Q&A With John Challenger

By: Compiled by Carole Fleck; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2006-03-07 10:29:00-05:00

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When we posted the article "John Challenger: Rethinking The Workplace" (January 2006), we invited readers to pose their own job search questions to the employment consultant. John Challenger's answers to selected questions are presented here. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions.

Q. I spent 20 years in the Army and 14 years at the S.C. Department of Corrections. How do I pack 34 years of experience into a two-page resume and make it effective? John, S.C. Age: 55

A. Your resume is essentially a brochure about yourself and it should give prospective employers a detailed summary of your accomplishments. Having said that, you must also know that most employers are interested in the last 10 years of your work history and experience. So your resume should emphasize that information.

You should give cursory treatment to jobs you held more than 10 years ago, unless there is some extraordinary accomplishment that applies to today's workplace.

Related AARP links:

Q. I've been out of work for almost three years now. I've been laid off from jobs over the years because younger people were hired to replace me. I've gone on many job interviews, and all have told me in plain English that I am "overqualified." What can I do? Jim, Del. Age: 63

A. Try not to get hung up on issues of age. In today's workplace, employers are most concerned with your experience in the last five to 10 years. Yes, younger people replace older workers, but more and more older people may be replacing younger workers. The traditional model of younger employees working under more senior staffers has been tossed out the window.

If you've been told that you are overqualified, perhaps you are. Consider looking at higher-level positions. Talk to others in your industry to determine what job levels you should consider based on your skills and experience.

Related AARP links:

Q. I retired after many years as an electrical engineer. I went back to college and in 2003 I graduated as an architect major. I am now teaching architecture and doing voluntary architectural restoration work. I need to get intern experience with an architectural firm so I can get my license but I have not been able to get such a job—maybe because of my age. Do you have any suggestions? Fred, Ill. Age: 73

A. Work at building relationships within the world of architecture. Start by connecting with the people with whom you went to school. There are also architectural societies and groups that you can join. You may also want to consider smaller firms, which may be more likely to take a chance on nontraditional interns.

Perhaps the firms you've contacted fear that you will go through an internship program, only to retire or leave to become an independent architect. You need to reassure prospective employers that you are serious and looking for the right place where you can stay and contribute. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and energy for embarking on this career path.

Related AARP links:

Q. When I am in an interview, I know the interviewer has noticed my age, even though he/she doesn't say anything. I've been told that it might be better to bring it up and put it in a positive light instead of ignoring it. If I don't say anything, the interviewer may keep his/her negative view or stereotype of an older worker and I lose out. What do you think? Robert, Calif. Age: 64

A. Age is always the elephant in the living room but don't let it become a self-imposed obstacle. It is definitely a good idea to counter the stereotypes an interviewer might have about age. However, there are ways to do this without directly bringing up the age issue.

Appearance does matter, so take a critical look to see what you can improve. Should your wardrobe be updated? Next, pay attention to what you are projecting in an interview. Could self-consciousness—about age, weight, skin color or anything else—be affecting the message and image you are trying to convey? Naturally, you want to project confidence, energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn new skills and technology.

Related AARP links:

Q. I have been a postal employee for 13 years. I am moving to another town in the next few months and I'm not sure I will be able to stay with the government. I must think of moving on to another type of position but I'm not sure where to begin. Any help would be appreciated. Lillian, Md. Age: 53

A. As soon as you arrive in your new community, you must begin to build a network of contacts. Join religious or civic organizations to establish relationships. These are the people who will help you find new opportunities.

In your position with the U.S. Postal Service, you may have developed valuable inventory skills with experience in shipping, receiving and administration. Your first target should be the U.S.P.S., but there are many other options, including private-sector carriers, such as UPS, FedEx and DHL. Many companies also have shipping and receiving facilities where your skills might be put to good use.

Related AARP links:

  • Make the Most of Your Experience (January 2006)
  • 10 Job Ideas for Older Workers (September 2002)
  • Networking for a Job (AARP.org)

Q. I desperately need help. I am a laid-off computer engineer and I can't beg, borrow, or steal a job. Can you suggest some jobs/career fields that I can get into without years of retraining, where it will be stable, and where the jobs cannot be sent overseas? Name not given Age: 47

A. Perhaps you should consider applying for jobs in the technology departments of larger, more traditional companies. Tech spending and hiring is expected to increase this year, so that could result in good news for you.

It is vital that you keep your skills up-to-date. Also, make sure you are constantly expanding your network of personal contacts and arranging face-to-face meetings with those who can help you land a job. You may also want to expand the geographic region in which you are seeking positions, if that's possible.

