In addition to coaching mid-career women who want to change things up or the stay-at-home moms who are going back to the workplace, I’ve had a new kind of wonderful client come to see me.
This is the retired woman who is going back into the workplace. So whether you need to create extra income, or you want to jump back into the workplace because you’re bored or want new challenges…you’ve come to the right place.
Some retired women want to start a business, others want to go back into the workplace but in an entirely new field. Others want a pleasant or fun job to generate some extra money for vacations or special projects. Some women want to go back full time, and others prefer part-time hours or seasonal opportunities.
Our coaching session is in session!
Everything has changed. The workplace has changed. How to look for a job has changed. Wages and benefits have changed. How to negotiate has changed. Most important: you have changed! But don’t let this daunt you. I want to share some the changes and challenges in the current scene and help you navigate your way to the fulfillment and joy you deserve.
Your new resume
Yes, you still need a resume…but not the paper kind! (More on that later) The two most common pitfalls for job hunting older workers are the awful phrase, “you seem overqualified” and the fear of appearing like a “dinosaur in a modern tech world.”
There are no rules anymore about a “proper” resume. Rather, there are many ways to write a resume. I work with my clients to write a vibrant, relevant resume that is as much about updating yourself, as it is about editing: what to add and what to leave out. Yes, knowing what to leave out is as important as what to put in.
Many women tend to underestimate their skills and experience, so we definitely bump that up. The use of specific words and phrases can make you stand out. Even how you arrange your skills and experience on the page can make your qualifications far more interesting than your age. If you are wanting to update your resume then download my Resume Reset Guide on my site or reach out and I’ll rework and make you sparkle!
Meet your new head hunter: social media
In the past, you may have printed up some resumes. Looked in the newspaper. Made phone calls and networked to find a job.
Today, you use your computer to find a job. Just think, the entire world is at your disposal on the internet. And you don’t even have to leave your house! There are many job-hunting websites, some specific for industries, and the use of social media, such as FB and Twitter even works. All is fair game in job hunting.
The two major websites you should definitely be active on are Linked In and Indeed. The first thing you need to do after you’ve polished your resume is to set up a powerful profile on Linked In. There’s a skill in setting up your profile in the most desirable and valuable way to catch the eye of recruiters and employers. We want to differentiate you from other candidates. Also, the right photograph, properly styled with wardrobe and makeup is super important.
The brave new world of job interviews
Interviews these days are rarely onsite or in person. Often the first extended contact is a regular phone call, off-camera. Next is the Zoom or Skype interview. Then, you might advance to an in-person interview, either alone or in a group. Yes, that’s a thing these days. You also might be interviewed by one person or several people. There are strategies and practical tips for getting through all these situations with flying colors.
But first, let’s start with the tech issues of your zoom interview. Do you have a stable internet connection? Do you have a good setup with good lighting and good background? You want to appear professional and in control, so you don’t want to be fiddling in your kitchen with bad overhead lighting. Wardrobe and makeup play a big role here too.
The new you
This is about learning not just how to sell yourself again, but to sell yourself ANEW. We will work on updating your interviewing skills. Maybe you’re out of practice. Maybe you feel self-conscious, nervous, insecure, or intimidated.
In practice interviews, we can adjust and polish your interview technique and put you at ease. We discuss body language, eye contact, and gestures to foster your confidence which is a win-win situation for you. We learn what NOT to say and how to NOT answer certain questions. What to say when an employer says, “hmmm…you seem a little overqualified for this job…” I will fully prep you for the question about what you’ve been doing since you left the workplace and why you really want to come back.
You can do this!
I hope this has been helpful to you and maybe inspired you to move forward if you were a little hesitant. I think you can tell I really love empowering women and helping them follow their dream. For more free tips and inspiration, please visit my website. There you’ll find a link to my weekly podcast, “Calm the Chaos.” Or sign up for my free weekly newsletter. And here’s the best offer: sign up for a free one-hour session with me and we’ll explore what you want and where you’re going.
Are you thinking of going back to work? What are your fears or trepidations? What has been your experience of job hunting online? Can you tell us any anecdotes, and triumphs to inspire us? Would you ever consider consulting a career coach? Do share with us below because we are all ears!
If you feel you are ready to explore your new career but don’t know where to start, please reach out to me via my website www.deborahvoll.com and book a free exploratory call here. Together we will discuss your situation and if life coaching is the best option for you right now!
