Could this be you? If so, take action now!

We all know someone in their mid 50s who has remained in the same job for multiple years. They haven’t interviewed for a new position in over a decade and now, they are seeking a new position. Having consistently excelled at their current position, they do not realize the steep mountain they have to climb in order to obtain that new job. Having been successful and secure in their current job, with great yearly reviews and a wall of accomplishments they haven’t needed to keep up with new employment platforms or trends in hiring and interviewing. Confident and content in their abilities, more than a few have what I call the “I’ve got this!” attitude.

These employees, always focused on their current work, are highly valued but are unconscious of the newly developed nuances in the hiring world within the last decade! New methods of networking are now popular in assisting with sourcing a job. COVID19 has candidates and hiring managers using Zoom for interviews. Time-consuming online employment applications must be learned along with the use of proper keywords to benefit their application and then, let’s not forget to mention the asynchronous (one-way) job interview to prepare for. It all can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating. 

The “I’ve got this” attitude may first be seen as a positive attribute, commending their “can-do” spirit but it can quickly develop into a type of self-sabotaging behavior as they delay attempts to finally begin their search! Self sabotage is any behavior, action, or thought that halts or prevents forward movement toward a desired goal. This behavior could be based on a fear of failure in a world of job interviewing that is suddenly foreign. Exposing oneself to unknown methods of job interviewing without appropriate help may lead to questioning one's ability while challenging their self esteem. Failed attempts landing a valid interview can soon lead to making excuses for a lack of further action. “I know what I’m doing.” “I’ll get around to looking at the job boards later.” “I hate networking.” “I’ll fix my resume’ next week.”  Procrastination is one of self-sabotage’s best friends!  

I’ve seen this attitude in some very accomplished mid 50s, mid-career, “I’ve got this!” job candidates. Meet for a 30 minute consultation, I see their resume is very outdated. No efforts have been made to explore networking and they may have an unused LinkedIn account from 2003, subsequently forgotten. Some even have more than one LinkedIn account with each of their previous positions. With their last job interview at least 10 years ago, procrastinating and making excuses prevails and most of all there is a lack of a solid goal, much less a plan for progressing in this new job search.   

Unfortunately, these very accomplished mid 50s, mid-career candidates are anything but “I’ve got this!”. Their perspective is antiquated in today’s job market. I quickly have to remove their rose-colored glasses reminding them that although they have performed exceptionally well in their current position, millions of Americans are out of work at this time making competition for all jobs very tight. These candidates also must understand that younger applicants are more savvy and comfortable with the technology involved with newer methods of interviewing. There is also the very real issue of ageism that sneaks up on a candidate in their mid 50s.

Presenting outdated resumes and making half-hearted attempts at job searches will not succeed. What does it say to recruiters or hiring managers not to give it your all. There are many, many others who want the job you want and they are willing to compete for it. It’s time to realize that in order to get that new job, earnest efforts need to be made to do the work, give it your all, and compete like you have in your current position to be the best.  

A candidate in this position faces an uphill battle. It can be long and frustrating. An expert in job interview coaching is recommended. An interview coach can assist you in making a personalized plan and timeline for your specific needs. Your coach will assist with the many methods of job interviewing currently used while providing guidance, support, and feedback as you progress in the job interview process. You have to be able to verbalize your experience, knowledge, and capabilities in a persuasive manner, telling your professional stories in a confident, bold and connective style, communicating the value you bring to the company in a conversive demeanor demonstrating you are the person for the position.

A mid 50s, mid-career job change can be daunting. You don’t have to do it alone. Contact me for a 30 minute complimentary consultation. I’m happy to be of service and walk this important path with you.

As a job interview coach with over 30 years of experience, I offer a free 30 minute coaching consultation. I’d be happy to serve you!