In today’s competitive job-search environment, exacerbated for older applicants by age bias, many older job hunters are turning to professional help. This can include career coaching, résumé writing, networking support and more. Additional job-search costs can include premium subscriptions to online tools and specialty services that identify roles and companies that might be a good fit…
Carl Van Horn, a Rutgers University professor of public policy specializing in the American labor market, advises older job seekers to steer clear of paid services. “I would say to rely upon friends and colleagues and associates that you’ve known over the years,” he says.
Van Horn adds that there are a number of free resources available online and encourages those seeking external help to seek out volunteer organizations, college career centers and faith-based institutions.
AARP and Indeed also are collaborating to provide career services to older workers at free or reduced costs. These offerings include résumé reviews, job interview preparation and career coaching…
Networking events.
Van Horn is dubious about heavily investing in one tool but says there are some intangibles stemming from a well-rounded strategy that could help land a new role. “The job-search process is in some ways random,” he says. “What you want to do is increase the percentage of opportunities for a random hit.” That can be done by attending networking sessions, going to seminars or simply volunteering with an organization in the industry you’d like to work in. Some efforts require financial investment; others involve being smart with your time and energy.