We're in unprecedented times, and my heart goes out to those of you looking for work! Let’s face it, job hunting is not easy—especially if you’re over 50! In fact, 65% of older workers say age is an obstacle to getting a job.
But why? Well, many employers fear that older workers will want a higher salary than younger employees or that they won’t stay in jobs where they make less than they’re used to. Some employers think that older workers will be slow to adapt to new technologies and costly to train, even though studies have found that there’s no correlation between age and work performance.
If you’re on the job hunt, the best way to overcome these biases is to be prepared for them. Here are some tips:
You will be judged by how you look.
Your appearance matters. The way you look and present yourself can help you get the job…or it can prevent you from getting the job. Increase your chances by paying attention to your personal brand.
In fact, a CareerBuilder survey found that appearances not only affect your ability to get hired but can also affect your chances of getting a promotion. That’s why it’s so important to have a quality, professional headshot on hand during your job search. After all, 41% of recruiters say that seeing a photo of a candidate impacts their first impression, and you want to make sure you come across as the perfect candidate for the job!
You need to make a good first impression online.
These days a potential employer is most likely to first see you online. In fact, 96% of recruiters use social media to find candidates, and they often scan profiles quickly, usually less than 10 seconds. Of that brief time, 20% is used to evaluate photos.
You’ll need to invest in your personal brand, which means you’ll need to be more active on social media, especially LinkedIn. A LinkedIn profile without a photo is an immediate turnoff for recruiters and potential employers. Make sure you complete your profile with both a profile image and a cover photo.
Having an impressive LinkedIn profile can put you ahead and cause recruiters to sit up and take notice. Make sure your profile photo is high-quality, instead of a casual photo taken by a family member or friend.
Using the right headshot can convey friendliness, approachability, professionalism, and confidence. That may seem like a lot to capture in just one image, but that’s where a professional photographer can help! They know how to pose you, how to create the best lighting, and how to edit your photos to create the perfect images for your job search.
You have to show that you know your stuff.
As an older job seeker, you have something younger workers just don’t have—a wealth of experience and knowledge. While you may not have as much digital experience, it’s important to make sure your online presence reflects skills that are useful in any work environment, like communication and managerial experience.
Highlight your years of work experience on your LinkedIn profile so potential employees can clearly see that you know what you’re doing and would be a valuable addition to their team. And be creative! Think about the many things you’ve learned in your career and how those skills can translate to the positions for which you’re applying.
Of course, it bears repeating…choose a quality headshot that shows you looking professional, approachable, and trustworthy. Remember that, no matter how unfair it is, you will be judged on your appearance, and an impressive headshot can be that strong first impression you need to capture an employer’s interest.
So…what makes a good headshot?
A professional photographer can help you with posing, lighting, and even wardrobe, but here are a few tips to help you get the perfect photos for your career:
- Make eye contact—Look toward the camera but focus beyond it to help create an impression of directness and approachability.
- Smile—Research has shown that a smile helps create a more likeable impression.
- Dress like you would for a job interview—That means no wrinkled or casual clothes. Look crisp and sharp. (Don’t worry, if you book us for your headshot, we’ll walk you through what to wear!)
- Keep your headshot current—You want people to recognize you when you walk in the room! It’s important to update your photo every couple years.
Professional headshots can put you ahead and help you advance your career, making sure you get exactly where you want to go.
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