The New Energy Era

The New Energy Era Means New Challenges for 50+ Professionals

As the energy industry evolves, so do the challenges faced by seasoned professionals. The ongoing talent shortage in the oil and gas sector underscores a pressing need; many companies are grappling with a significant skills deficit. Current estimates suggest the industry is short by up to 40,000 qualified workers as we speak.

Yet, paradoxically, the hiring of professionals aged 50 and over is declining. Employers often seem to favour younger candidates, leaving experienced individuals feeling overlooked and unappreciated. Is this trend a reflection of actual skill gaps, cultural attitudes, or simply the higher availability of younger recruits?

Many seasoned professionals, like my good friend Jan — a geologist and project manager with over 35 years in the oil and gas industry — have experienced this firsthand. Despite his loyalty and hard work through market fluctuations, oil crises, and multiple organisational changes (including redundancies), Jan has continually updated his skills through training while mentoring younger colleagues. Yet, he finds himself bypassed in favour of younger candidates, often met with similar excuses during job interviews.

Common excuses and feedback received by 50+ professionals

• Cultural Fit:?“The team felt that a different profile would align more closely with our company values.”
• Experience Level:?“We’re looking for someone with a more recent track record in the latest technologies used in the industry.”
• Frequency of Job Changes:?“We are concerned about your previous job transitions and how that might impact your long-term commitment to this role.”
• Ageism (Subtle or Implicit):?“We’re more focused on candidates who have a more current educational background or recent certifications.”
• Communication Style:?“The interview panel felt that your responses were more traditional and didn’t reflect the level of innovation we were hoping for.”
• Technical Skills Gap:?“We’re looking for someone who is more familiar with the latest software or technical tools we are using.”
• Leadership and Management Style:?“We are looking for a candidate with a more hands-on approach to leadership.”
• Concerns About Adaptability:?“We have concerns about your adaptability to our fast-paced environment.”
• Market Competition:?“We had a very competitive pool of candidates, and another candidate simply stood out more in terms of modern competencies.”
• Lack of Specific Achievements:?“Your resume and interview didn’t sufficiently highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.”

Does this sound familiar to you?

Jan's experience reflects the struggles faced by many professionals over 50 who feel their extensive knowledge is undervalued. However, the good news is that your experience is incredibly valuable, and there are strategic ways to leverage your background to reclaim your position in this new energy era.

1. It’s Your Attitude That Matters

In this dynamic job market, attitude can make all the difference. Remember that employers don't hire for skills; they hire for attitude. You can always learn new skills but it is difficult to change someone's attitude. Stick to your positive attitude and show flexibility in learning new things. Don't be afraid to say there is something you don't know yet but are happy to learn.

Action Points:

• Adapt to New Job Market Trends:?Embrace flexibility in working styles, whether that means remote collaboration or adapting to new tools.
• Shine in Your Interviews:?Convey your willingness to adjust and learn while emphasizing how your extensive experience positions you uniquely to contribute to the company.
• Explore Opportunities with Flexibility:?Research companies that offer flexible working arrangements, as they often foster an inclusive environment appreciative of diverse backgrounds.

2. Refresh Your Skillset and Become Tech-Savvy

If you’ve been out of the job hunt for a while, it’s completely understandable to feel a bit apprehensive. To make sure you’re prepared, arm yourself with the right tools by taking relevant courses. Digital proficiency is critical in today’s job market. Once you show your proficiency in managing online meetings on Teams or Zoom and "raise your hand" before asking a question by clicking the right button, I am certain you will be considered a tech-savvy professional.

Action Points:

• Enrol in Training Courses:?Utilise online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX to learn technologies relevant to the oil and gas industry.
• Gain Practical Experience:?Volunteer for projects or roles that require technological use, allowing you to accumulate hands-on experience.
• Join Tech-Focused Groups:?Attend technical meetups or workshops to familiarize yourself with industry tools and trends in a supportive setting.

3. Focus on Ability, Not Age

Age-related biases are a reality for many older professionals in the hiring process. Such biases can manifest as assumptions about outdated skills or stereotypes about adaptability. However, it’s crucial to recognise that your wealth of experience can provide unique perspectives that younger candidates may lack. Instead of emphasising age, focus on showcasing your proven ability to innovate, lead, and adapt in a constantly changing environment.

Action Points:

• Streamline Your CV:?Consider trimming your CV by removing older experience that dates back more than ten years or omit dates in your education section to diminish age-related bias.
• Highlight Relevant Accomplishments:?Focus on skills and achievements in your resume and LinkedIn profile showcasing your contributions to projects and your ability to adapt to change.
• Network Actively:?Attend industry-focused events, both in-person and virtually, to build connections that can lead to referrals and opportunities.

4. Don’t Undersell Yourself

The importance of recognizing the breadth of experience that you as an older worker bring. In circumstances where younger candidates may seem to have more to offer, reminding yourself of what makes you stand out from the crowd is a quick and effective way to build awareness and confidence in yourself and your own worth. Your extensive knowledge and insights can provide invaluable context to modern challenges, making your contributions essential in today’s evolving work environment. Emphasizing your unique ability to mentor younger colleagues can further highlight the depth and richness of your professional background.

Action Points:

• Personal Branding:?Develop a strong personal brand that highlights your unique strengths and experiences. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and achievements effectively.
• Share Success Stories:?Write articles or blog posts about significant projects from your career, illustrating your contributions and the positive outcomes you've engineered.
• Gather Testimonials:?Request recommendations from former colleagues or supervisors that highlight your effectiveness and achievements, making these endorsements visible on your profiles and during networking events.

5. Apply for Jobs at Age-Inclusive Employers

Finding employers who appreciate diverse experiences, including age diversity, is crucial in today’s job market. Age-inclusive companies recognize the value of a multi-generational workforce and actively seek senior professionals for their roles. Not only do these organizations benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience, but they also gain fresh perspectives that drive innovation and creativity. By focusing on companies that prioritize inclusivity, you position yourself within environments that value your contributions and encourage collaboration across all age groups.

Action Points:

• Research Company Culture:?Investigate the cultures of potential employers to identify organizations that genuinely embrace diversity and age inclusivity.
• Emphasize Cultural Fit in Interviews:?Share how your extensive experience brings stability and perspective to teams, thus enhancing organizational diversity.
• Showcase Adaptability:?Provide examples during interviews of how you’ve successfully adapted to various environments and collaborated across age groups.

If Jan could navigate this transition successfully, I’m confident you can too!

After several months, I was thrilled to learn that Jan successfully secured a project management role at an innovative energy company dedicated to sustainable practices. He is the older member of his team now and he feels comfortable with this fact.

Intrigued by how a seasoned 50+ O&G professional navigated such a competitive market, Jan shared the key strategies he employed throughout his job search. His inspiring journey motivated me to prepare this edition of the newsletter, which I am excited to present to you now.

If you find yourself struggling in your job hunt, remember that you are not alone in this rapidly changing landscape. At GeoModes, we specialise in supporting 50+ professionals in the oil and gas industry to navigate these challenges. Our team is dedicated to helping you leverage your skills, expand your network, and secure the employment opportunities you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalised guidance and support — let’s work together to unlock your potential in this exciting new energy era!

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