As a recruiter, I learned a script from a longtime recruiting trainer years ago. It’s aimed at someone who has a job offer but is currently employed, and so is hesitant to take the offer. The script goes something like this, ''I would bet you grew up with your father going to one, maybe two jobs. As a kid and young adult, you expected the same thing to happen.'' This script applies to the bulk of boomers. We did grow up like that, and our world has been turned totally upside down. Indeed, if you’re a boomer and have just read this, you probably said, ''Wow, that’s exactly how I feel.'' If you were with the same company for 15-20 years or more and have recently lost your job, this little script has an even more powerful impact.
Welcome to the job world of 2008. The reality is that the dream of long-term employment with one, maybe two companies, has just about been declared dead. You may have dealt with this intellectually, but have you emotionally? If not, this disappointment will be reflected in your attitude without you even being aware of it. I guarantee you, if it is there, the interviewer will be picking up on it subconsciously.
Another huge issue is fear (especially as regards false evidence appearing to be real). Just about all of us are fearful of the things we don’t know. Sure, there are a few people who love new things and get a ''high'' out of charging through any fear. Witness George Bush ''Sr.'' taking his first parachute jump at 80, or John Glenn going on his second space flight at 78, or my father taking up white water rafting in his late 50s. That said, for an ''experienced'' job seeker with tenure at just one company, the job-search experience has many fear points, such as:
- Doing your first job search in years in the technology era. By the way, I’d contend that the basics are pretty much the same as they were 20 years ago. It’s just that some of the tools are different.
- Having to take a new job where you don’t know the company, people, routines, or the job itself.
- Not knowing if this job is going to last you ''until retirement,'' or if you will have to change again.
- Potentially having to change routines (see below).
I have an 84-year-old mother who is very active and whom I love very much. She has also been one of my greatest teachers and mentors. She is a shining example of resistance to change. She recently had some very minor surgery that required her not to drive for four weeks. It ''darn near killed'' her to ask for rides to places. She also didn’t always like the routes that my son and I took. They were not the way she would have gone. Well guess what? As we get older, we are also getting more resistant to change. We like our routines. Unfortunately, a job search and new job require all types of change. By the way, my mother lied to me and started driving a couple days before her doctor gave her the go-ahead. Resistance to change is a very powerful thing.
So that’s all nice, but what about the more practical things?
If you are one of those working until retirement, or more precisely, waiting for retirement, good luck. This attitude shows through clearly in the interview process. The ''fire in the belly'' is gone. The desire to meet new challenges and achieve more success has disappeared. If you were a hiring manager, would you be interested?
Some people haven’t updated their skills and abilities in a long time. They haven’t had to, or so they thought. A lot of times this sort of thing can be very subtle and not even thought of until you get to an interview and hear a question like ''Have you used Excel?'' By the way, the vast majority of corporate execs have learned about and used the new gadgets and technology. They love ''big boy'' toys.
Are you looking the part, or are you looking like that person who is waiting to retire? Have you updated your wardrobe, looked at your hairstyle, kept yourself in reasonable shape? If you don’t know about the first two, ask your hairdresser. I know some men out there still go to barbers because the haircuts are generally cheaper, but is that helping your image? I know I always look at other men’s suits to see how well they are cut, etc. I have been going to a hairdresser for years and am not embarrassed to admit that I spend a few extra bucks to look good. This doesn’t mean that you should try to look and dress like you’re 30 if you’re over 50. By the way, in many cases, gray can look quite distinguished in business. Remember, 50 is the new 30. Adopt that attitude!
And stay away from negative people. I was once invited to a job-search networking lunch. This was a regular monthly lunch. All the 20 or so people there did was complain. I almost had to go home and watch a Richard Simmons video to get reenergized. I do not really want to make fun, but negativity is contagious and it can be a big emotional drain.
What’s your attitude? Do you get up every morning saying, ''Good God, another day,'' or saying, ''Good, it’s another day!!'' I do not want to get religious here, but there’s an evangelist named David Ring who speaks all over the world. He has CP (cerebral palsy). He starts every one of his talks with, ''I have CP, what’s your problem?'' Quite an eye-opener for most of us who want to complain. Just remember, ''Your attitude…is it worth catching?''
I hate to be blunt and potentially close on a ''down'' note, but worrying about a company’s potential age discrimination isn’t going to get me a job.
A happy outcome is the best method for getting even.
Here’s Wishing You Terrific Hunting,
Bill
About the Author
Bill Gaffney has 17 years of experience as an executive recruiter and career coach. He just finished another Norman Vincent Peale tape. Bill can be reached at 937-567-5267 or wmgaffney@prodigy.net. For questions to be considered for this column or topic suggestions, please email askamaxa@yahoo.com.
