Strategies for Changing Your Career When You Are Over 50

Transitioning to a new career can be a daunting task, especially for older workers who have spent most of their professional lives in a single profession or industry. The competition is fierce, with younger candidates vying for the same roles. However, there are ways for seasoned workers to stand out during the interview process and set themselves apart.

Experience is key

One strategy is to highlight the experience that requires years of work to master. Older workers have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout their careers. It is essential to emphasize personal, interpersonal, and soft skills that have contributed to their achievements. For example, personal skills like dependability, punctuality, and commitment demonstrate a strong work ethic. Soft skills such as independence, the ability to work at all levels of an organization, and understanding how work contributes to larger goals are highly valued. Interpersonal skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and stakeholder management, are crucial in any job. Highlighting mastery in these areas will differentiate older workers from their younger counterparts who may not have had the same exposure or time to gain such experience.

Value comes with age

Demonstrating value is another important aspect. Even if an older worker does not have direct experience in the specific career area they are pursuing, they can leverage their transferable skills and experiences. For instance, someone transitioning from finance to business operations can emphasize their deep understanding of finance and how it can contribute to solving operational problems or gaining stakeholder alignment. Older workers should connect the dots between their broad skill set and the requirements of the new job, showcasing their versatility and value.

Upskill, upskill, upskill

Continually upskilling is another vital factor. Older workers should emphasize their commitment to learning and growth. Understanding digital tools and applications commonly used in the industry and researching the impact of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning can demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset and analytical skills. Showing that they are keeping up with industry trends and evolving their skill set sets older workers apart from their junior counterparts.

When faced with questions about lack of direct experience, older workers should never admit it. Instead, they should connect their skills and capabilities to the job description, using keywords to make the connection. By highlighting relevant experience and emphasizing the skills they possess, older workers can overcome the lack of direct experience and prove their suitability for the new role.

You have an amazing network

Leveraging their extensive network is another advantage older workers have. Over the course of their careers, they have worked with various individuals who may now be in influential positions. Networking with these connections can provide access to unadvertised job opportunities and introductions to hiring managers or recruiters. A vast network can be particularly valuable, as it demonstrates an individual's reach, influence, and deep industry relationships.

In conclusion, changing careers as an older worker may seem daunting, but with proper preparation, it is entirely possible to set oneself apart from the competition. By highlighting mastery of skills, demonstrating value, continually upskilling, connecting skills to the job description, and leveraging a vast network, older workers can showcase their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that will benefit future employers. It is crucial for hiring managers and interviewers to recognize the valuable contributions older workers can make and ensure age does not overshadow their capabilities.

If you are over 50 and thinking about changing your career, join us over at rocket50. We have the tools, resources and support to help you find that next great thing!

Marie Jerusalem is the CEO and Founder of rocket50