As sad as it is to say it but a lot of companies are ageist. This means that they will not accept someone that is a bit older than most of their applicants. This is bad news for anyone who is above 39 who is looking to become employed.
Fortunately, there are ways to address this. These are five tips that can improve the chances of someone in their 40s to land a job:
1. Consider applying for a truck driving position
Trucks form a crucial part of the distribution process of most products within different cities and areas. This is the reason why it would be a smart move for any person in their 40s to engage in the trucking industry.
There is a need for people who are competent, organized and skilled in this particular sector. When you apply for a truck driving position, there is a good chance that you will be hired. Contact an agency that offers truck driver and general labor staffing services and can help people who are looking for work in this field.
2. See if going back to school would work for you
If you have been out of a job for a considerable time, going back to school may be an option for you. After all, there is a real possibility that the job landscape has changed so much since you worked.
At least, when you go back to school, you will have a better chance of getting hired as you have learned about things that most job applicants also know. This can level the playing field between you and other applicants.
3. Study simple tech processes and tasks
Most jobs now require employees to know simple tech processes and tasks. When you apply for the job, you may be required to make a document in a computer or print a document. If you are not a techie person, it may be time for you to learn even the most basic computer tasks.
You have to remember that most of the applicants that are much younger than you grew up around computers. You must be able to compete with them if you want to get the job.
4. Prepare a targeted resume
The days of the one-size-fits-all resume is gone. The landscape of how potential employers evaluate resumes has changed so much that you may as well throw out most of the things that you think you know about resumes.
Right now, the norm for resumes is that it should not be more than two pages, putting only the highlights of your career so far. Plus, it should be targeted to the employer that you are trying to apply to.
5. Make sure you look presentable
Even when you are already in your 40s, you should still look good when you face potential employers. After all, when a person looks good, they tend to look young.
It is one way for you to trick people into thinking that you are younger than you actually are. If you have to, buy clothes that will make you look both young and professional. This will enhance your chances of getting hired by a lot.
When you are in your 40s, you have to work twice as hard for employers to notice you. But when you succeed, it will be worth it.
