Eight ways youre selling yourself short in your job search

Eight ways youre selling yourself short in your job search by Amber Rolfe Can’t get the job you want? Stop selling yourself short… One of the most important parts of job searching is selling yourself effectively â€" whether it’s through your CV, cover letter, or at an interview. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an easy task, meaning you could be compromising your applications without even realising it.To make sure you’re showing recruiters what you can really do, here are eight ways you’re selling yourself short in your job search (and our advice on how to turn it around):  1. You’re playing down your achievements  Sure, admitting how amazing you are can be tough; but when it comes to your job search, it’s pretty much an essential requirement.So forget (almost) everything you’ve heard about self-proclaimed greatness equalling arrogance, and accept that blowing your own trumpet is often the only way a recruiter will know you’re qualified â€" providing your stated achievements are relevant, honest, and you don’t go overboard.Remember: a recruiter can’t see how good you are unless you actually tell them.Example: I have [insert qualification type] but it’s really only an introduction to the subject…  2. You’re using clichés Hands up if you know what a goal driven, detail oriented, multitasker actually is? Nope, neither do recruiters.Not only are clichés like these notoriously overused, they also don’t really say a lot about you. And let’s face it, if your CV is tenth in line after nine others that also open with ‘I’m a self-starter’, yours is unlikely to stand out.To really impress, figure out what makes you unique â€" and use it to demonstrate your abilities, backing each claim you make up with real-life examples.Example: I’m a dynamic perfectionist with excellent people skills.Five lines that are killing your CVWhat word should I use on my CV?3. You’re overusing qualifiers Job searching can often cause you to doubt yourself, especially if you’ve been dealing with a lot rejection.And even if you talk about all the right things, a lack of confidence or interview nerves can shine through in your applications â€" all due to a few simple words that you probably don’t even realise you’re saying.Whether it’s um, maybe, possibly, perhaps, or worse I don’t know â€" fillers like these will do nothing but compromise the validity of your statement. Instead, take a pause to think about what you’re going to say â€" and say it with confidence.Example: Maybe this is a stupid question…Job interview questions for employers  4. You’re not taking the ball Knowing when to talk (and when to stop talking) at an interview can be difficult â€" especially if you’re not given clear indicators.This can often result in cutting your answers short in the hope that it’ll stop you from rambling and/or boring the interviewer. But although oversharing can be a danger, that doesn’t mean you should hold back.The key? Find the line between the two, and elabor ate on your most relevant skills and experience in each answer you give. Then, end the interview with well-thought out questions. After all, an interview should be a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.Example: You want to know about my skills and experience? Have you not got my CV?12 things you should never do at an interview  5. You’re not being yourself Although exaggerating (see also: lying) in a job application can be tempting â€" it’s never a good idea.In fact, even a tiny white lie can weave a tangled web when it comes to explaining yourself at an interview. For example, bragging about your fictional ‘advanced skills in coding’ might seem like a harmless claim at the time…until you’re asked to translate languages, or worse, build a webpage whilst face-to-face with a recruiter.So to make sure you’re showing the best (and most genuine) parts of your abilities, focus on what you can do. And if your experience doesn’t match up perfectly? Think transferable skills. Example: Statistical analysis and data reconfiguration? Yeah, I’m a proWhat not to do in your CV  6. Your CV is hard to digest Not getting any interviews? Check your CV.Even if you’re the best person for the job, a poorly structured CV could be affecting your chances of being considered. In other words, presentation matters.So before you send off your application, check that it follows a logical order, has a professional font, and includes bullet points where possible. Complex graphics, long paragraphs, and life stories should be avoided at all times.Example: *long-winded section of text without any headings or bullet points that includes way too much information and no one really wants to waste time reading*Size matters: How to keep your CV short and sweetCV layout: Dos and don’ts  7. You’re not backing up your abilities Anyone can say they’re good at something, but only the best candidates can prove it.Because let’s face it, saying you’re goal-oriented won’ t impress a recruiter unless it’s backed up with real evidence. How have you met goals in the past? What were the results? And how can you bring these expertise to your prospective employer?Answer these questions in addition to things like tasks, duties, and impressive sounding adjectives, and you’ll be far more likely to go further in your