Job Hunting for Mature Worker

Have you ever looked around you at the number of older women out there, who are not employed? There are many, far too many, and so many that they tip the scales of the workforce drastically. Many of these women have never worked outside the home. Some worked way back in their 20s and then shelved their working experience whilst they cared for families, possibly never even considering the possibility of returning to the workforce ever again.

If you fall within this category of women, are 40 years old and over, and have suddenly felt the desperate urge or need to go out and find a job, you probably need all the help you can get.

It is very strange that, in a world where youth rules, our working life is stretching longer than ever before. Now, we all look forward to working until we hit the 65 years' mark, whether we like it or not. And once we're past that, we probably have a good chance of living on until we're well into our 70s, 80s, 90s and possibly beyond. Statistics favour the female as the one who lives most, far-living her male counterpart.

And so, the 40 and 50 year old will find herself diving head-on in the job hunting field amidst so many young bright things and this direct competition with youth coupled with the very fact that employers frown upon the older women job hunter, make job hunting a major hurdle.

Ms Tabone, an HR Executive, admits that she gets several requests from women within these age brackets.

"Being aged 35 is not so much of a problem; it's once a women reaches 40 that the problems start. Many employers however, do realise the benefits of employing women in their 40s, as these are more experienced and better trained. In most cases if they do have children, the children are not so dependant and, generally speaking these women would not be looking to increase their families at that age."

Ms Tabone explains that in the case of women who already hold a job and are only after making career moves, clinching the right job depends on the individual and at what level she happens to be on the career ladder. "In general, if the person has been working consistently and is still in her early 40's, she will find alternative employment. It is far more difficult for a person re-entering the work force after a long period of absence. Unfortunately, the older the person becomes, the less her chances are."

In truth, government has introduced a number of schemes to encourage employers to take on people aged 40 and over (male and female) and have also introduced a number of training schemes to prepare these for the workplace.

As Ms Tabone points out, "I do think in most cases it is down to the individual. Too many times I see people who come across as "having a chip on their shoulder" which does not help. They need to remain positive. They need to present themselves as energetic, motivated people, able to get on with all age groups, ready to take instruction and learn new tasks. The problem is that often they are faced with a Human Resources Manager or Director who is younger than they are. Therefore they must remain un-intimidating, non-condescending, cheerful, ask lots of questions and positive."

Here are some self-help hints to get you going in the right direction.

• Don't only look at job vacancies on the paper. Approach job recruitment agencies and ask for advice. These agencies are run by people who know the job market inside out and can direct your efforts positively.
• Ask help in preparing your curriculum vitae. Somebody who is in the know will tell you how to present it to your advantage and in a way that will maximise your potential.
• Look at yourself in the mirror. Be self-critical. Does your image inspire confidence, reliability? Do you look old-fashioned? An employer will gauge you by your appearance initially and that is what you must work on to give a positive impression. It's no use saying, 'They have to take me as I am.' They won't.
• Think about changing a hairstyle or livening up your hair colour. Find the smartest garments in your wardrobe and try on what you could wear to a job interview. Think smart, and just include a couple of 'new' touches to your clothes - like a new bag and new shoes. New does not mean trendy as a teenager would describe it. New means elegant minus the frills and sequins.
• Look down at your hands. Are they work-worn? Do they give away your age too willingly? Perhaps you should consider a good manicure and some pampering treatments. Remember - you are trying to sell your services to your prospective employer. You must portray positive, clean, smart and experienced in one single package.
• If you haven't been to an interview for a very, very long time, rehearse in front of a mirror. Rehearse they way you will sit, talk, divulge your history. Listen to the tone of your voice. Avoid shrill, fast speech. Remain calm.
• Read the papers, the news. It will help you get tuned in to the current social situation and give you ideas on what to talk about if the interview turns conversational. Keeping abreast with the news makes you feel part of the system, the world around you, and consciously aware of social pressures, demands and trends.
• Sleep well before an interview. Don't go in hassled, rushed, anxious and tired. You must absolutely avoid the weary look from your face and body language.
• Think of your positive points. What can you offer the company? Your experience, patience, willingness to learn, cheerfulness, easy-going character, calm outlook, plans for the future. Yes, your plans for the future show you are enthusiastic about life and that is important.
• Don't be afraid to start out on a job that does not pay as much as you aspired to earn. It's a start. Once you land that job, start looking for something better. Don't rest on your laurels.
• Finally, remember this is just a job you are looking for. If one interviewer does not take to you and does not offer you the job, it does not mean the next one will do likewise. You have the skills that somebody out there needs and you have something the bright young things definitely don't - the asset of life experience.

Article prepared by Ms Marika Azzopardi

Marika Azzopardi is a freelance writer and journalist. Although she has been writing 'all her life', publicly she has been writing prolifically for the past 12 years. A frequent contributor to national English language papers published in Malta and varied magazines, she enjoys writing about 'human stories', art and whatever involves feminine issues. Also the author of children's books and short stories, she likes to delve into fiction from time to time.

These features originally appeared in print in 2006 on The Sunday Times - Classifieds Section.