When it's time for a new career — tips for getting hired over 40

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Looking for a job is always hard. Looking for — and finding — a job over the age of 40 can be even harder. But if you use these tips you just might find that getting a new job after years in a particular field may not be as difficult as you think.
If you've researched job searching tips online, you've certainly come across scores of pages that describe exactly how a recent graduate can find a job in this economy. Well, you, being an experienced professional, don't need these tips. In fact, according to Business2Community, applying the tips designed for a job seeker who just graduated from college can worsen "age discrimination," which has been attributed to job search ruts, anxiety and depression.
Here's an example. A twenty-something has much more reason to "sell" their experience to a recruiter on their cover letter, resume and in an interview. However, if you've got more than 15 years under your belt, this may not apply as much to you as much of your experience can "sell itself." Along those lines, you have little reason to list every work experience, in detail, chronologically on your resume, as recent grads are directed to.
The average requested experience level on most online job boards speaks to this. You'll most likely find that as many as 90 percent want experience ranging between 3 and 8 years, not more than 10.
Without further adieu, here's what you can do to boost your chances of getting a job over 40.
Focus on what's important
Moreso than younger candidates, it's critical for you to narrow down your resume and cover letter to showcase any experience you have that is relevant to the potential position. Your experience is evident. The trick for you is to make your resume specific and to-the-point, something that less experienced candidates may need to do by default.
Don't wander
With years of experience behind you, it may be tempting to talk about how you can tackle anything the company needs because you've seen it all. Rather, focus on the demand of the job you are applying for, and talk about how you've succeeded in a similar role with a previous employer.
Watch your language
Be careful about boasting your decades of experience. If you're apt to discuss how you have 20 years of experience in your cover letter, try eliminating this if you aren't having luck. There's a chance that you could be intimidating a potential employer by leading off with such a bold statement.
Corey Harlock of Business2Community may have described it best, when he wrote that an over-40 job seeker shouldn't strive to brag about their experience, which suggests an attempt to push a current employee out of their position, but to convey to the company that you'd like to help the company, as a whole, rise to a new level.
Source:Internet

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3 Ways to Fill Your Resume Gaps

You’ve got a stellar resume, impeccable references and a ton of experience. You also have an eight-month gap in your employment history. And while that time you spent cliff jumping and swimming with dolphins was personally enriching for you, it may signal total slacker to prospective employees -- if you don’t spin it the right way. Here are ways to explain your time off.

Have an answer ready: Interviewers will want to know why there is a gap in your employment history and what, if anything, you did during that time. When applying for a job, acknowledge the gap in your cover letter and briefly explain the reasons for the period of unemployment. In the interview, you can talk more about it at length. Don’t go in unprepared, hoping the employer will gloss over it. Not having a reason for your employment gap only leaves it to the employer’s imagination. 

Put a positive spin on it: Not all employment gaps are due to layoffs or getting fired. You may have taken time off to take courses, freelance or travel -- all of which can make you a better candidate for the job. List the courses you’ve taken and explain how they will help in this new position. Talk about your freelancing experience and what you learned and accomplished during that time. Share your travels with your prospective employer. At the very least, they may find comfort in knowing you’ve “been there, done that” and won’t be taking off any time soon to travel the world again! Adding in this kind of detail to your resume will also supply the additional details that Monster’s search-and-match technologies use to find you several great options that are the most tailored to what you’re looking for.

Always be honest: While a gap in your resume isn’t a surefire reason to reject you, being dishonest is. If you were laid off from a company, don’t omit it from your resume. List the dates you worked, and if interviewers want more details, they’ll ask for them. If you chose to leave your previous job, let the employer know. You can then say that you were fortunate enough to take time off to figure out your next move and apply for jobs you want to do, not just what you can do. Unemployment happens. Being honest about your situation gives the employer a sense of your integrity and confidence -- two characteristics every employer is looking for.

Source:Internet

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HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

Along with a good resume, a good cover letter is equally important in getting a job.

Cover Letter Guidelines

Here is a standard approach to cover letters that can be adapted as needed for each of the situations listed. Virtually every good cover letter follows these guidelines.

I. Present A Good Appearance

Your contacts with prospective employer should always be professional. Buy good quality stationary and matching envelopes. The standard 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper size is usually used. The preferred colors are white, ivory or light beige paper.

The cover letter should always be typed, on a very fine quality office typewriter or on a letter quality or laser-based computer printer.

