Wrightas Posterous

Make Your Age An Asset In Your Job Search

By Wayne Richardson
20+ Year Recruiter / Executive Career Expert

In a competitive job market, many executives have a concern about their age and how may affect their chances of landing a good position. And while this concern is popular, age is not a factor one can control. A mature executive cannot all of a sudden become younger. However, that same executive can use age to his or her advantage. Let’s take a look.

Mark, a 57-year young Vice President is very concerned about age discrimination (although he says that he has more energy now than when he was in his 20s!). Mark has had a highly successful career with numerous impressive accomplishments. However, a younger breed of executives is entering his industry. These are bright, highly educated and ambitious individuals. They are also willing to work for less than Mark.

But let’s look at this objectively. Rookie executives may they have great credentials, but they often lack Mark’s long-term practical experience. For example, few can match Mark’s solid industry connections it took decades to develop. Also, Mark’s know-how in expanding international markets is virtually unmatched by others in his industry. The point is, Mark’s advanced business savvy is remarkable and can be very beneficial to employers.

How does this help Mark compete in a volatile market? The good news, he doesn’t have to compete. That’s right. Instead, he can elegantly position himself as a complete package, and present a significantly greater value to employers. By appropriately promoting his career, Mark can immediately command more attention. Instead of being seen as one-of-many, he can wisely communicate that he is positively one-of-a-kind.

There are 3 specific things Mark can do to present himself effectively:.............