How to Stay Employable at 50+

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Here at the-Coaching Blog-run by Gerard O’Donovan, our aim is to constantly bring value to those seeking to improve their lives. Therefore we have a policy of publishing articles and materials by guest authors whom we value and appreciate. Today’s guest author is Denise Taylor (UK).
As career coaches, we know the importance of keeping our skills up to date. We want to learn more through reading, courses and webinars and meeting other coaches. But not everyone is like us. Some, (many?) people rely on the knowledge they have learnt in the past and feel no interest in taking courses unless it’s an essential requirement of their professional body.
All can go well till they need to find a new job. Then they find they are not getting shortlisted. Many will then blame it on their age. But it’s not always an ‘age thing’.
Relying on dated qualifications
One reason those in their 50s can struggle to get the next job is due to professional qualifications being dated. People relied too much on courses taken 20 or more years ago. What relevant changes, and we need to be able to use best practice to guide our work.
We may expect this to be something we can leave to our employers, but training budgets are more limited and it’s expected that we take ownership of our careers. Read on for 6 tips to stay employable.

1. Be Clear On What Learning Will Help You Stay Employable

Let’s be pragmatic; you want to make sure that any learning you undertake will increase your chance of keeping your job or getting a new one. It may be that you want to get professionally qualified, but more likely it will be shorter courses that are seen as continuing professional development (CPD).
I find that my clients aged 50+ who are most successful in getting a promotion/new job are the ones that stay on top of the new developments in their area of expertise and are clear on how they can add value to an employer. The people who expect their employers to take responsibility for their development, or who think they are just paid to do their job, have struggled more.
      2. Seek Development Opportunities at Work
Many employers think that beyond a certain age we aren’t interested in attending courses and other learning activities, so make it known that you are keen. Volunteer to get involved in new activities and make sure your boss knows you are interested in any courses on offer.
Ask a professional colleague how you can be of help to them. By listening to their questions, it can help deepen our own knowledge.
      3.  Develop New Skills
You know what you are good at, but are these skills still in demand? Check out the skills that are more desirable and look for ways to develop them. You may need to become more proficient in using Excel, or to become more savvy with social media. What’s hot in your industry?
      4.  Keep Up to Date
In all industries, we can keep current on news in our industry or sector. Be sure to read the business pages and industry magazines, such as Accountancy Age or The Caterer. You can also create your own database of news sites that have relevant news. For many, this will include the Financial Times – it’s not just for directors. As a middle-manager psychologist I used to read both the Harvard Business Review and The Economist to give me an edge over other psychologists through developing a stronger business focus.
      5.  Choose The Right Course
You could find a great course at your local college, but also consider the many free and very low-cost courses available for you to take online. You may like to consider:

• TED talks
• MOOCs, The Open Education Consortium, www.oeconsortium.org/courses/, www.coursera.org

– You can access hundreds of courses from universities including law, science and business strategy

• YouTube – offers a many instructional videos to help you learn specific skills
• edX – a particular favourite of mine – www.edx.org

It’s not just taking business courses, learn a foreign language or go to dance classes. These, and similar will demonstrate that you are able to learn new things, and keep your mind sharp too. 
      6. Learn Through Volunteering
If you are out of work, use some of this time in voluntary work to enhance your CV and develop more skills. You could offer help to a non-profit organisation in your area.
This does not have to be in a charity shop, unless that’s what you want, but there could be backroom work, computer systems or marketing that you could help with. But working in the shop can also help – you will meet people, and the people you meet will know people, so be helpful and they may want to help you too.
Learning is fun, so from these 6 tips, what will you do now to keep yourself employable?
About Denise Taylor
Denise Taylor is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. She is an award-winning career psychologist and personal branding strategist with www.amazingpeople.co.uk & author of non- fiction including “Now You’ve Been Shortlisted” and “Find Work at 50+”.  Denise has a personal interest with working with people aged 50+ and is now Chief Inspiration Officer with www.the50pluscoach.co.uk
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