application.Example: I’m a hard worker.STAR technique: What you need to know  8. You’re not proof reading your CVNothing negates your ‘strong attention to detail’ like a spelling mistake (and/or a severe confusion between their, they’re, and there) in your CV.After all, if you can’t demonstrate your skills in your application â€" how will you do it in a job?So to ensure your abilities aren’t disguised by bad grammar, always proof read your CV more than once. Asking a friend or family member to double check it is also a good way to spot mistakes you may have missed.Example: I’m interested in pursuing a vacancy at .Common gramma r mistakes to avoid on your CVWhat recruiters are really looking for in your CV  Honourable mentions: you’re always apologising, your CV is too long, you’re not refreshing your CV.    Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. CVs How to start looking for work Interview Techniques

Jobs in Resume Writing

Jobs in Resume WritingIf you want to make some money from your resume writing online, then it is imperative that you do your homework first and do some jobs in resume writing so that you can make money with your writing. This article will tell you how you can make money online from your resume writing and give you some advice on how to do these jobs effectively.First of all, there are some excellent career opportunities out there for someone who is willing to do some jobs in resume writing. You need to write a lot of resumes, and with the number of resumes you need to write in order to find the right job, this is not a job for the inexperienced. Fortunately, you don't have to have experience to do this, and you can make money from your resume writing if you can catch the attention of someone who has been turned down for a job or who has a job that they are looking to move up to a higher level.For example, you might be working in a pizza shop and you would-be employee. You would-be em ployee who works there now is looking for a promotion to a higher level and the boss wants you to do jobs in resume writing so that you can help make a difference. It's a very good thing if you can take the resume of an individual and turn them into a great employee with some jobs in resume writing.There are a lot of people won't say no to getting some free resume writing because they are desperate to get their jobs in hand. This is not always the best way to go about it, though. If you start off by asking for money or if you have any other type of 'reward' for doing these jobs, you are going to waste a lot of time and effort and you will be wasting a lot of potential income as well.The best thing you can do is let these people do the work and help them save money instead of you. It might sound strange, but you may actually make more money from your resume writing than you would by offering money. It's something to think about before you turn down another customer, if you are one yo urself.Remember, when you are doing jobs in resume writing, you are also working as a consultant, and this means that you are an expert in your field. That is why your resume needs to be able to stand out from the others because people are going to be looking for somebody who knows what they are doing. You can either try to be a one-man show or you can try to be a team player and share the workload with others.Of course, the first step to getting some jobs in resume writing is to research some job openings and to find out about some of the resume writing jobs available. Remember, you are giving away valuable information to these people, so you need to make sure that you know what you are doing.If you are able to find the right kind of resume for the person, you will be helping them get a job where they can work towards getting the promotion that they are looking for. With all of the money you can make with your resume writing, this is a win-win situation for you and the person whose resume you are working on. In fact, you can be the life of the party with a job in resume writing and find other people to help you by using online forums, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

How To Apply for Flight Attendant Jobs 9 Proven Tips

How To Apply for Flight Attendant Jobs 9 Proven Tips How To Apply for Flight Attendant Jobs: 9 Proven Tips Being a flight attendant goes much deeper than simply greeting flight passengers when they board the plane and serving them drinks and snacks during the flight.As a key member of the cabin crew, your main role will be to manage the safety and security of all passengers on the plane. You will also be tasked with making sure your passengers are kept calm and comfortable during their flight. What does it take to be a good flight attendant?You will need to have good communication skills, a friendly personality and plenty of patience. You will also need an eye for detail and be able to read peoples moods to sense when they are unhappy, uncomfortable or maybe feeling stressed or under the weather.It isnt easy to land a job as a flight attendant â€" there is plenty of competition out there for these coveted roles with hundreds of applications being submitted for each newly advertised role.The reason why flight attendant jobs are so popular is that the role comes with plenty of benefits. These can include free flights, free hotel accommodation and