Are we not getting shortlisted because we are 50+? Or is there something else.

by | Career

Too many times when I talk with both men and women over 50, they seem proud of their lack of technical confidence. But many of us at 50 and beyond embrace new technology. We have famous role models such as Susan Wojcicki, 50, CEO of YouTube and Ginni Rometty 61, chair, president and CEO of IBM.

We all need to consider how the job is changing and how we need to adapt. I remember 25 years ago when Directors had their emails printed out, dictated a reply and their secretary typed it out. When a new technology comes pout it is easy to leave it to younger colleagues, but the ability to use social media effectively is a requirement of many jobs now.

Of course, it is not needed in all jobs, but when you apply for a job people expect to find you on LinkedIn and may want to see the articles you curate via other platforms. Many vacancies are now requesting a video application, showing capability with video creation and an ability to demonstrate confidence and communication skills.

Suggestions

Have a presence on LinkedIn and fill in the detail. Get some endorsements and start following companies you may want to work for. Share a status update at least weekly, it could be to share an article. Need more help consider my LinkedIn course?

Choose the right social media platform to suit your work. This could be Instagram if you work in fashion or design, or Twitter if you create ideas in your work. Maybe even publish articles via Medium to share your opinions.

Pay attention to what other people in your department use. Listen in to their conversations and ask for advice. If new initiatives are being introduced volunteer to get involved.

Keep your skills updated. Take some short courses and say yes to new assignments. Show you are able to stay up to date.
All of this will help you keep marketable, and if I can be of help. Please get in touch.

Related Posts
Turning 60

20 benefits to getting older

Reduced fear of failure: With age, we often become more resilient and less afraid of taking risks or trying new...
Read More
Self-Understanding

We should act from compassion

There is something about spending time with Buddhist teachers; they radiate calmness and happiness.  I always feel more at peace....
Read More
Money Retirement

Getting your state pension

Early May, about 4 months before I reach my 66th birthday I received a letter, inviting me to claim for...
Read More
Inspiration Retirement Self-Understanding

Letting go ….

Do we need all our possessions? When we travel – do we travel light? We spend a lifetime collecting possessions....
Read More
Elderhood Longer Term

Life at 80 – how AI will change our future

Let's imagine my future. In less than 15 years I'll be 80! Introduction In the year 2038, as you turn...
Read More
Health & Wellbeing

Improving Health Span: The Key to a Long and Healthy Life

As I review the health chapter of my forthcoming book, I was reminded about the difference between health span and...
Read More
Retirement

The Mental Health Benefits of Working Beyond Retirement Age

Retirement is often associated with a well-deserved break from work and a chance to enjoy leisure time. However, research suggests...
Read More
Positive Ageing

Positive Ageing

Positive ageing is “the process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy, and engaging...
Read More
Retirement Self-Understanding

What is a meaningful life?

A meaningful life can be defined as a life that has a sense of purpose, fulfilment, and significance. It is...
Read More
Elderhood Retirement

On turning 90

My mum has recently turned 90, she is now old-old. She is still living independently with the help of carers...
Read More
Ageism Health & Wellbeing Retirement

Stay engaged and involved to increase your well-being

Research from the Sloan Centre on Aging & Work at Boston College has found that when older adults are actively engaged in...
Read More
Retirement

Do we need to stay working to maintain strong mental health?

I regularly read academic papers to ensure there is an evidence base to the work I do with my clients...
Read More
Inspiration

What makes you feel alive?

I’m just back from a 4 day music festival, the first for 3 years, Bearded Theory in Derbyshire. I was...
Read More
Inspiration Self-Understanding

Featured in the Daily Mail

There's a section, written by me, in the Daily Mail today, Thursday 12 May  - all about how to do...
Read More
Inspiration

The Deferred life plan

Life is for living; you don’t want to defer it until you are retired. I hadn’t realised that I was...
Read More
Retirement

When should we retire?

It was so much easier in years gone by. Most people retired at 60 or 65. So you had a...
Read More
Career

How to change your mindset to get a job in your 50s or 60s

Writing about retirement, I also need to consider ageing, we are getting older, and also work, people may want or...
Read More
Retirement Turning 60

7 great things about getting older

We can’t separate out ageing from retirement, we are getting older and moving into a different life phase. When young...
Read More
Health & Wellbeing Retirement

Glass half full – you will probably live longer

As we think about retirement, we also think about getting older. Whilst it would be nice to live to a...
Read More
Retirement

Retirement as a Rite of Passage

There is a need to mark important transitions in life, retirement being a major one.  It used to be a party...
Read More

Let’s start to get to know each other.

I’d love to send you a series of articles to get you thinking of your wider life. You will also receive my mid-week 50+ update and the Amazing People newsletter.
Denise Taylor

Chief Inspiration Officer, The 50 Plus Coach.