We all get job search burnout. Some get it more than once. Let’s take a look at some of the things that push us there:
- “Not interested in older workers.”
- Don’t even get a chance to interview.
- Interviews don’t go well.
- and many more
Yes, they are all valid for some situations. But what are we going to do? I’ll tell you what most normal people do. They:
- Practice the art of inaction,
- Are not aggressive,
- Act defeated in their presentation to a prospective employer,
- Are not interested in suggestions from others (If this is you then stop reading now),
- Keep doing what hasn’t worked yet, or they
- Come to the point in a job search that they’ll take anything.
Do you see yourself in there? Can you add more to the list? Let’s relate all of these to the word “If” and test yourself to see if you have these of any other If”s.
Why did I use the term If? Many years ago I read a book by Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich”. In his book Napoleon describes one word that has denied success to more people than any other word. Yes, even more than the word “no”. The word is “If”. Related to the burnout characteristics mentioned above:
- If I could overcome my inaction.
- If I was more aggressive.
- If I had a plan.
- If - keep adding your own.
Your If’s are going to limit or downright destroy your opportunity to find that next job. Should you need more If’s, the book lists 55. (request the list and I’ll send it to you)
Why do I go on about these attitudes? Very simply, if you don’t do what is necessary, whatever is necessary, to get yourself into a positive attitude and functioning mode for your job search, you will be perpetually at the end of the employment line. Those job seekers who are positive and aggressive will be ahead of you. But that’s not even enough in today’s job market. You need to be Bold! Yes, I know that is not a characteristic of our generation. But to compete we must be as Bold or Bolder than the younger generations. Writing on the topic of this post could result in an entire book. But, for the sake of this post, allow me to touch on some of the high points and I think you’ll get the message.
There is no question that as we get older there are more obstacles facing us in our search for employment. So let’s not make it worse by adding our own obstacles. Those danged If’s.
Job search burnout is tough. But only you can initiate the turn-around. Why do I say initiate? Well there is so much to do and so little time that you need to reach out to others for assistance. These could be family members, close friends and people you meet in similar situations. Also read books and articles on job search, find local group meetings for those who are unemployed. And, if affordable , obtain the services of a career coach to assist. Don’t forget the various government agencies such as the One Stop Career Centers.
Wow, sounds like a lot of work. It is and you should be working as if your job search were a full time job WITH overtime. I’m not going through all of the defeating If’s but will focus on a couple. The first being inaction.When I use the term inaction I use it in the context that you may be doing some things to make you feel that you are doing something. The general result is that you are only proving the other If”s valid. Is this what you want?
The job seeker that get’s up in the morning and searches a few online career sites and sends out a few resumes is not aggressive or bold and will be at the back of the line. We call these job seekers “the pajama crowd”.
There is so much more that you can be doing to enhance your success factor. I can guarantee you that if you work a full day, every day, plus overtime, you will be successful in your search. If you work at this the way that I am suggesting, your positive nature, aggressive actions and Bold approach will become a part of you.
Taken alone, the positive/bold persona that you develop will be apparent to those you are asking for help and to potential employers. Oh, by-the-way, surround yourself with positive people.
So how do you spend your day and overtime finding that next job? Use some of the time taking a class career related or for personal enjoyment. Read articles related to your career objectives and those providing information on your job search (Workforce50.com has a panel of career experts that regularly write on topics for the 50 plus crowd) and possibly contracting with a career coach.
Recognize that there are many sources for finding job opportunities beyond online and print classifieds. You need to explore these. Research a company before you send your first resume and certainly do much more research before that first interview. Just imagine how positive you can be with a potential employer the more you know about their business and products/services. Today it’s not so much about what you’ve done in the past but about demonstrating to the prospective employer that you know enough about their business that you can contribute to their future growth and success.
OK you might say that only applies to more senior positions. I remember when my children were in grammar school, the custodian (Charlie) was better known than the principle. His positive attitude and strong work ethic made for a better school. And likely had a positive effect on many of the children that passed through. This is what employers are looking for.
Did I mention Bold. In this economic/employment environment all job seekers need an edge. The research, planning and long days can be small elements of Bold but you can also make really bold moves. Several that I am familiar with are of individuals who performed in depth research of a company’s product and operational practices. They analyzed them and created a proposal for improvements, then obtained a 20 minute interview with the most senior executive they were able to get an audience with. And just who do you think the presenter recommended to implement the plan? A little extreme (Bold), but this can start you thinking about how you can orchestrate your own Bold moves.