It would be foolish to prepare a first quality resume and then to include with a cover letter typed on an old home portable typewriter or on a dot-matrix computer printer. Try to use a word processor with letter quality output.

Do it right! Doing it right also means that you never mass produce a cover letter. Cover letters are individually prepared, individually written, individually typed or printed, and the material in it should be aimed direct ly at the target, the market, the recipient.

II. Use An Appropriate Format

Any standard business correspondence format is acceptable. Look at the examples for ideas.

Impersonal letters are not given a warm reception by employers. They may indeed, be treated the same way as you treat mass-produced advertising materials you receive in the mail. They go into the wastebasket!

Because the cover letter is a personal form of correspondence, you should use the name of the person who will receive the letter. Learn it, and then spell it correctly.

If you are using the cover letter to send a resume as a follow-up on a phone conversation or after a face-to face meeting, you will ruin a wonderful opportunity if you misspell the name, title, the name of the organization, or even a word within the letter.

III. Provide a Friendly Review

Begin the letter with a reminder of any prior contacts and the reason for your correspondence now.

Explain how you learned of the employer, why you are interested in the organization and state the type of position you are seeking.

IV. Target Your Skills and Experiences

To do this well, you must know something about the organization or person with whom you are dealing. Present any relevant background that may be of particular interest to the person you are writing.

Highlight your qualifications for the position. Use one or two power-packed sentences describing how your capabilities can benefit the employer and how you can handle the job.

State your resume, which further details your qualifications, is enclosed.

V. Define The Next Step

Don't close your letter without clearly identifying wha t you will do next. Most writers of cover letters make one major mistake above all others. It comes in the closing paragraph. It is so common that some books written by well-known resume authorities show it as "the correct way." It is not correct. The mistake is this: In the closing paragraph, the writer mistakenly says:

"My home telephone number is 000-0000, and I may be reached there between the hours of 4 and 6 PM daily. Please call me to arrange an interview."

In the minds of knowledgeable people, this is a signal that the letter writer is lazy. Why? Because it says:

"I'm at home, and I want you to call me if you are interested."Instead, it is recommended that you say you'll call, that you do call, and that you continue to call, until you get through. If they are truly eager to call you, they have your number on a resume, or can find it easily enough at the bottom of your letter. But by your willingness to call, you show a sense of interest, enthusiasm and willingness to work that the "you call me" letter writer will never be able to imply.

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Here is a guideline of a cover letter:

Full Address With Zip Code

Date

Name

Title

Company or Agency Name

Full Address - Zip Code

Dear ________________,

Tell where you heard of the opening or why you have selected this employer for an inquiry.

Describe your interest in the position, in the field of work, or in the organization. Mention your related education. If you have work experience, be sure to mention pertinent data or accomplishments to show that you have specific qualifications in this field or for what particular type of work.

Refer the employer to your resume. Enlarge upon anything in it which relates to the job of employer. Indicate that you are willing to provide additional data.

The closing paragraph should suggest your eagerness in arranging an interview. Include your telephone number and the times when you are most likely to be there or indicate a date and time when you will call the employer. End your letter with a note of thanks.

(Sincerely yours, yours truly),

(Signature)

Full name typed

Enclosure (your resume)

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Source:Internet

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10 Ways To Get Your Résumé Ignored

Writing a résumé isn't exactly a speedy process. First there's the brainstorming. Then, you have to write -- and rewrite, and rewrite -- your educational and work histories until your résumé perfectly boasts your background. Plus, there's all that proofreading.


Even though your résumé took you hours to write, hiring managers will typically spend less than one minute reviewing it. If your résumé has any glaring errors, however, employers will waste no time deleting it. To ensure your résumé gets proper attention, avoid these 10 all-too-common blunders:


1. Not bothering with a cover letter. Cover letters are so important to the application process that many hiring managers automatically reject résumés that arrive without them. Make the most of your cover letter by expanding on a few of your qualifications, explaining any gaps in employment or providing other information that will entice the employer to read your résumé.


2. Giving your résumé format a little "flair." Unusual fonts or fluorescent pink paper will certainly make your résumé stand out -- in a bad way. Keep your résumé looking professional by sticking with standard white or cream-colored paper, black type and a common font like Arial or Times New Roman.


3. Going long. Your high school job scooping ice cream probably isn't relevant to your career anymore, so there is no reason to include it on your résumé. Your résumé should be no more than two pages -- and no more than a page for most professionals -- so only include your most recent and relevant work history.