meals, and a flexible work schedule that involves no more than working 95 hours per month as mandated by the Association of Flight Attendants.You would be well matched for this career if:You adapt easily to changing circumstancesYou can keep your cool during stressful situationsYou enjoy working as part of a teamYou love to travelYou are attentive to the needs of othersYou are empathetic and caringTraining to be a flight attendantDont worry about seeking out any official flight attendant training before you apply for a job. Once you are hired by an airline, they will manage all of the professional, certified training you need and will help you gain valuable experience that you can use in your role.Your training will be pretty intense and will cover health and safety aspects such as first aid training, keeping your passengers calm during an emergency and how to safely evacuate an aircraft.Following your training, you will s erve around a year as a reserve or trainee to gain experience. You will be asked to serve alongside experienced crews to learn from and also stand in for absent attendants when needed.Once you have officially passed your training and gained experience, you will be able to have more control over your working schedule and preferences for flying on international, domestic, long-haul, or short trips.What salary does a flight attendant earn?A US-based flight attendant will usually earn in the region of $50,500 a year. This figure is an average rate, so this could vary depending on your level of experience, training and the hours you commit to fly.What are the educational requirements for a flight attendants job?In the US, to become a flight attendant, a High School Diploma is usually required or GED at the very least but a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.You will stand a better chance of landing a flight attendants job should you carry a degree in communications, hospitality, social sci ence, or public relations. You will also increase your chances by already carrying First Aid and CPR Certification.If you are convinced that a career as a flight attendant is for you, then here are some top tips to help you apply and land your chosen job:1. A well-crafted resumeBeing accepted by an airline to train as a flight attendant in most cases boils down to you being able to present a very strong and well-crafted resume and cover letter as part of your job application.Your resume should really highlight your strongest interpersonal skills that you know airline hiring managers will be looking for.2. Use a stylish resume templateWhen creating your resume, it can help you greatly by choosing a very high-quality resume template from our range to make your job application stand out from the crowd.Remember that flight attendant jobs are highly competitive so there will be lots of potential candidates applying for the role. That means that the airline recruitment officer will be sif ting through potentially hundreds of resumes.3. Choose a head-shot resumeMake your application stand out by using a resume template that features a head-shot and a smart layout that is not only easy on the eye but delivers a positive taste of your personality before the airline has even met you.An example would be our Simple Snapshot Complete Resume Pack that features a two-page resume in a striking, yet clean-cut style that looks professional but carries a sense of warmth and friendliness than a more formal style of resume offers.4. Tailoring your resumeRemember to emphasize your strongest communication skills and ability to cope under pressure. Here are some examples of the skills that airline hiring managers are looking for in a strong candidate:A good eye for detailActive listening skillsConflict resolution skillsExcellent time managementFirst Aid / CPR training (if applicable)Highly conscientious with a caring personalitySmart, professional appearanceStrong interpersonal skills Strong verbal communication skills5. Highlight useful work experienceIf you have previously held a job where you gained a lot of experience dealing with people or the general public, this experience is well worth highlighting.So, for example, if you have previously worked in customer services or the hospitality industry, this is a valuable experience of people management that you can bring to the role.If you dont have much work experience, then you can mention any part-time jobs you held or volunteering activities you have taken part in that involved helping people.Any previous military training or experience will also show the airline recruitment officer that you are disciplined and used to working as part of a team.6. List any special skills that you haveYou may be carrying extra special skills that could be of great value to the airline, such as being able to speak different languages, you hold a duel or international passport, or you previously worked as a paramedic or have othe r valuable medical training.7. Check the job description for cluesIf you are fresh out of college and dont have any previous work experience that is relevant to the role, then you should carefully read the job description for clues about what skills the airline is looking for within a candidate.Quite often the airline will advertise a flight attendant job opportunity and will include a list of the key qualities they want