7 Technology Tips for Older Workers - FlexJobs

7 Technology Tips for Older Workers - FlexJobs 7 Technology Tips for Older Workers - 84 We’ve already established that employers’ perceptions of older workers can be skewed, and it’s a challenge to overcome the ageism found in most industries. The good news is it’s possible to thrive in your job search and  find employment success, if you follow some guidelines developed specifically for older job seekers. So let’s get down to business. 1) At the very least, create a profile on LinkedIn. “At a minimum, I advise job hunters to set up a LinkedIn profile and use the URL on their resumes, business cards and email signatures. Because a LinkedIn profile is so similar to a resume, getting onto LinkedIn is relatively easy for someone who may not have other social media accounts or experience. Its also relatively easy to expand your participation on LinkedIn to the groups and Answers section,” suggests Beth Campbell Duke, the Principal of CampbellDuke Personal Branding. 2) Choose your profile photos carefully. When creating your LinkedIn profile (and Facebook, for that matter!), choose a clear, professional-looking picture that reflects who you are today. Nicole Williams, CEO and founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams and the Connection Director of LinkedIn, says, “Use a photo that shows energy, youth and modernity, but the photo must be current. To show energy, make sure youre smiling in the photo and are sitting up straight with your shoulders back. But dont use a photo thats ten years old. If you get the interview from this photo, the employer may feel mislead when she sees you in person. This could hurt your chances.” 4) Utilize the more advanced features on LinkedIn to tap into its full capacity for your networking efforts. “Advanced People Searching will help you discover not only who is at the company [you want to work for] but if you know someone who knows someone at the company. Wouldnt it be nice if you have a first-level connection who knows someone who works in the H.R. Department at your target company?” says Wayne Breitbarth, a 53-year old social media skeptic-turned-expert and author of The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success: Kick-start Your Business, Brand, and Job Search. 5) Update your overall computer skills. If you haven’t used the latest versions of popular software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat, it’s time for a refresher. Lisa Quinby, a Project Director with the AARP Foundation WorkSearch who operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program in Lancaster and Berks Counties, which helps people 55 and older find jobs, recommends that you, “Go to your local Career Link, or to a library, or find a class to attend. Employers are requiring more computer skills and on line applications are becoming often the only way to complete an application.” 6) To assess your computer skills, test yourself. If you’re not sure of your computer knowledge, test yourself using one of’ 80+ free skills tests for members! Whether youre returning to the workforce, just starting out, or somewhere in the middle of your career, it can never hurt to learn new skills and brush up on old ones. When you add new skills to your resume, be sure to erase old ones. Some out-dated skills can push employers to look for other candidates with more current skills. 7) In your daily life, embrace new technology. If you’re worried that your techie skills aren’t up to snuff, there’s no better place to practice than in your own home. Says Leslie Ayers, a 55+ professional and founder of TheJobSearchGuru.com, “If youre an old dog, you absolutely must be open to learning new tricks. Get a smart-phone, and develop a passion for apps. Learn new software for your business or field. Get a little geeky and youll become more confident in our technology-driven world.” We hope these tips help you to make-over your job search tactics and find more success! Stay tuned for the next two Mondays for more expert career advice on: March 12  Resume and Cover Letter Tips March 19 Job Search Tips March 26 Technology Tips April 2 Professional Image Tips: Dress, appearance, self-confidence