Finally, many job seekers in the technology field become overly dependent on the Internet to conduct job searches. Don't let that happen to you.

Related AARP links:

  • 10 Job Ideas for Older Workers (September 2002)
  • Staying or Changing Jobs: Which Is Right for You? (AARP.org)
  • Is a Career Change for You? (AARP.org)

Q. I have decided to return to full-time work in education management. Many employers require that you apply online, list your degrees and when you earned them. My first bachelor's degree was earned in 1963, so it is easy to guess my age within a few years. Despite my excellent background, I generally hear nothing back. Is it legal to ask for the date of a degree? Isn't the question tantamount to asking your age? How should I handle that? John, Ariz. Age: 64

A. By law, employers cannot use resume dates to discriminate against older workers. The problem is that online application systems use sorting software to filter out resumes, including those that are considered incomplete because dates have been left off.

By submitting your resume online, you are competing with hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants. And it's a computer that decides who gets a call back. It is critical that you bypass the online process or at least supplement it with old-fashioned personal contact.

Also, you should be out in the education world every day. Attend school board meetings, become a substitute teacher, go to education training seminars and conferences where you can meet people who can introduce you to school principals. Immerse yourself in the field and make as many contacts as you can.

Related AARP links:

  • The Pros and Cons of Internet Job Searches (AARP.org)
  • Networking for a Job (AARP.org)
  • Job Networking Groups (AARP.org)

Q. I have over 30 years of social service work experience with people with disabilities. I now want to change careers, but I don't know how my skills transfer to another line of work. I also speak fluent Spanish and have served as an interpreter. Do you have any suggestions and/or resources that would help me make a change? Dan, Ill. Age: 72

A. Fortunately, your skills transfer to a number of areas, including health care, counseling, training, employee relations and teaching. Your ability to speak a second language will definitely be an advantage. You may want to consider companies that market to the Spanish-speaking community or those that do business in Spanish-speaking countries.

If you are seeking to stay in a more public-service type of position, you may consider becoming a guidance counselor in a school district with a large Hispanic population.

Related AARP links:

  • 10 Job Ideas for Older Workers (September 2002)
  • Choosing A Career (AARP.org)
  • AARP Foundation Offers Job Training and Placement (AARP.org)

Q. Is it necessary to enter dates for all entries on a resume? Which dates are absolutely necessary and which are optional? Robert, Calif. Age: 65

A. We do not recommend omitting any dates from a resume because the omission raises red flags. Did the applicant have a short tenure? If a date is omitted from the education area, it could also raise questions, such as, did this personal graduate or earn a degree? Your resume should highlight the last 10 years of your work experience. Information prior to that can be downplayed, but dates should not be excluded.

Related AARP links:

  • Selling Yourself (January 2006)
  • 7 Fundamental Rules for Crafting a Rock-Solid Resume (September 2002)
  • Choose the Right Resume Type (AARP.org)

Q. I am a case manager in a small nonprofit social service agency. I have over 23 years' experience in this field. I have a degree but not a master's. I am afraid that my present job may not continue to get funding. Is it worthwhile at this stage of my life to go back to school to get a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.)? Maggie, Pa. Age: 58

A. It is always a good idea to get more education, and an M.S.W. is particularly valuable. It would be ideal for you to stay in the workforce while you worked toward your master's, perhaps on a part-time basis. If you suspect that your current job is at risk, you may want to start working on your education now. You can also reach out to others in your area for new job opportunities.

Related AARP links:

Q. I love making slide shows with family photos and using music for the transitions. I have always thought working with graphics, slide shows and video would be a great way to make a living because I love doing it—but I do not have any professional training. How can I go about starting this kind of business? I can't afford advertising, and I don't have a product to show. Patti, Ohio Age: 61

A. You probably have many friends whose family photos are piled in boxes collecting dust. Start with them. Invite five friends to your home and ask them to each bring a friend you don't know. Then present your product—a slide show you've created with your own photos. Give your first customers a special discount (but don't give your services away for free), then provide some incentive for them to refer other people to you, such as a discount off their next project.

Related AARP links:

Q. How do I pick a direction in order to explore new job opportunities? I'm tired of what I've been doing for 30 years. I need stimulation but also need a paycheck, so volunteering is out. Help! Clare, Md. Age: 52

A. You must examine the different skills you have developed over the last 30 years and explore areas in which those skills can be utilized. Otherwise, you will be starting from scratch—and that means more time and money spent on education and training. It also means you would likely start at the bottom rung of the pay scale. Also, consider your interests outside of work. Perhaps the skills you apply to a hobby could send you down a new career path.

Related AARP links:

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