from an applicant. This can give you a serious insight into their requirements and the more skills you can tick off on their list and demonstrate that you have, the better your chances will be.You may be in a position where you feel you lack the necessary experience needed for a flight attendants role. In this case, it may be worth delaying your plans for a year while you get some relevant work experience by working in a hotel or resort, or a restaurant.8. Preparing for an interview for a flight attendant positionShould you land an opportunity for an interview, then it will pay you to be prepared! The most common question asked is usually why do you want to work for our airline?Take some time to think about why you want to be a flight attendant and how much the job would mean to you. Make a list of the key reasons why you want this career.You can use your reasons to explain to your interviewer why you are so passionate about this opportunity and what you can bring to the role.9. Be ready for some tricky interview questionsYour interviewer will most likely want you to give them an example of how you handle stressful situations such as calming down an over-anxious passenger that may be afraid of flying.Think back to a time where you helped to calm someone down and remember how you responded and acted and what techniques you used. Keep this event in mind should you need to recall it during your interview.Be prepared to stand up and present a short mock in-flight announcement during your interview. Practice at home in a mirror remembering to spea k clearly while being brief and very polite.You may be asked some tricky or thoughtful interview questions that you need to be able to answer clearly. These may include questions such as:Are you flexible about being on call for more than a year?What would you do if you accidentally spilled a drink on a passenger?Make time to gain more useful tips to prepare and use at your interview. You can find plenty of sound interview advice and tips on the Freesumes blog that you can read. previous article Fine Balance â€" A Creative and Professional Resume Template next article Fresty â€" A Clean Simple Resume Template you might also likeThe Best Way to Explain Your Sabbatical To a New Employer

Easy Ways to Pamper Yourself After a Long Week

Easy Ways to Pamper Yourself After a Long Week Working day in and day out can be very fulfilling, but can also be stressful and detrimental to health as well. Taking time off for yourself will help you get your act together. All work and no play wont make you rich or successful overnight, in a week, or in a month. So why not take that needed time off just to splurge, pamper yourself, or just do nothing? Get yourself relaxed, refueled, and reinvigorated to work more effectively with these tips. 6 Easy Ways to Pamper Yourself After a Long Week 1. Pamper Yourself With Entertainment When you are stressed with large amounts of work, you certainly deserve some time to slow down, or even pause and go watch a movie. Watching a movie can ease  your mind and give you a new  perspective about things. Some people said they feel theyve become even more creative after watching their favorite film and have new ideas for their work. 2. Pamper Yourself By Releasing Body Toxins. You can release your body toxins and stress by simply taking a shower. A cold shower on a hot day can refresh you and give you the mandatory self-care you need. A warm bath on a cold day can relax your body. If you have a few minutes to spare, spend time lounging  in the tub with your favorite scented soap or whatever therapeutic herbs you use. 3.  Pamper Yourself With Healthy Food. You have the right to treat yourself to good food!  You can either cook or go to your favorite restaurant. This is one easy way to pamper yourself either at home or at your favorite restaurant after a long week. 4.  Pamper Yourself By Little Treats. Go to the park alone or with a friend, whichever makes you feel more comfortable. Go shopping or sightseeing. Plan to travel alone or with your family. Going out with your family will not only build your bond together but will also help you catch up after a long week of work. Get a relaxing massage or go to the beach. Ladies, it is time for a manicure, pedicure, or a new  haircut? 5. Pamper Yourself By Reading a Book. Not just any book, read a personal development, professional advice, or self-help books. These are priceless. You will learn how to improve yourself and how you can be more effective with what the work you love doing if you choose what you read carefully. Are you a fan of novels? You might want to take a day and read one to level up your creative thinking skills. 6. Pamper Yourself By Meditating. Meditation brings peace of mind and it can improve memory and learning ability. It has been proven that proper meditation can improve health and maybe even cure health problems  such as  rheumatoid arthritis, body pains, and high blood pressure.  Meditation helps you train your breathing. When you breathe properly, the oxygen flow in your body improves resulting in a more alert and enthusiastic demeanor. These are six easy ways to pamper yourself after a long week. These will help you stay focused with your busy schedule without getting burned out. If you have tips other than these, please share in the comment box below.