4. Focusing on duties, not accomplishments. Instead of writing a list of job duties on your résumé, demonstrate how each duty contributed to your company's bottom line. For example, anyone can plan the company fund-raiser, but if you note that your fund-raiser brought in 50 percent more money than the previous year's event, the hiring manager will be more impressed.


5. Having a selfish objective. Employers are trying to determine whether you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé should point to your experience. A summary of qualifications that conveniently displays your accomplishment and background is far more effective than a generic objective statement ("To gain experience in...").


6. Being too generic. Always customize your résumé and cover letter for each job and employer to which you apply. This way, you can tailor your materials to show how you will be a perfect fit for the position.


7. Guesstimating your dates and titles. With the proliferation of background checks, any "upgrades" you give your titles or stretching of employment dates to cover gaps will likely get caught -- and you will be eliminated from consideration.


8. Tell everyone why you left. Never put anything negative on your résumé. If you left the position due to a layoff or you were fired, bring it up only if asked.


9. Include lots of personal information. It's fine if you enjoy fly fishing on Sunday afternoons, but unless your hobby relates to your career, it doesn't belong on your résumé. The same goes for your height, weight, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other facts that could potentially be used against you.


10. Assume spell-check is good enough. Spell-checkers can pick up many typos -- but they won't catch everything (manger vs. manager, for example). Always proofread your résumé several times, and ask a friend to give it a final once-over.

Source :Internet

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Mistakes to avoid during a job search

No matter how skilled or experienced you are, a few easy to make mistakes can always get in your way. For instance, a single typo in your resume and you are gone. Just because of this small error the interviewer may question your professionalism. That one wrong move can cancel out all the right moves you have made. So, here is a list of common job search mistakes that you should definitely avoid making:

Not disclosing that you are looking out for a job:
If no one knows you are looking out for a new job, what is the point? May be you are just extending your job search process. Talking with your family, friends and acquaintances is one of the best ways to identify new professional contacts and learn about job openings, even those that aren’t advertised. Also there are several professional networking websites available today that can land you a good job. Remember, the larger your network, the more job openings you will hear about.

Sending your resume everywhere and flooding the market with an untargeted resume:
Online job sites have definitely made it easy for applicants to apply for a position with just a simple click of the mouse. But that doesn’t mean you just blindly go on posting your resume to every company you come across. Your skills and experience need to match with their requirements of the position. So, we suggest you go through their requirements first, do a bit of research on the firm and then if the job profile interests you, apply for the post with your resume.

Not sending a cover letter:
Not including a cover letter with your resume is the biggest mistake one can make. Whether you are applying for a job online or personally visiting the firm, make sure you include a cover letter or you will lose an opportunity to market your skills. A cover letter allows you to explain in detail the specific ways in which your expertise can benefit the firm.

Check for spelling or grammatical mistakes:
See to that there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your resume and cover letter. Let us tell you that it takes just one or two typographical errors for an interviewer to reject a candidate. So, make sure all of your written communications with the interviewer or a potential employer, including e-mails and thank you notes, are error free. To avoid such mistakes, consider asking a colleague who is your best friend at work or your ex-boss you had good relations with to review your job search materials before submitting.

Searching for a job during working hours at office: If you are currently employed and you keep surfing the web for job openings at work, be careful. Doing so can quickly land you in trouble with the present employer. Do not forget that some companies monitor their employees’ web use and, if your boss discovers that you are using work hours to search for a new job, your job is at risk. Any activity related to your job search, including scheduling interviews and completing application materials, should be completed after work or from home if you have a PC at your place.

Not communicating to follow up with hiring managers:
If you have applied for a job and have not heard back, it is foolish to assume the position has been filled or you are not right fit for the job. Your resume may simply have gotten lost in the flood of other applications. In this case we suggest you contact the interviewer by e-mail or a phone call within two weeks of submitting a resume.

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How to Write a Resume - 7 Tips

You resume is your calling card. When you send out a resume, this is the first and only representation of you that your prospective employer sees. It`s all very well to talk about strategies for impressing someone at a job interview, but the fact is, most applicants never even make it to the interview stage. Their resume never takes them to that level. While there is never a guarantee you will get an interview --in some cases, the job may be filled before your resume even arrives-- there are definitely steps you can take to improve your odds!

