There are many experienced professionals who have succeeded for years and years in the job market without needing an up-to-date resume until now. They have decades of valuable experience over many of the young graduate and novice job seekers, but unfortunately for them the nature of the job market has changed considerably and so has acceptable expectations for resumes. Experienced job seekers have to embrace a new mindset when it comes to resumes. Here are the biggest resume hurdles 50+ year job seekers have to tackle and HOW!
Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None Advantage
No more than a decade ago it was better to position yourself as a generalist than a specialist. This can be a difficult hurdle for experienced job seekers to grapple. In little over a decade ago, managers were expected to wear a number of different hats, from understanding financial implications, advising in marketing and lending a hand in business development. Jack of all trades, master of none was considered a competitive advantage.
These candidates would not be so lucky today.
The Dawn Of The Specialist
In todays market the job search process is far more specific. Employers are looking to fill a uniquely-shaped hole with the closest-fitting peg. This process is more arduous than before with more rounds of interviews and more people to impress. The experienced job seeker needs to reassess their value proposition and create a resume that portrays you as a specialist in one particular subject matter.
The Buyer’s Market Analogy
The employment market today is not unlike the housing market analogy. When it is a seller’s market, homeowners can offer their property for sale without any improvements, regardless of location and there will always be a buyer willing to purchase. This is the job market of the past. However, in a buyer’s market the owner has to renovate the house from top to bottom, hire the best agent, price it perfectly to attract a buyer. Experienced job seekers need to think of their resume as a buyer’s market brochure. How can you position yourself perfectly for the role.
The New Mindset
Experienced job seekers need to embrace the new mindset that quantifiable results are more impressive than a variety of skills. Prove that you have the specific skills needed to get the job done!