The Essentials of Top Resume Writing Services

The Essentials of Top Resume Writing ServicesTop resume writing services would be able to craft the perfect resume based on a number of different criteria. To ensure that you hire the best, it is important to get an idea of what these things are and how they work so that you can be sure you are dealing with the most qualified candidate for the position.The first thing that should be included in the resume is extensive information about your employment history and education. It is important to include these points, as these pieces of information will be important in determining the position you will be applying for. It would also be a good idea to include employment details, as well as any awards or achievements you have been involved in over the years.Next, you should include a short statement of your experience, as well as a list of your qualifications for the job. You should also mention the role you held at your previous company, and whether you were considered a valuable member o f the team. Some service providers may request you to include a list of your specific skills, which would allow them to provide the appropriate information for the opening.In addition to a list of your skills, there should be a list of qualities you consider to be advantageous, or that indicate that you are an excellent candidate for the position. For example, if you have an interest in art or have a photography hobby, this would probably not be noted on a resume. However, if you have some experience in working with artists or even worked in their studio, it would make a great resume point.Next, consider the resume's format. Typically, the more formal the style of the resume, the better, and services that are used for resume writing are able to write formal resumes for clients. However, you should not feel obligated to go this route, as it is important to choose a style that is suitable to your own personal preference.Most service providers would need to know where you want to apply for specific job openings that you are considering. If you are planning on applying for a job in sales, for example, the service provider should have some basic contact information available for this kind of position. Additionally, it is important to know how many open positions you expect, and to be able to offer the company the most accurate information possible when it comes to what positions are available.Once you have gathered all of this information, it is time to consider what are the most important things to include in your resume. While it is very important to understand how top resume writing services work, it is equally important to know that the job seekers are going to give their all in an attempt to land the job that they are after. This can take a few weeks of consideration and interviewing, as many candidates are often bombarded with offers. What is important is to be aware of the right questions to ask when looking for employment, and how to develop a resume that w ill get you hired.Before making a decision about which resume writing service to use, it is important to be aware of the basic requirements. Taking the time to explore all of the options is key to finding the best solution for your career needs. Do this, and you will have the best chance to get the job you are after.

Networking Lessons From Sir David Tang

Networking Lessons From Sir David Tang In this hyper connected world, we’re all six degrees of separation (or less) from anyone we want to meet. As in I know someone who knows someone else who knows the Dalai Lama. How cool is that! Before you get overwhelmed by the possibilities of who you could and perhaps should be reaching out to and connecting with, take a moment to appreciate having all of these people around you who could potentially become a part of your growing network, and even future partners. And if you ever need evidence that having a robust network pays off, just look at the life of Hong Kong businessman, Sir David Tang, who passed away recently. Best known for founding the Shanghai Tang fashion chain, Sir David was also a philanthropist, flamboyant party-giver, and networker extraordinaire. Sir David was what I call a “Connector” â€" someone who's well connected, and enjoys making introductions and connecting various people in their broad networks. If you’ve taken my Next Level Network course, then you’ll know that Connectors are one of the five special categories of people you need within your network. A Super Connector of People Sir David was often referred to as Britain's best-connected man. Through his network of connections, he was able to build a business empire, help the UK government break the deadlock over building Hong Kong’s then new airport, and raise funding for charities. Connectors are hugely valuable, especially if you’re an introvert or feeling particularly time strapped or both. Knowing a Connector can save you loads of time and anxiety while helping you build your relationships. It’s essential to tap into a broader network and build connections. If nothing