The Search --> Special Circumstances

Older but Wiser Job Seekers

According to the US Dept of Labor statistics, in 1988, 39% of the workforce was aged 40 or over, and by 2008, it is estimated that 52% will be over 40. "If [employers] don't like hiring older people, [they're] going to have trouble hiring" says Howard Fullerton, senior demographic statistician for the Department. Several demographic and cultural changes have contributed to this situation. First of all, there is the sheer number of "Baby Boomers" in the workforce, who don't want to consider themselves "old" and are not ready for retirement. Secondly, a smaller generation is coming behind, so there is a lack of younger workers to replace older employees. Furthermore, with the strong economy, unprecedented low unemployment rates, and people living longer, healthier lives, many older workers will remain in the workforce longer.

For more mature job seekers, the key is to present yourself as a "value-added" candidate. A 1995 AARP report, "Valuing Older Workers", found that older employees offer more experience, better judgment and a stronger commitment to quality, are more reliable with regard to attendance and punctuality, and have lower turnover. In addition, they bring real world experience, an established work ethic, a record of previous successes, and an understanding of the bigger picture.

There are at least two scenarios where, if you are an older lawyer, you might find yourself in competition with younger attorneys. The first is if you are a second-career attorney, or are returning from a hiatus in your legal career. The second is if you are seeking to make a change in your legal career, such as switching practice areas or moving in-house from a law firm, which might necessitate taking a cut in seniority. Some of the following strategies apply to both situations, and some are particular to one or the other.

As an older but wiser job seeker, while you have the same legal education as younger candidates, you also need to make sure you are up to date on technology and trends in the legal profession. Get additional computer training, if necessary. The reality is that technology is changing so rapidly that everyone's skills need constant updating. Read the legal press such as The Los Angeles or San Francisco Daily Journal, The National Law Journal, and The American Lawyer, and surf the web. Get involved or remain active in professional organizations

When writing your resume, focus on what is relevant to the position being sought. Separate legal and non-legal experience, and briefly summarize your pre-law career if you had one. Include dates for your JD and all law-related positions and, although it is preferable to list the dates of all degrees and jobs, it is permissible to omit those over 10 years old, if they are not law-related. Avoid dating yourself by the use of phrases such as "X years of experience". List hobbies that are relevant to the position or that show you are fit and energetic, but omit those that show your age. Do include any activities or memberships that may have business development potential, if appropriate, however. Include your e-mail address and cell phone number if you have them, which indicates you are tech-savvy. Likewise, list your technical skills but exclude obsolete technologies such as shorthand or typing speed. Leave off personal information such as marital status, children, height, weight, and health. (See Resume FAQ's.)

As an older job seeker, in interviews it is especially important for to you to carry yourself with good posture, energy and vitality. Make eye contact, give a firm handshake, sit up straight, and look alert. Eat and sleep well beforehand. Your look should be contemporary, but neither too "hip" nor staid. It is best to stick to classics, but watch hemlines, lapel and tie widths. Women, you should update hair and makeup. And, men, please, no comb-overs or obvious toupees! It is fine to cover the gray, but aim for a natural look.

Your attitude also is very important. You must be confident, upbeat, and optimistic, not defensive or a victim, nor condescending or a know-it-all. Remember to listen, and answer directly and honestly. Use up-to-date terminology, including tech-jargon, if appropriate. Do not use outdated expressions such as "girl" or "gal", "Negro" etc, or reminisce about "in my day", "way back when", "it used to be", "when I started out", "in my many years of experience", "back then", "in the good old days", and so forth.

Keep in mind that your top priority should be to communicate your interest in the position and your desire to contribute to your prospective employer's success. To counteract any negative stereotypes your interviewer might have regarding more mature job seekers, give examples of your teamwork, flexibility, innovation, and creativity, ability to learn new things and work in different and changing environments, your ability to work long hours, and to get along with a variety of people. Try to use recent examples so as not to date yourself. Stress (if appropriate) your record of attendance and punctuality. Focus on your concrete skills and experience relevant to the job, but keep it professional; do not reveal personal information. Describe your technological savvy. Mention your sports or exercise activities to emphasize your physical fitness and stamina. Highlight your enjoyment in learning new skills and taking on new challenges, and mention your long-term professional goals. Describe your business development potential, such as memberships, network of contacts and, if you have done so, the fact that you have built a business previously.

Anticipate and practice answers to tough questions and techniques for handling awkward situations. For example, if you are asked your age, do not be defensive or apologetic. First of all, it is an illegal question. But, better than pointing out that fact, state or ask what their concerns are, then try to address those issues. Remember, humor is always a good way to diffuse an uncomfortable situation.

If the interviewer is younger than you are, do not remark on it! Also, do not assume that youth equates to inexperience or lack of knowledge. Remember that the interviewer is in a position of power and authority, and treat him or her with the respect due to an equal or superior. Take the interviewer seriously; do not condescend or lecture, nor be overly informal or familiar. Remember, in conversation, to not make reference to people, events, etc, that the interviewer will not relate to.

