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Can't Find A Job?
My problem is that
I just turned 41 and I'm out of work. My experience
is in the food service industry. I recently completed
an interview and the employer said that I had just
what he was looking for: personality and work experience
and maturity. You can imagine my surprise when he
said, "I wish I could find someone in his or her
early twenties with your experience." I almost puked
on his desk! He was totally sincere in his belief
that there was someone in their early twenties with
all my years of experience and maturity. How can
I overcome blatant age discrimination? How can I
convince any employer that my age and experience
is an asset, not a liability?
--DG. (Boulder, Colorado)
I think I'd laugh in that employer's face before
puking on them, but it is incredible that any employer
would say something like that--much less believe
it--particularly since he manages a food service
organization. He must understand the bottom line
advantage of experience and maturity in service,
preparing the food, and filling the restaurant.
You're a worker. Now, consider yourself the product
and develop a plan. First of all, who ever
said 41 is old? Even if you work only until the
past standard for retirement (65), you have 24 more
years to go--a veritable career time period. Most
employers would be thrilled if a key employee lasted
five or six years!
Regardless of how much a food service worker makes
They earn what they make, and the more they earn,
the more the employer profits. If an employer has
to nurture and train a 22-year old, there's a cost
factor involved until that person is up and running.
Not so with you. You have contacts, experience,
and maturity. You have been nurtured and trained
in your field. You're ready to run. you have Believe
in your service and proven your ability. Sell a
prospective employer like a straight commission
salesperson would. Sell your strengths. It's a win-win
situation for you and your next employer.
***
as I promised some help in reducing competition
in your job search and following through with the
selling process. We want to reduce the number of
people competing with you for any job, and we want
you to know where you stand even when the employer
doesn't let you know. Consider these points:
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It's expected that you'll follow up on advertised job
openings, but don't make this approach your
main activity.
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Know what you want to do--and are prepared to do--for
your next employer. You should be able to explain
it in 25 words or less to anyone in any industry.
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Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet.
Get out and advertise what you want in your
next job.
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Get to know the reference librarian in the career section
of your public library. He or she can help you
research companies that use (and probably need)
people who do what you do.
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Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of company
officials who make hiring decisions or may be
able to influence the human resources department.
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Remember: You don't need an invitation to contact any
employer.
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Make contact with employers and ask for the interview,
don't just hope for one. Say, "I'd like to meet
you in person and discuss how we can help each
other. Would Tuesday morning about 10 work for
you, or would Wednesday afternoon be better?"
Then wait patiently for an answer.
-
When you get interviews, know the name and address of
your interviewer and don't leave empty-handed.
Ask what step comes next--and when.
-
Follow up on every interview, good or bad, with a short
thank-you note mailed or hand-delivered within
24 hours. If you want the job, say so in the
note. Don't assume anything.
-
If you don't hear from an employer in a few days, make a call, send e-mail,
or drop a note in the mail.
-
You should stay in touch and keep control.
Please
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