else, it will allow you to help others in a more meaningful way. And it will certainly elevate your own success along the way. But what if you’re not a party animal or charismatic extravert like Sir David Tang? The good news is there are still things you can learn and apply from his experience to be better at networking and growing your network. Networking Lessons from Sir David Tang Be generous According to Geordie Greig, editor of The Mail on Sunday, Sir David was known for being “generous to a fault. Even if there was no need to pay for someone else, he would.” But his generosity also extended to giving his time and making introductions. Whenever you can, include other people. Invite them to join you for a meal, a coffee, or your client meeting. Sponsor and promote others you respect, and help them get new opportunities. Share your advice for how they can be even better. Cultivate an abundance mindset and be prepared to give before you receive. Pay attention As Andrew Roberts, the best-selling biographer of Napoleon, said, “as (Sir David) talked to you and you bathed in the luxury of his splendid munificence, you thought you were the only person in the world, and you didn’t mind a jot when he turned his charm on someone else a moment later.” We all share the basic human need to feel seen, heard and respected. A simple way to extend that to others is to simply pay full attention when you’re with them. Look them in the eye, put away your devices, and listen without interrupting… as though they were the only person in the world. Give your full attention and listen without interrupting so people feel seen, heard and respected. Make it interesting and fun According to Kate Reardon, editor of Tatler, “His parties were the place to be that night, full of interesting people. They may not have been the nicest people, but they were never, never dull. That was the joy of them: they offered you a window onto a new world, you had to up your game and you were right at the thick of things.” Whatever you choose to do when you connect with others, make it fun and enjoyable. Even if it’s about business. This means bringing your own positive outlook to the conversation. It can also take the form of inviting other people who have that positive energy if it’s a group event. Make it fun and enjoyable when you connect with others. Even if it’s about business. Be genuine Sir David excelled at making friendships and these were genuine friends, not people he got to know in order to name-drop. When you’re a fake, people sense it and that makes it hard to build a trusted relationship. So when you build your connections, focus on finding something of true interest between you and the other person. What you have in common could be as simple as a passion for using the right words (I’ve known people to connect over being self-professed “word nerds”), a shared love of sport, or coming from the same home town. Then build on it. Focus on finding something of true interest when building connections. Do it your own way Even though he was the king of the party scene in London, Sir David was a teetotaler. He also made his guests leave early because he liked to be in bed by 10:30pm. So if Sir David could clap his hands and tell his guests, “Come on, time to go”, then you too can do things on your own terms. Set your own boundaries. Set your own boundaries and do things on your own terms. Provide quality experiences Just as Sir David was known for serving the best food and wine to his guests, you want to provide a quality experience for the people you connect with. It could be the physical environment, the intellectual conversation or the people you bring together. Whatever it is, make sure it reflects the level of professionalism and style you want others to associate with you. A quality experience reflects the level of professionalism and style you want others to associate with you. How will you build stronger connections? Building your network is essential for your professional and personal life, and it’s easiest and most enjoyable when it’s baked into your normal weekly routine. For Sir David, it was throwing parties. For you, it may be conversations over a coffee or meeting people in the gym. Start with the relationships you have already and consider how you could leverage those. And as you go about your daily life, think about how you can involve others and build stronger connections in the things you’re already doing. Who’s the equivalent of Sir David Tang in your world and how could you engage them into your circle? The “how” is up to you. But the important thing is to take action and build your connections. So what's the next action that you will take towards building your connections? Leave a comment below and let me know. If building your network is your next area of personal or professional growth, then tune in to my upcoming interview as a part of David Burkus’ Super Connector Summit. I’ll be sharing the virtual stage with a stellar line-up of world-class experts to share proven tactics for growing a better network, deepening relationships and professional connections, and leveraging it all to enhance your life. The insights on this summit can change your life for the better. Check out the Super Connector Summit â€" registration is free   CREDITS:Mr. Porter: How Sir David Tang Became The King Of London’s Party ScenePhoto: Samantha Sin/AFP/Getty Images

