How To Plan For Jobs When You're Over Forty

The job market changes significantly after you turn 40. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the unemployment rate for people over 40 is just over seven percent. While it's one of the lowest rates per age, those over 40 may have a harder time planning for a securing a new job when a job is lost. If you find yourself without a job, remember your strengths and learn to use your age and experience to your advantage.

Step 1

Take inventory of the current skills you have, suggests Career Counseling Corner. It can be easy to feel hopeless when you lose your job, especially when younger applicants are interviewing for the same positions you want for less money and more skill. Take an hour to write down all of the skills you currently have that would benefit you in a new work position. This will also help you identify any holes in your skill set so you can receive extra training.

Step 2

Register for a few classes to refresh your knowledge of your trade or learn new technology. One of the largest problems facing you after 40 is that younger applicants have knowledge of programming and technology that you may not have adapted to in your old job, notes the New England Job Show. Plan for a new job by making sure you have the education to compete. Community, online and trade colleges offer courses that you can take a la carte to increase your knowledge base.

Step 3

Rewrite your resume based on the times. If you previously held a long-term job, your resume is likely out of date. You could take it to a professional career counselor for rewriting or you could do it yourself at home. Remember to focus on your strengths from your last job, namely longevity, loyalty and performance. As someone over the age of 40, you need to use your resume to snag someone's attention to get to the interview.

Step 4

Focus on your strengths and use your age as an offensive strategy when in an interview situation, says Gail Geary in her book, "Over-40 Job Search Guide: 10 Strategies for Making Your Age an Advantage in Your Career." Don't allow yourself to be put in a position where you're defending your age. Instead, remark about how long you've been in the industry, and focus on your knowledge and know-how to snag a job.

Step 5

Visit the Human Resources department if you're hired by a company. The office atmosphere differs from company to company, and you can learn the most from HR. Ask about dress code, office relationships and how the company runs. This allows you to plan for your new job, which may be with a company much younger than yourself. You may be used to a different type of company and need to purchase new clothes and gear yourself for a change, depending on the type of job you'll be doing.