Mature job seekers possess a unique perspective and career voice when it comes to appealing to employers. All experience is valid and valued. It’s not just the callouses that are worthy of respect. At times its eyes and ears that recognize what not to do, and not just what to do.
The voice of experience can say things in a way that resonates, especially if it’s calmer, temperate, and seasoned. Although the media deems mature people “irrelevant,” in my classroom experience as a trainer, instructor, and teacher, younger adults are more than willing to listen to a mature voice of reason.
Maturity
Experience naturally brings along temperance, good judgment, and reliability in most cases. While younger counterparts are technically savvier, the mature voice is more trusted.
Confidence
Once you’ve “been down that road,” there is familiarity in behavior that the mature worker understands and recognizes. He or she knows not only what to say, but also how to say it.
Communication
The mature voice notices many of the verbal cues that younger counterparts ignore. The “mmm’s” and “uhhhs” say something or they mean nothing.
Leadership skills
Becoming bigger, faster, and stronger is for weightlifting and wrestling, but not essential for most workplaces. The mature worker is efficient, especially if he or she knows the appropriate technology for the job, or if technology is actually needed for the job.
The unemployment rate continues to increase for job seekers 50 and older. Some have been unemployed for some years now and lost the pulse on their talents and strengths. This short list should get you started, but if you need help with your career voice, feel free to contact me and we’ll figure it out together.