Baby Boomer Job Search Ageism Realities - Hire Imaging

Baby Boomer Job Search Ageism Realities - Hire Imaging Over the past two years, I have experienced a significant increase in baby boomer clients in job search, seeking career exploration and management assistance in scenarios ranging from involuntary terminations to voluntary career redirection and/or downsizing. The boom in baby boomer clients doesnt surprise me, based on a few wake-up-call facts: Baby Boomer Job Search: Facts There will soon be 77 million workers over age 50 and only 44 million in the generation that follows. The current social security system is not set up to handle this change, and will demand drastic changes in order to continue. While organizations increase their efforts to compete globally, they will do whatever it takes to remain profitable. Employees have been identified as the single largest variable cost employers have control over. Older workers seem to be the greatest recipient of this emerging trend of lay-offs and unplanned retirement. Long gone are the gold watch days, where an employees dedication, loyalty and hard work translated to post-retirement family care giving by the the company. In a joint study done by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), it was discovered that 65% of current employers do not actively recruit older workers. To maximize the job search, Baby Boomer job seekers should be prepared to address the realities. As Dr. Phil says, You cant change what you dont acknowledge. There is another adage that applies and that is, knowledge is power. Baby Boomer Job Search: Who is the Boomer or Older Worker? Who are the older workers? They are full time and part time, temporary and permanent, white-collar and blue-collar. Older workers may be 45, 55, 65 or even 75 years old. There is not one set definition. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) applies to individuals aged 40 and over. Using the ADEA definition, the number of older workers has significantly increased, as all baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) reached 40 or older in 2004. However, the perspectives still vary greatly. In a recent study by Georgetown Universitys Center on an Aging Society, Data Profiles: Young Retirees and Older Workers, the data suggests that being an older worker starts at age 51. However, the Committee for Economic Developments New Opportunities for Older Workers identifies older Americans as age 45 and older. Adding further cloudiness to the definition, a recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) NOWCC/CED Older Workers Survey shows that human resource professiona ls widely differ on defining the age of older workers, from ages 40 to 45 to age 70 and older. Baby Boomer Job Search:   Older Workers and the Law In the United States, older workers are protected from discrimination in the workplace under the ADEA. The ADEA applies to private and public employers with 20 or more employees, employment agencies, labor organizations with 25 or more members, and apprenticeship and training programs. Other age discrimination laws exist internationally. Australia has long had state and federal age discrimination laws, most currently the Age Discrimination Act of 2004. The UK established the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations on October 1, 2006. Many other countries around the globe have introduced age laws. Are laws enough? In How Age Laws Work Across the Globe, a 2006 analysis by Julian Knight, a reporter for BBC, he found that age rules had an effect on some forms of overt discrimination, for example, employers advertising for young staff. However, the study concluded that there was no evidence of a significant shift in the attitude of employers and society to older workers. Knight determined t hat legislation can only help to change attitudes if it is combined with employer education and other policies to promote equal rights for older workers. The study concluded that getting rid of ageist employment practices was a long-term process. In the U.S., many companies dodge the ADEA by using the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA). In the August 2003 issue of HR Magazine, R.J. Grossman addresses this in the article, Are you Overlooking Older Workers? He states that most companies inoculate themselves against age complaints by asking dismissed older workers to sign releases and confidentiality agreements in exchange for retirement with incentives, severance and buyouts. As a result, many older workers issues are not brought to light. Baby Boomer Job Search: The Gray Ceiling The Committee for Economic Development cites several key barriers to older workers: Private and public workplace policies (e.g., pension plans, social security policies) that encourage