Over 40 and You're Hired! (Book Notes)

Over 40 and You're Hired! by Robin Ryan is the last book that I checked out from the library about job hunting. 

There's some good advice in this book as well. Below are some things I found informative:

- You must tap into the hidden job market in order to find better job opportunities.

- Research the job market for leads.

- Cultivate your network and ask for referrals (friends - current and old, relatives, neighbors, social acquaintances, former bosses, colleagues, former coworkers, vendors, service people, college alumni, people from church).

- Schedule informational interviews.

- Write effective prospective letters.

- You must use proven ways of better self-promotion that will get a prospective employer's attention. 

- Networking is a must-use component for success.

- Your resume must be full of accomplishments and results.

- The interviewer definitely notices how contemporary your clothes are and how worn-out you look.

- At this stage in your life, you need to find work that is rewarding and satisfying. So, you must see yourself as special. Toxic negative thoughts and self-defeating talk will be a depressing detour that only drags out your job search.

- Volunteering: carefully select situations that will add value to your resume and make you more marketable. 

- Have business cards printed with your name and contact information.

- Use PDF files to send resumes to keep formating.

- A 60 Second Sell is effective because it demonstrates your strengths and illustrates how you will fill the employer's needs.

- Employers hire people who know how to produce now, with recent on-the-job success. 

- These traits are prized: creative problem solving, integrity, honesty, hard work, achieving results, self-state ability, initiative, a positive outlook and attitude, and good communication skills. 

- Be a lifelong learner.

- Read journals and the trend news for your industry. 

- Have solid computer skills. 

- If you want to take a step down, have a valid reason: wanting to change industries, preferring a job with fewer management demands, wanting to travel less, and needing greater job satisfaction.

- When applying online: use the email subject line to identify the type of job you are applying for. Send your materials from the company's own website. Put your name prominently in the resume file name. Email from your home computer. 

- Get a makeover - face/makeup and clothing. Banish anything that is too baggy or sloppy-looking. Get your teeth whitened.

- Make sure you are exercising and staying fit. 

- Know what you want: salary level, bonus structure and percentage, vacation length, medical, stock options, use of a car, laptop/phone, paid parking, retirement plans and company contributions, and training opportunities.