Professional Networking Tips for Job-Seeking Seniors
Financial Freedom is a journey and earning additional income can definitely give you a boost. Networking is a useful skill for those seeking job opportunities. If you’re looking for work opportunities as an older adult, some may worry that they are at a disadvantage in comparison to younger members of the workforce. For one thing, seniors do face some age discrimination. For another, networking has evolved rapidly due to constant industry changes. If you are a senior seeking professional connections, remember: You have many advantages younger networkers lack. Here, Lauren’s Financial Freedom Journey shares some ways to put these advantages to good use.
Tap into your existing network.
Unlike younger members of the workforce, you’ve already made many social connections and work associations over the years. Whether through former colleagues and bosses or long-time acquaintances, your network already stretches out much further than you may realize. Even former high school classmates are worth considering, especially if you want to revive a long-lost friendship. So make a point to reach out. Use your work and church connections, call former colleagues, or even look up fellow graduates from your high school alma mater.
Getting a job depends largely on who you know, and you know a lot of people, in many fields! So go ahead and be honest with your acquaintances. Let them know if you are looking for an employment or volunteer opportunity or considering starting a business. Chances are, many will be interested and want to be involved or help you out.
Emphasize emotional intelligence.
So maybe you have some catching up to do when it comes to innovations in tech. Maybe your resume is a little out of date. Even if you have some learning to do to catch up on recent changes, you bring with you a wealth of experience and emotional intelligence. You are adept at handling the complexities of communication and interaction and of making smart judgments about how to solve problems. You are also adept at reading situations quickly and emotionally adapting to meet the needs of the moment.
Get smart with social media.
You probably already use some social media for staying in touch with friends and family and may feel perfectly at home on the more popular social and professional platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Using these platforms to network, however, may require rethinking your content. For instance, get rid of any shares, memes, or photos that could give potential employers a bad impression. Go over your social media history and check that you aren’t tagged on any unwanted content. Make sure you have a findable internet presence and that your accomplishments are front and center. And don’t be shy about using your networks to let your acquaintances know you are job hunting or considering a startup or non-profit.
Research companies and look at their teams.
Job-searching seniors concerned about age discrimination may want to seek out companies and non-profits with evident team diversity. Look at the wording in their listings and their hiring practices. You can also look at their website and social media posts to see if their company has a diverse and multi-generational team. There are even job boards that focus on senior-friendly employment listings. Also, look for organizations that are headed by other older adults who are more likely to appreciate your experience and less likely to discriminate based on age.
Reach out to other older entrepreneurs.
If you’re thinking of starting your own business as a senior, that can be a great step to creating financial freedom. Make an effort to connect with other older entrepreneurs, especially those who didn’t get their start until later in life. As well as giving you tips and guidelines, other senior entrepreneurs may be interested in mutually beneficial partnerships.
When you are starting a business, there are lots of boxes to check to make it legal and official. For starters, you should proceed according to a detailed business plan, which will help you stay on target and will be handy if you decide to seek out investors. Next, you will likely need business insurance and a business bank account. You may also want to consider registering your business as an LLC for the tax savings and added protection, but research your options first to see if creating an LLC is the right choice. It may be better to start out as a sole proprietor.
Regardless of your age, know that you have a lot to offer the workforce. So don’t undersell yourself and do be aware of how you can best showcase your abilities and connect with others in your field.
Entrepreneurship to Financial Freedom
You may have some of those resources already available, in the form of your own skills, talents, and ingenuity. This can give you a great boost when starting your own business! You can also explore Lauren’s Financial Freedom Journey for more tips and guidelines in improving your financial situation. Lauren is a huge advocate for starting your own business so reach out if you’re going along that journey!
Guest Post by Katie Conroy
Advicemine.com + katie.conroy@advicemine.com
Ready to transform or revamp your financial strategy? Check out Lauren’s Financial Freedom Journey for valuable resources, advice, and guides on growing your wealth while living your best life.