retirement though financial incentives. Workplace discrimination and age bias in hiring, training and retention decisions. Limited opportunities for advancement. Negative stereotypes in the workplace. Inadequate training opportunities. Attitudes of older workers (e.g., disillusioned, discouraged, depressed). Health of older workers. Ageism, often called the gray ceiling, is one of the major barriers for older workers. According to Susan Imel in her study, Older Workers: Myths and Realties, (Education Resources Information Center at ericacve.org), older workers have a greater fear of discrimination than fear of change. As noted by the Committee for Economic Developments 2003 analysis, New Opportunities for Older Workers, discriminatory practices contribute to a sense on the part of older workers that the employment deck is stacked against them. In response, some older workers reactions are to withdraw form the workforce. Research in Human Resource Management Journal supports this reaction. In the article, Too Old or Too Young? The Impact of Perceived Age Discrimination (Snape Redman), the authors conclude that older workers who feel discriminated against are more likely to retire early. Catherine Fyock, SPHR, in her presentation, Business Responses to an Aging Workforce: Are You Ready, spoke to HR professionals at the Arkansas Human Resource Conference Expo. She stated, Id like to say it [age discrimination] has gone away, but the sad fact is, its pervasive †¦ and insidious. She further concluded that age-related discrimination is bred by not hiring or promoting older workers, by denying opportunities such as training, and by using negative language, such as referring to a co-worker as over-the-hill or as a geezer. Ms. Fyock stated that HR professionals will have to arm themselves with facts and change their way of thinking about the value older workers bring to the workplace. Baby Boomer Job Search: Self-Imposed Barriers Sabotages Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR, states in her article, Ignore Old-Fashioned Notions When Job Searching after 50, that a widespread notion exists that it is harder to find a new job after 50. Although some HR professionals and hiring managers may harbor stereotypes about older workers, many of the perceptions come from applicants themselves. Career counselors encourage those seeking greener pastures to tackle the stereotypes, and their own doubts, head on. The older worker can face a wide range of fears related to the job search, ranging from low confidence in physical appearance to the fear of being overqualified or overpaid. Renee Ward, founder of seniors4hire.org, conducted a recent telephone survey of 1,000 members age 50 and older. She found that the majority sabotage their job hunting efforts by making too many negative assumptions and not doing enough. For example, 70% assumed that they would face age discrimination in the workplace, 85% assumed that a younger hiring manager would n ot treat them fairly, and 60% assumed that an employer would not consider retraining them for a new position. The survey also revealed that 54% are not going beyond reading newspaper ads, and 41% are not networking. Older job seekers set themselves up for failure by these assumptions and by not doing more, says Ward, an experienced recruitment consultant. Baby Boomer Job Search: The Good News So, if it is true that nearly 50% of the population is nearing over 50, that this age group is being laid off at a much higher rate than the younger generations, and that ageism exists throughout our culture, then what will happen to this segment of the workforce? This is where the good news comes in to play. The pendulum is beginning to swing in the baby boomers direction. The number of younger workers is diminishing. The baby bust is happening. The number of people reaching retirement age (but who want or need to continue working) is ever increasing. In order to keep a competitive edge, corporations will be obligated to look at this large segment of mature, dedicated and experienced workers. They will not only need to retain the mature workers they currently have, they will have to attract new ones. Layoffs, aging parents, empty nesting, spouse relocation, health problems, and life changes—all can present career challenges to baby boomers. Many may be driven to search for new employment or to change career paths altogether. One of my current clients has, as he puts it, devolved from prior roles as a top-security officer at the Pentagon and former MBA-credentialed civilian entrepreneur, to seeking and finding a lower-stress, fulfilling job in the retail book market. Another baby boomer client recently transitioned from physician to bagel shop owner. There is definitely opportunity to for baby boomers to explore new career adventures that fit the current phases of their lives. In my next article, Ill examine some of the ways baby boomer / older workers can manage career exploration and change with grace, a positive mindset and a plan, so that they can embrace the many career opportunities which await them.