The Boomer Economy

Published February 7, 2010

Despite long résumés with proven results, baby boomers often have an uphill climb competing with younger jobseekers. Older workers may be experienced decision makers with little need for training, yet a hiring manager may see them as expensive, inflexible and old-fashioned.

In today's economy, that hill has become more like a mountain. Stephanie Klein, president of The Boomer Group, a Denver staffing company, believes that age and experience is an advantage, even in this job market. However, she cautions, older jobseekers "Really need to be able to articulate how they are going to help a company save money, make money or improve operations."

You can't articulate what you don't know, which is why Robin Ryan, author of "Over 40 and You're Hired" (Penguin, 2009), says hard-nosed self assessment is critical to a boomer's job search. "Ask yourself, What are the marketable, transferable skills I possess? What do I excel at? What am I missing that I need to pick up?" she says.

Ryan suggests "filling in the gap" between what you know and where your industry is headed by reading, attending conferences or getting training. Education is key. If an older worker is close to finishing a college degree - less than two years - she suggests enrolling in an affordable program and getting the diploma. "Employers use degrees as a way to screen people out," she says.

The lack of CPA certification may be hurting the chances of a 51-year-old New York City accountant interviewed for this story who has been out of work for almost four months. However, with 28 years of experience in accounting, he believes the lack of response from companies he has contacted has more to do with his age. "I'm at the top of my game right now," he says. "I know the most I've ever known about anything in my field. I can only think it relates to age bias." Because of that, he isn't taking chances. He requested anonymity, fearful that his views about age discrimination might hurt his chances for landing a job.

The accountant's experience underscores another hurdle for boomers. The Web has changed the world and adaptability is key. Boomers must be proficient in the online application process and savvy enough to take advantage of online social and professional networking.

Lisa Johnson Mandell, author of "Career Comeback: Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want" (Springboard Press, 2010), suggests boomers create a blog about their industry and put its URL at the top of their résumé in lieu of a street address. "It shows you know how to use the Internet and that you're at the cutting edge of your field by talking about latest developments," she says.

Along with a snappy résumé and Web skills, Ryan says boomers need to project an ageless appearance and energetic attitude. Throw out the old polyester suits, update the hairstyle and adjust the attitude. Mandell suggests that jobseekers have professional photos taken of their new look and posting those along with social networking profile on blogs or "any place where you can put a picture of yourself looking your professional best."

While it might feel unfair for boomers to have to "change" in order to compete in today's market, Mandell points out that everybody deals with unspoken prejudices.

By playing up strengths - namely, a wealth of experience that can move a company ahead in this economy - and minimizing the perception that they are dinosaurs, boomers can demonstrate to employers not only that they are perfect for the job, but that they're worth every penny.

- Written By Dana Carman