The more things change, the more they stay the same
Of course the classic conundrum is Charles Dickens’ “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” More companies are hiring older applicants. More companies are seeking older candidates. And yet, ageism appears to be running rampant.
Despite the differences, today’s job search isn’t all that much different. No doubt you’re probably tired of hearing about how the entire job seeking process has changed. The way you looked for a job 20, 30, or even 40 years ago just doesn’t apply anymore. There is a lot of truth to that. Then again…
One job coach we know says that, when you get right down to it, job seeking hasn’t changed. For one thing, people still hire people. They don’t hire resumes, et.al. At the end of the day, they’re hiring you.
Several sources – from LinkedIn to Fox Business News – say that 65–80 percent of all job connections ultimately can be traced back to a conversation with someone you know – typically through some contact made through networking. So, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Sound familiar?
Another thing that has not changed is the need to maintain a constant, steady flow of activity. While some will debate as to whether or not looking for a job – is a job, all will agree that it’s important to remain active in your search. Do a little something everyday. Even if it’s just making a few phone calls or sending some follow-up emails, it’s critical to keep the process moving.
Of course, all the observers who expound on the changes in the job search process are not wrong either. Much has changed. And the 50+ job seeker is not usually all that comfortable with these changes. Why? Are they too techy? Too impersonal? Or, just too different from what we’ve become accustomed to?
Most likely, it’s the last. Our job coach friend notes that today’s mature candidates feel uncomfortable simply because the process is different. He notes, however, that the more often we roll up our sleeves and actually participate in this new process, the more likely it is that we will soon feel notably more at ease with it. Doing it makes one feel more confident and comfortable.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.