Transferable Skills and other Advantages for Job Seekers in their 50s
Job hunting is a daunting process at any age, but it is even more so for people over 50, given ageism and increasing competition from younger, lower-cost workers. However, older workers bring a wealth of experience and transferable skills to the table, which can counteract many perceived disadvantages. These traits and experiences make them valuable assets in today's competitive job market. Learning how to identify and leverage your experience and transferable skills is critical if you are an older job seeker.
Transferable Soft Skills. If you’ve been working for more than 20 years, you’ve probably honed a wide range of skills in different roles or different industries. At a minimum, you may have developed “soft skills” that are transferable; e.g., skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and project management. If you have most of these skills, you can seamlessly transition them into new fields, bringing a fresh perspective and valuable expertise to your new role. Employers are always looking for new hires who can hit the ground running and make an impact almost from day one. The ability to demonstrate that you can quickly grasp new concepts and adapt to a variety of work environments is a considerable advantage in a job search, and something a 25-year-old does not typically have.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Effective communication is a skill that is normally honed through years of interacting with colleagues, clients, and superiors in the workforce. These capabilities are often thought of as “soft skills,” and they are valuable in today’s job market. For example, mature professionals can also help bridge generational gaps, foster collaboration, and offer mentorship to younger employees. Like their other transferable skills, these soft skills are especially valuable in managerial and leadership roles.
Proven track record. How often have you read a job posting that claims to be seeking workers with a “proven track record” in whatever it is? Your ability to illustrate how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles can instill confidence in potential employers, perhaps more than less experienced job seekers who lack the real-world experience needed to excel in the job. Your past success may demonstrate your ability to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and deliver results. Depending on the job function or role, employers may well prefer individuals who have weathered professional storms and have emerged victorious with tangible outcomes. This may not always be the case, but why gamble? Take a look at your own resume, review job descriptions, and determine what work in your past can be translated to the jobs you are seeking or meet posted job qualifications. The job itself doesn’t have to be a perfect match but you should be able to find those things in your past work that line up to some degree with the requirements of the job posting. The best thing you can do is think and then think some more. What have you done and what can you do? Modify your resume for each job you apply for, and consider what skills you have that can be transferred to the specific position. While it certainly should not be rocket science to figure it out, it does require you to give it careful and creative consideration.
Strong work ethic and reliability. Years of experience in the workforce have taught job seekers in their 50s the importance of a strong work ethic and reliability. These professionals are known for their commitment to meeting deadlines, going the extra mile, and consistently delivering quality work. Employers can rely on these workers to bring dedication, stability, and a sense of responsibility to their roles, unlike some younger workers who may take their jobs less seriously, waiting for the next big thing or opportunity to come along.
The Bottom Line. Although there is often prejudice against older job seekers (aka ageism), if you are in that “older” category, you likely have a treasure trove of transferable skills and knowledge that can actually be an advantage for you. By leveraging these transferable skills, your network, and your experience, you can confidently pursue new opportunities and continue making valuable contributions to the workforce. Embracing the advantages of your age can lead to a fulfilling and successful second (or third) chapter!