Five Steps to employment for the over-50 Job-search. Part 3: Your Image Matters!

A few years ago I let my image deteriorate.   I put on a lot of weight that slowed me down and affected my self-worth.  I had outgrown my wardrobe so I decided to take action.  For me, that is a big deal as my suits and trousers are organized by "thin," "normal," and "big-boy."   When I began to move beyond "big-boy" status, I knew that I was in serious trouble.  Okay, to be honest my golf group had a bet to see who could lose the most weight before our annual Spring Trip, six months out.  So, now in my mid-50s, I knew that weight loss would be a bit more challenging.  In the past, when I went on a weight-loss program, I counted and logged my calorie intake and had a solid exercise routine.  This time, I followed the same formula, but signed up for Weight-watchers’ on-line program.  Their app is loaded with useful tools and convenient to use when added to your iPhone.  My exercise routine was a little less aggressive, substituting a brisk 30-minute  walk five days a week for my former jogging routine.  Hey, I don't want to stop playing golf because I ruined my knees.


Additionally, I did some dietary research to learn the latest in healthy eating.  From that research I learned two things.  First, I needed to get more protein in my diet, approximately 90 grams a day.   Also, white starchy carbohydrates, especially salty snacks, had to go.   I am happy to say that within 6 months, I had reached my ideal weight, and won the bet.  Of the 12 people in the who started, only two of us stayed with our goal.  Both of us were using the Weight Watchers program, otherwise we were not that different from rest of the group.  The fact that we are Fraternity Brothers probably did not make much difference either.  My biggest take-away form this effort is that a proper diet becomes more important to weight loss as we age because the ability to power through via exercise becomes more difficult.

Your image makes a difference!  It is important to the prospective hiring manager, and to you!  The hiring manager is making an evaluation of your health and stamina, reflecting your ability to keep up with the demands of the job.  She is also considering how the company will be judged if you are its representative.  Your confidence and self-worth is likely impacted by your approval of your image.  If your self-confidence is negatively affected by your image, you will not perform well at interviews or at networking.  The self-confidence that comes from having a good physical image will result in a more successful job-search campaign.


I am by no means an image consultant so the wisdom I am passing along is based on my personal
history.   My intention is to reinforce some obvious points and pique your interest.  In doing a bit of research on The Web, I found quite a bit of information on the subject.  If you are interested in exploring this topic further, you are only a click away from a wealth of information.  Now, to be fair, when I think speak of image, I am thinking "age-appropriate."  I do not recommend trying to craft an image better fitting a twenty, or thirty-something.  Believe me, you will not be taken seriously if you go in that direction.  The benefit of age is experience and wisdom.  Personally, that is exactly what I want my image to reflect, plus a healthy dose of energy and zest for life.  I hope you agree.

While you are between jobs, work on your image.  Do something for yourself.  An appropriate physical activity will help you look and feel better.  It will also burn off a lot of the stress that comes from the ups and downs of job-search.

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Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.
 
 
Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

Five Steps to employment for the over-50 Job-search. Part 2. Networking: Your Job-search Engine

If self-assessment is the foundation, networking is the engine for job-search.  Most jobs are still landed through networking so this is where you need to spend  your time.   Your network is probably your most powerful asset, especially in job search, and a competitive advantage for the more mature job candidate.  With time, job moves, and geographical moves it is likely that your network is larger and more powerful than younger competitors.  There is a vast library of articles devoted to building your network.  My point today is about helping you become more effective using your network to land that next job.  Your success in job search will depend on the vitality of your networking.
So, let's assume that you have alerted your network that you are in the market and they have helped you shape a positioning strategy to find that next, great opportunity.  You have researched the opportunity you seek; you understand the industry segment and you know the job you want to pursue.  You have identified key people familiar with that opportunity who are hiring managers or linked to hiring managers.  You have made a good start, but now what? Well, now you must keep your network energized and active on your behalf.
Effective Communication is the key to managing your network.  These folks want to help you!  You must make it easy for them to do so.  You need to stay top-of-mind  without being intrusive or obnoxious.   Your Facebook and LinkedIn networks are easy enough to update, but how do you manage the bulk of your network who may not be connected to you on these venues?

How to communicate:

• Avoid long, drawn-out telephone calls.  My preference is to use email.
• Put your network into Groups or Circles so that you can efficiently communicate your updates and status.
• I would urge you to use a merge-mail function, a feature in Outlook, to personalize your emails.
• Save phone calls for important, targeted communication.

What to communicate:

• Routine updates as to your progress every few weeks.
• Any change in direction or dead ends encountered.
• Successes/problems you are having executing your plan.
• Keep it short and to the point.  No tomes!
• A note about a personal interest is always a welcomed addition.

For new contacts, make it easy for me to know how to help you:

• Be crystal-clear as to what you are trying to accomplish.
• Help me understand how I can help you.
• Your elevator speech must be compelling, so I will remember you.
• Do your homework. Be prepared for our conversation.

• Don’t make me guess at what might be a good connection for you.

Make it easy for me to introduce you to my network:

• Give me a handful of your business cards.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+
• Send me updates on your progress and what you are trying to accomplish.

Make it easy for me to contact you:  Don't waste my time looking for your contact information.

• Your email correspondence must include a complete signature section.
• I rely heavily on my IPhone so having the ability to tap your phone number, email address, or website is a critical time saving function.
• Understand your networking contact’s preferred method of communication and comply.

Networking must be a way of life for professionals, especially if you are over 50. It is all too common for people to neglect their network while they are working, and then hustle to reconnect when not working.  Failure to nurture your network while you are working increases your time to reconnect when you are between jobs.  You have a lot of simple tools at your disposal to stay in touch easily and effectively.   Use them!
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Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com