You can still find a job after 45

Work qualification: Edit your curriculum vitae to suit the job you are applying for.

What you need to know:

Employment. Age should never be an obstacle to finding a job, unfortunately it usually is. This, however, should not stop one from seeking employment. With enough preparation, resilience and knowledge about the perceptions and misconceptions that come with age, one can find the job they so fervently seek.

Finding a job, regardless of how qualified one is, is challenging. Now imagine trying to find a job at 45 years and above. At this age, one is thought to be lacking in enthusiasm and ability to perform particular tasks. The job hunt is, therefore, complicated by many challenges.
There are a number of challenges people in this age group are likely to face when it comes to the job market.
An employer may be hesitant to hire you because they fear that you may not be tech savvy. Many times, older employees have been known to be rigid. They refuse to upgrade their digital skills and prefer analogue methods of work.

Then there are employers who find it odd to have an employee or subordinate who is much older than they are.
Ms Jenny Epit Okaka, the human resource business partner at KCB Bank, says this is a major issue when it comes to employing people who are 45 years and above.

Older workers are usually very experienced people with great salary expectations compared to their young counterparts. This sometimes scares away employers.
So while you are looking for a job, focus should be on organisations which you think will be able to meet your salary expectations. If not, then perhaps it’s time to scale back on your dream salary. Some employees may think that an older worker is financially well-off, so they do not need the job. Dealing with this prejudice is tricky because coming off as too needy is negative and yet appearing to be aloof can also cost you an opportunity.

When you go for an interview
Do not give up your job hunt because you think employers will consider you to be too old or too expensive. Instead, focus on your strengths.
If you have the required qualifications, skills and think you can add value to an organisation, then go for it.
Ms Okaka says, “Prepare for interviews by memorising salient facts about your prospective employer and industry. With current knowledge at hand, you’ll appear as bright and ready as a younger candidate.”
Always highlight reasons why you think you are the best candidate. Focus on personal fulfillment, show a desire for new challenges and experiences and your motivation for success.

For a long time, Mr Dan Kabuye, a 47-year-old Information Technology expert sought a job in vain. He thinks employers fear older job seekers because their resumes are loaded with experience which shows they are over qualified.
“I failed to get a job for about a year because my resume was too ‘heavy’. It is, therefore, important to make your resume relevant only to the position you are applying for. Including more experiences may scare the employer,” he warns.

When you get the job
Be innovative and demonstrate your ability to lead, to get things done, to enhance productivity with process or system improvements, and to save or make money for the company. Show enthusiasm for the position and please stick around. Older employees are known to leave as soon as a better opportunity comes up.

Be positive
Presenting a positive attitude is important. “In this market, there is need for job seekers with positive energy because employers are drawn to engaging, positive people,” Ms Okaka notes.
Be happy even with the small responsibility given because it is an opportunity to make a contribution towards the organisation, team and humanity.
Kabuye says, “Many people start from the bottom and keep rising until they reach the positions they have always yearned for.”
There are employers who value experienced employees because they associate them with a more professional network, historical perspective and deeper experience than the younger candidates. This is an added advantage.

Learn new skills
There is a perception that older workers are not as tech savvy as younger ones. Unfortunately, this perception has a lot of truth to it.
If you are lacking in this department, prove to your employer that you are quick to learn. This will show that you are open to new experiences and challenges.
“Take time to reflect on your career, skills and experiences and find ways to think creatively to apply learning in new and different ways. Use any free time to pick up or enhance new skills,” Ms Okaka advises.
According to her, it is never too late to make a radical change in your career by acquiring new skills. It is good to keep growing.

Building good network
Even after you have obtained the job, it is important to invest in networks especially with young people who could teach you a thing or two about what is trending.

Positive attitude
If for one reason or another you are still looking for a job after 45, whatever position or assignment you are given to handle (even if you feel it is beneath your experience and age), think of it as an opportunity to serve and share knowledge rather than just a job.
Avoid undermining your supervisors even if they are younger and less experienced or qualified than you are. Always maintain an open mind when it comes to methods of getting a particular task done. It is only with an open mind that you can learn.