If asked whether you would be comfortable working for a younger person, stress your enjoyment in working with people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Give examples, if possible. State that you respect ability, regardless of age of the person, and that you believe that age has no bearing on leadership skills. Emphasize that you enjoy learning new things, and can learn something valuable from each person you meet, regardless of age or background.

If your interviewer remarks that you may be overqualified, state that you are "fully qualified", and describe how your experience fits the job sought. Mention only your experience that is relevant to the position sought; not all of your experience. And, avoid phrases such as "my many years of experience". If your chronological age is not typical for your law school graduation date, state that you have X years of legal experience, and you expect to be treated the same as other attorneys in your class year. You expect the same compensation, billing requirements, assignments, status/title, years to partnership, evaluations and feedback, and that you expect to be judged by the same standards and compete equally with others at your level of seniority.

If there has been a gap in your career, for health or family reasons for example, briefly and factually state the reason and describe how that situation has changed. Emphasize that you are ready to fully commit to your career and describe what relevant activities you did during that time, if any. If appropriate, describe skills you gained, such as budgeting, management, prioritizing, etc, and mention leadership roles you held. Also mention how you stayed current with business issues and technology trends during your hiatus by reading trade journals, participating in professional organizations, taking courses, or doing free-lance work, and the like.

If questioned about a long tenure with a previous employer, state that your record shows commitment, loyalty, stability, and a strong work ethic. Stress that your career was not stagnant during that time, however. Discuss your growth, promotions, new skills and functions, and mention your contributions and track record.

If you had a career prior to law, be prepared to explain how and why you came to make the change. State, if appropriate, that you were seeking new challenges. Mention what you like about the law, and how your previous experience built relevant skills for your legal career. Describe your long-term career goals and stress a positive desire to work hard in the position you are seeking.

And, finally, if you are asked why you want to work for that particular employer, use your maturity to your benefit in answering this question. Say, "Through my previous work experience, (but do not say 'many years of experience') I have learned what is important to me . . . ." Before your interview, really give thought to the type of environment that best suits you and your long-term goals, career and otherwise. Take into consideration your lifestyle and family and financial obligations. Use your hard-earned self-knowledge, wisdom, and realism, bolstered by research (consulting Martindale-Hubbell, talking to contacts, surfing the net, etc.) to choose a firm or organization that really fits you. Then, be prepared to express to a prospective employer why it is a fit for you and for them, and how you, better than any other candidate of any age, can contribute to their success. Let them know that, as an older but wiser job seeker, you are a "value-added" candidate.

