Most frequently asked questions are: How’s the job market? Or – are people getting jobs?
Next biggest question is: will my age hurt my chances out there?
My answers:
I see a big serge on the job market. I heard from someone last week who had secured a job in South Florida. He has promised me a testimonial and I will get that on my site as soon as it’s available.
I think the construction people and people that surround that industry are still in a struggle. Outside of this industry, I see this new serge. Since the beginning of the year, I have written for lawyers, medical personnel, sales, manufacturing executives, engineers, foundations, IT, and nonprofits. All of these people have new jobs since January.
Because of the rush at this time of year (yes the résumé business has its seasons), I asked all my clients for a 7-10 business day turnaround rather than the 5-day. They all agreed. And then without exception, I was called to hurry up because they had heard from a recruiter or seen the perfect job. So you see – it is happening!
Now about age:
I think the same about age that a did a year ago and in earlier years past:
Age does not hinder you. (Period) Strangely enough I am asked this – no matter what age someone is. :) You would think that the world is run by 17 year olds. But you know it is not. The best employees are seasoned – the way you are.
What is wrong is how you pull your résumé together. Employers want confident people who know their stuff. That is what you need to market you. Go back and re-read my statements about branding. Differentiate yourself from everyone else at the top of the résumé by opening up the document with YOUR BRAND. Make a compelling statement and then back it up with facts. No, no, I do not mean TOP PRODUCER – type statements, but rather a statement that defines you differentiates you from every other candidate out there.
You say you can’t. Ask your wife. Ask you husband. Ask a trusted friend. And when you hear the same statement more than once about what makes you great – aha you are on to your brand.
That folks will sell you every time – no age problem either. Because your brand goes with you – it is portable job to job. It is part of your life and no one has exactly the same experience, wisdom, temperament, etc. that you do. Mary Ann
I hate to point this out, but if you are writing resumes for people… I think you mean “surge” not “serge.” Serge is a rough cloth, you meant to “an increase. “
Susan, You are exactly right! A problem with blogging is that it comes to me rapidly and I write without inhibitions and spell check doesn’t fix everything. At least you read it and that, to me, is what is important. Because I do know what I am blogging about. At least I don’t use “i” for “I” — this offends me.
But keep critiquing. Scholarly advice welcomed and actually respected. I also chronically use managment instead of management and mix up the there’s when I’m in a hurry. All writers have their little errors.
What I say I really mean – that is what is important. Keep reading and correcting – that’s a good thing . Mary Ann
Fantastic article as always, I am seriously considering something along the lines of an affiliate section on my own site… so very timely post.
Everything you said is true, but there are many upsides. Like, you can’t be fired.
I think this refers to another article that I have written. But here goes my aswer. What I like about working for myself is the freedom of movement around my career, the autonomy, the fact that I am 75 and better, yes far better than I was at 35, 45, 55, 65. I just get better, wiser, and yes, have more fun. Mary Ann