1. Clean and Easy to Read

If your resume appears cluttered or has a font that it difficult to read, you are automatically at a disadvantage before anyone even reads what is written on it. You want to have a professional looking design, an easy to read font and a layout that is easy on the eyes.

2. Correct Grammar and Spelling

Misspelled words or grammatical errors take away from your professionalism. If necessary, use a spelling and grammar check program, which are available now.

3. Address It To the Right Person

This may be a small detail, but make sure you address the resume to the right person. Usually a person`s name is mentioned in the advertisement or listing.

4. Research the Company

Find out a little about the company you are applying to. You may be able to tailor your resume to fit the job better. You can also convey some knowledge about the company in your cover letter, which we will be discussing next.

5. Write a Good Cover Letter

Again, make sure you address your cover letter to the correct person. Don`t write a long letter, but let them know that you are aware of who they are and what kind of business they are in.

6. Include Anything that Reveals Your Talents

Everyone knows to put their education and job history on a resume. However, you should also include anything that reveals your specific talents. You are creating the resume, so you can do it the way you want, as long as you put in the basic information that is required. If you have done some kind of freelance work, for example, or even creative projects that you never got paid for, you can include this.

7. The Internet is Your Friend

Before the days of the web, everything was simply typed out and any references had to be checked by phone or snail mail. Now, you can put websites into your resume. Of course, for references you also want to put physical addresses and phone numbers, but you can add website urls for any information about yourself that might support your cause. Just be careful -if you put your My Space page in your resume, make sure you don`t have anything on there that would possibly turn someone off!

These are some ideas about how to write a good resume.

Source:Internet

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Water Therapy

Water is indeed one of the fundamental elements for a healthy body and also for a glowing skin. Each function of the body is very much regulated and dependent on water, which further affirms that water is indeed necessary to carry important vitamins, hormones, chemicals and oxygen to almost all the parts of the body. Water is therefore the most important thing that is consumed to give many beneficial results. Water is the natural solvent for most of the things and gives natural remedies to many of the diseases. Water therapy is an alternative therapy that is used very widely now a day.

If water is not drunk regularly, dehydration might take place. If the dehydration persists and is not corrected naturally with drinking plenty of water it produces symptoms and with time develops the disease.

Water therapy was practiced from ancient time to heal the diseased people. In many antediluvian cultures like ancient Rome, China and Japan, the hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy were common practice that have been used for the treatment of the disease. In ancient India even water therapy has been regarded as one of the most sought after therapeutic treatment. Even today water therapy is widely accepted in the area of alternative medicine. When somebody wants to follow a fitness routine or achieve a health goal, drinking proper amount of water is always necessary.

Drinking plenty of water helps in detoxification of the body. As food is injested water contributes in the breakdown, metabolism and absorption of the food and acts as the key element to remove the waste material from the body and is indeed the basic crux of water therapy.

There are many diseases that can be cured by water therapy, e.g. headaches, obesity, kidney stone, joint and back pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression, fatigue, insomnia, cravings, asthma and allergy, arthritis pain, constipation and solve many skin problems like pimples and the dark circles.

Drinking sufficient amount of water is necessary for proper functioning of body. Water can also play a major role in treating a number of diseases. Chronic fatigue, depression, mental anxiety, gastric disorders, urinary infections, eczema, rheumatism etc. are the diseases that can be resulted from the drinking of less amount of water and can be treated by increasing the intake of water.

The technique of water therapy is very easy. One can have water therapy simply by maintaining following steps. One should take 6 glasses of water or 1.5 kgs of water early in the morning in an empty stomach without taking breakfast or eating any thing. Each glass of water should be taken at a stretch. After drinking the water, urinate 6 times in the first hour of the therapy. One should go to the washroom in every 10 minutes, without any delay. After this one glass of lukewarm water should be taken. If needed few drops of lemon can be added to it to increase the taste. Now one should wait for fifteen minutes before taking the breakfast. Same schedule should be followed at night before going to bed.

There are certain things that should be kept in mind; otherwise the results of water therapy will not be all that satisfactory. The routine cannot be broken for about three months. Someone might feel the sensation of vomiting but this is normal and no need to visit the doctor. During this water therapy, high-cholesterol food cannot be consumed. Along with this therapy at least 8-12 glasses of water should be taken throughout the day. If water therapy is continued in this way, it will definitely gives beneficial results.

Source:Internet

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