The Search --> Special Circumstances Older but Wiser Job Seekers According to the US Dept of Labor statistics, in 1988, 39% of the workforce was aged 40 or over, and by 2008, it is estimated that 52% will be over 40. "If [employers] don't like hiring older people, [they're] going to have trouble hiring" says Howard Fullerton, senior demographic statistician for the Department. Several demographic and cultural changes have contributed to this situation. First of all, there is the sheer number of "Baby Boomers" in the workforce, who don't want to consider themselves "old" and are not ready for retirement. Secondly, a smaller generation is coming behind, so there is a lack of younger workers to replace older employees. Furthermore, with the strong economy, unprecedented low unemployment rates, and people living longer, healthier lives, many older workers will remain in the workforce longer. For more mature job seekers, the key is to present yourself as a "value-added" candidate. A 1995 AARP report, "Valuing Older Workers", found that older employees offer more experience, better judgment and a stronger commitment to quality, are more reliable with regard to attendance and punctuality, and have lower turnover. In addition, they bring real world experience, an established work ethic, a record of previous successes, and an understanding of the bigger picture. There are at least two scenarios where, if you are an older lawyer, you might find yourself in competition with younger attorneys. The first is if you are a second-career attorney, or are returning from a hiatus in your legal career. The second is if you are seeking to make a change in your legal career, such as switching practice areas or moving in-house from a law firm, which might necessitate taking a cut in seniority. Some of the following strategies apply to both situations, and some are particular to one or the other. As an older but wiser job seeker, while you have the same legal education as younger candidates, you also need to make sure you are up to date on technology and trends in the legal profession. Get additional computer training, if necessary. The reality is that technology is changing so rapidly that everyone's skills need constant updating. Read the legal press such as The Los Angeles or San Francisco Daily Journal, The National Law Journal, and The American Lawyer, and surf the web. Get involved or remain active in professional organizations When writing your resume, focus on what is relevant to the position being sought. Separate legal and non-legal experience, and briefly summarize your pre-law career if you had one. Include dates for your JD and all law-related positions and, although it is preferable to list the dates of all degrees and jobs, it is permissible to omit those over 10 years old, if they are not law-related. Avoid dating yourself by the use of phrases such as "X years of experience". List hobbies that are relevant to the position or that show you are fit and energetic, but omit those that show your age. Do include any activities or memberships that may have business development potential, if appropriate, however. Include your e-mail address and cell phone number if you have them, which indicates you are tech-savvy. Likewise, list your technical skills but exclude obsolete technologies such as shorthand or typing speed. Leave off personal information such as marital status, children, height, weight, and health. (See Resume FAQ's.) As an older job seeker, in interviews it is especially important for to you to carry yourself with good posture, energy and vitality. Make eye contact, give a firm handshake, sit up straight, and look alert. Eat and sleep well beforehand. Your look should be contemporary, but neither too "hip" nor staid. It is best to stick to classics, but watch hemlines, lapel and tie widths. Women, you should update hair and makeup. And, men, please, no comb-overs or obvious toupees! It is fine to cover the gray, but aim for a natural look. Your attitude also is very important. You must be confident, upbeat, and optimistic, not defensive or a victim, nor condescending or a know-it-all. Remember to listen, and answer directly and honestly. Use up-to-date terminology, including tech-jargon, if appropriate. Do not use outdated expressions such as "girl" or "gal", "Negro" etc, or reminisce about "in my day", "way back when", "it used to be", "when I started out", "in my many years of experience", "back then", "in the good old days", and so forth. Keep in mind that your top priority should be to communicate your interest in the position and your desire to contribute to your prospective employer's success. To counteract any negative stereotypes your interviewer might have regarding more mature job seekers, give examples of your teamwork, flexibility, innovation, and creativity, ability to learn new things and work in different and changing environments, your ability to work long hours, and to get along with a variety of people. Try to use recent examples so as not to date yourself. Stress (if appropriate) your record of attendance and punctuality. Focus on your concrete skills and experience relevant to the job, but keep it professional; do not reveal personal information. Describe your technological savvy. Mention your sports or exercise activities to emphasize your physical fitness and stamina. Highlight your enjoyment in learning new skills and taking on new challenges, and mention your long-term professional goals. Describe your business development potential, such as memberships, network of contacts and, if you have done so, the fact that you have built a business previously. Anticipate and practice answers to tough questions and techniques for handling awkward situations. For example, if you are asked your age, do not be defensive or apologetic. First of all, it is an illegal question. But, better than pointing out that fact, state or ask what their concerns are, then try to address those issues. Remember, humor is always a good way to diffuse an uncomfortable situation. If the interviewer is younger than you are, do not remark on it! Also, do not assume that youth equates to inexperience or lack of knowledge. Remember that the interviewer is in a position of power and authority, and treat him or her with the respect due to an equal or superior. Take the interviewer seriously; do not condescend or lecture, nor be overly informal or familiar. Remember, in conversation, to not make reference to people, events, etc, that the interviewer will not relate to. If asked whether you would be comfortable working for a younger person, stress your enjoyment in working with people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Give examples, if possible. State that you respect ability, regardless of age of the person, and that you believe that age has no bearing on leadership skills. Emphasize that you enjoy learning new things, and can learn something valuable from each person you meet, regardless of age or background. If your interviewer remarks that you may be overqualified, state that you are "fully qualified", and describe how your experience fits the job sought. Mention only your experience that is relevant to the position sought; not all of your experience. And, avoid phrases such as "my many years of experience". If your chronological age is not typical for your law school graduation date, state that you have X years of legal experience, and you expect to be treated the same as other attorneys in your class year. You expect the same compensation, billing requirements, assignments, status/title, years to partnership, evaluations and feedback, and that you expect to be judged by the same standards and compete equally with others at your level of seniority. If there has been a gap in your career, for health or family reasons for example, briefly and factually state the reason and describe how that situation has changed. Emphasize that you are ready to fully commit to your career and describe what relevant activities you did during that time, if any. If appropriate, describe skills you gained, such as budgeting, management, prioritizing, etc, and mention leadership roles you held. Also mention how you stayed current with business issues and technology trends during your hiatus by reading trade journals, participating in professional organizations, taking courses, or doing free-lance work, and the like. If questioned about a long tenure with a previous employer, state that your record shows commitment, loyalty, stability, and a strong work ethic. Stress that your career was not stagnant during that time, however. Discuss your growth, promotions, new skills and functions, and mention your contributions and track record. If you had a career prior to law, be prepared to explain how and why you came to make the change. State, if appropriate, that you were seeking new challenges. Mention what you like about the law, and how your previous experience built relevant skills for your legal career. Describe your long-term career goals and stress a positive desire to work hard in the position you are seeking. And, finally, if you are asked why you want to work for that particular employer, use your maturity to your benefit in answering this question. Say, "Through my previous work experience, (but do not say 'many years of experience') I have learned what is important to me . . . ." Before your interview, really give thought to the type of environment that best suits you and your long-term goals, career and otherwise. Take into consideration your lifestyle and family and financial obligations. Use your hard-earned self-knowledge, wisdom, and realism, bolstered by research (consulting Martindale-Hubbell, talking to contacts, surfing the net, etc.) to choose a firm or organization that really fits you. Then, be prepared to express to a prospective employer why it is a fit for you and for them, and how you, better than any other candidate of any age, can contribute to their success. Let them know that, as an older but wiser job seeker, you are a "value-added" candidate.	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