Remember, these are tough times. There are many people applying for very few jobs. Who do you think will have the best opportunity to land the job? Certainly it will not be the burned out person with the long list of “If’s”.
Approach your search as a full time job (plus overtime), be positive and be bold. With this I guarantee your success will be improved multi-fold.
Comments to this article will be most welcome. We can use your stories of positive results to help others in their efforts to become #1 for that prized new position.
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While I agree sitting at home and waiting for the door bell to ring is not an option. However, I am an executive assistant who held her job for 11 years before the new CEO came in and decided I wasn’t a good fit for this position.
I am now out of work, searching for jobs daily, and if I’m lucky to get a response its either automated that I do not qualify (but they don’t say why) or the job pays $10-$20/hour (I was making $43). I realize I will have to take a pay cut but 1/2??
I’ve searched, hunted, asked, gone back and searched again and am unable to find any employer willing to pay to have someone with experience, knowledge, excellent judgment, etc. etc.
I’m not alone with this problem…any solutions of where to turn would be most appreciative.
“Not interested in older workers,” or don’t even get a chance to interview… these are the issues that are making me sick and tired of the hiring policies of employers.
I recently was invited in for a face to face due to the enthusiasm of the hiring manager’s response to my phone interview for an outside sales rep job. I bowled him over!
He told me when I arrive for my interview to have the receptionist call him out. I did so, (10 mins. early in order to fill out any paperwork of applications). The manager came flying out of the back hand outstretched to shake mine and warmly saying; “David”? “So pleased meet…”, (looking at me and the face he made looked like he bit into a lemon) with that, abruptly ended his statement and rudely withdrew his hand before grasping mine, turned to the receptionist and told her he had to make a few important calls, please take Mr. Wynn’s number and info. and we’ll have to reschedule. I gave the company manager the benefit of the doubt and tried calling him later that day… he never took my call nor returned a call to explain his actions.
This is what I am running into as a 60 year old sales professional who, unfortunately is in a city that has openings for doctors, medical workers, state government and a major university but almost no industry. The jobs that are being listed, I apply for, however, under the recommendation of ALL job coaches, I leave off my resume all dates of my education, therefore, they cannot determine my age. Recruiters also know that if one doesn’t include dates…. they are older. WHAT DOES ONE DO IF THEY WANT TO FIND FULL TIME “WORTH WHILE” WORK EVER AGAIN?
HELP! There ought to be a law … there is … but try to prove it!
What really burns me up is that most of us aren’t considered as unemployed. We are classified as “out of the job market voluntarily” or a “discouraged job seeker”. Out of the market? How do they know? We don’t even get a chance to interview. Discouraged? Oh-h-h-h yes!
I’ll bet unemployment is more like 20% but the Washington crowd is too scared to admit it!
Eliminating the word “if” from one’s language is definitely a huge step towards having the right mental attitude and in creating one’s own luck. The next thing I would like to highlight is to be unafraid of learning new tricks. The old saying of not being able to teach an old dog new tricks is definitely not something that should apply to one personally if one wants to be successful. Adapt or die is the saying that springs to mind here.
hi
i have been experimenting with home health care/non medical to see what i can bring to the table in this occupational field. Considered CNA or RN or Med Assistant or Phlebotomist training but not willing to go for it as of yet - i am having difficulty making my mind up. it gets worse as more time flies by. Also considered additional training in office management, computers, any administrative support (current computer knowledge limited / unmarketable today) As far as home healthcare, it is certainly rewarding to be helpful to seniors wanting to remain in their home, but the pay is rotten. Expected it. However, i am losing confidence in my otherwise positive personality little by little and need to make a decision as to what area/direction i should go! For me, too many choices and do not want to waste time or $.
I joined Workforce50.com to see my options there but have not had success yet. Am i expecting too much? have much to learn. There seems to be no one on the hiring list.
I am 54 and lost my job of 16 years in a warehouse when corportae decided to close our branch and combine it with another branch in Ohio. I live in Kentucky.
I came to this job site to do a job search. I entered in my state, type of job, job category and hit search. I entered in “ANY” for the type job. There were zero results. I have been on unemployment for a year. When it dries up, I’m screwed. I dont know what to do. I only have a high school diploma but I was employed for 25 straight years and now I feel like I am left out being 54. My last job was Warehouse material planner, order entry, receiving, shipping, forklift, general warehose…ect. I have a good letter of reccomendation from my last boss.
Suggestions?
