs?
The good news is that it is never
too late to change jobs or even make an entire career shift, unless you want to
become a ballet dancer or professional soccer player. The bad news is that reality
shows that it is more difficult, especially if you are over 50.
Success lies in the way you
approach a job or career change.
When you take the obvious route,
where you randomly apply for jobs, chances are that you will receive rejection
after rejection. Needless to say, that this will only reinforce the feeling
that you are over the hill and stuck.
A much more strategic approach is
called for.
It is imperative that you highlight
the added value that you have acquired over the years. This can be a more
coaching, learning-focused approach towards people management, a solid
technical expertise, the mental rest you can transmit to a more junior team…
It is equally important that you
combine this with proof that you are still eager, dynamic and linked to market
trends and technology evolutions.
Once you have a clear view on those
qualities that differentiate you from the crowd, it is time to start
capitalizing on the network that you have built over the years. Those people
can provide you with a personal introduction to headhunters, job brokers and
potential employers.
Changing jobs after the age of 50
or even 60, might not be easy. And it may prove to be equally difficult to
define your unique selling points or different ways to enter the job market. At
that moment, it is a good idea to call a career counselor. He or she can help
you to find the right way.
As for me, I am going to enjoy my
special day, without worrying as to whether I am on the right career path. On
the contrary: I took the time in these last few months to further develop
Ingenium Executive Search. In the next few weeks, we will be launching a new
website and some state-of-the art tools that will enhance both client and
candidate experience. Stay tuned J
I look forward to hearing from you,
Isabel
Through a personalized and
tailor-made approach, Ingenium Executive Search aspires to assist you in
attracting the right talent that matches the DNA of your company
Check out our website http://www.ingenium-search.be
Follow me on Twitter
@IngeniumSearch
