Tuesday, September 12, 2017

The invisible age barrier: when am I too old to change jobs?

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
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