All of the suggestions from the article are positive: go the extra mile, come up with an innovative business plan for a company, smile etc. Great suggestions and such an upbeat article. But let’s get real for a minute. The reality of today’s economy is unlike any other in the history of this country. There ARE jobs out there, but there are many, many people pursuing these jobs. All HR departments check your age (by any means possible) prior to interviewing you. If you are 45+, you are most likely not going to be interviewed, period. I am in great shape, look far younger than my 53 years and have been hugely successfull in my career endeavors. I know I can easily outperform a 25 year old in my field. I can achieve results and surpass all expectations for a company. But nobody, and I mean nobody, is calling me for an interview. The population of this country is aging rapidly, a huge percentage of the workforce is in their 50’s and 60’s and will grow significantly over the next 10 years. So who is the author of this article kidding. Don’t make people feel like they are conducting a substandard job search. Today’s job search is almost entirely internet based, highly impersonal and an excellent way for shortsighted HR people to automatically disqualify great people.
Age discrimination laws are really a joke and every company knows that.
To David-Being a very successful equipment salesman until the construction collapse.at 62 I just went through that with a propane job-3 phone interviews,then was asked to meet all the corp people (314 miles)after I took 2 sets of assessments,the only reservations they claimed was that I had spent so many years selling equipment ,they were afraid if it came back I would leave. well they knew by my resume how long I had been in the business but when they saw my gray hair that was that. I didn’t get the job. The professional salesman at 62 can’t seem to find any kind of job, regardless of your qualifications
Try being 54 with Moderate CP which means wheelchair and a bit of a speech impairment. Even though I have a Masters Degree in Organizational Management I might as well have a GED for all the good it will do me.
I am a licensed tool and die maker. I bucked the social expectations for a women and busted my butt to prove my worth. In the eighties I lost my job to China. I worked construction until I started my own Company 11 years ago doing disability modifications to homes. Mostly fed and state funded but rewarding work till funding dried up. Last year I had to close shop from 3 full time crews to zip. At 54 I figured with my diverse background people would be begging me to work for them. If anything good comes from this its all us boomers thinking good times will never end really put reality in our faces. Probably why this economy flopped. So anyway, one interview in last month but no reply. I called them 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks. Now they are saying unemployed people don’t want to work. They are not looking at us older workers with actual work ethics, they are looking at our kids we spoiled too much. I worked the Census, I take whatever small temp jobs i can get and I am getting passed up for our kids generation and as an ex employer I can tell you thats a mistake. Employers are babysitters now to a generation of CEO wanna be’s
I am 50 and just finished my Phlebotomy certification. I only have five more classes to finish my Medical Assistant Certification. I have worked as a C.N.A and Q.M.A. 20 plus years. Right now I am having trouble finding a job and not sure what to do. I have payed for my education myself and a lot of people are getting help. I hate to spend any more money on my education if I will not be able to find a job. I know for a fact that age does hurt you. I think schools are getting rich on trying to help older student. Medical Assisting is really encourage at most Ivy Tech Community Colleges for older students. People are still not finding work unless you are already working or know someone who can get you in. Any advise?
It is easy for someone that has a job right now to make comments about how older people have “chosen” to not work - it simply is a FALSE ASSUMPTION. I worked 36 of the past 38 years and now cannot find a job. I went to your job search and put in several different job titles and several different states and came up with “ZERO”. I made up stuff - just to see if I could find ONE job anywhere. Nothing came up. Is your website not working or AS I SUSPECT - are there just not any jobs out there? I have been looking for work for the past 2 years- ACTIVELY. I have pounded the sidewalks, walked door to door, applied online to dozens of businesses, I have driven around several cities in several states writing down the names of companies so that I could pull up their website and submit my application. I read today that the recession MIGHT be back in full swing. When did it ever stop? And where is there no recession? In what state can I find a job (I will move there)? I also read today that the gov’t. and other financial institutions (that want to paint a rosy picture of the economy) only count people that are presently drawing Unemployment Insurance in the current unemployment percentages - which most show as between 8-10%. I went to several different websites to determine from what the “great minds of the U.S.” were thinking (these are professors, Wall St. people, gov’t officials, etc.). If you add in the people that are unemployed and have “decided to go on permanent vacation” - our unemployment rate is around 20-23%. It makes me feel a little better about myself to hear that I’m not the only one looking for a job right now - especially since I’ve been told I must be doing something wrong, must not be looking chipper enough during the interviews I go on (which have amounted to about 6 over the past 2 1/2 years), need to go to college (although on the interviews most of the employers thought I was over-qualified). I’m sorry - but it all comes down to age - I don’t care what anyone says. All the employers do is look for your graduate date(s) and if you don’t show them on your resume they know you “must be old.” I am only 53 - I have another 17 years to work. God help us all!