Today is: Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Our next publication day: Friday, January 22, 2021
How to Get a Job in 2021 If You’re Over 50
Five things to do that can help you find work
by Nancy Collamer at marketwatch.com
Between COVID-19, record-high unemployment numbers and the collapse of entire industry sectors, 2020 was a miserable year for older workers. In fact, for the first time in nearly 50 years, older workers face higher unemployment than mid-career workers, according to The New School Retirement Equity Lab. And a Champlain College survey found that 9% of boomers and 11% of Gen Xers have lost jobs in the pandemic.
Yet despite all the challenges, millions of Americans did get hired in 2020.
Older Job Seekers Are Having More Trouble Finding Jobs
from fox19.com
Older job seekers are having more trouble finding jobs. On average, a third of the workforce is age 50 or older, but once displaced, older workers take twice as long to find a new job as younger workers. Long-term unemployment is especially concerning now: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half (45.6%) of jobseekers 55-plus have been looking for a job for six months or longer.
Generation X has Entered
the Over 55 Career Insecurity Zone
from careerpivot.com
I am encountering older Gen Xers who are questioning their career path (just like baby boomers who started doing this 10 years ago). This is particularly true of those who have been laid off or feel they could be laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
We know from the past that being over 50 years of age puts a big bullseye on your back when the economy falters.
NIFTY TIP of the DAY
Detective Work
Being a little bit clever in your job search can go a long way
Sometimes LinkedIn can be a two-edge sword.
On the one hand, it is widely used by employers and job seekers alike. Some recruiters report using LinkedIn in 90 percent of their searches. Many hiring managers admit to reviewing a candidate’s LinkedIn profile before looking at the applicant’s resume. MORE
More help for the 50+ job seeker:
How to Stay Motivated While Job Hunting During a Pandemic
How To Land A Job In 2021
Job Seekers! Hiring Managers are Only Judging You on Two Things!
Pass it Along
If you attend networking events and go to jobs clubs, you’ve been meeting other job seekers just like you. Mention the Nifty50s to them and encourage them to visit as well. You’ll be helping them and you’ll make an appreciative friend for yourself.