Forty plus, female and job hunting

Have you ever looked at the number of older women out there, who are unemployed? There are many, far too many, and so many that they tip the workforce scales drastically.

Many of these women have never worked outside the home. Some worked way back in their twenties shelving their work experience while caring for their families, possibly never even considering the possibility of returning to work ever again.

If you are 40, fall within this category of women and have suddenly felt the desperate urge or need to go out and find a job, you probably need all the help you can get.

It is very strange that, in a world where youth rules, our working life is stretching longer than ever before. Now, we all look forward to working until we hit 65, whether we like it or not.

And once we're past that, we probably have a good chance of living on until we're well into our 70s, 80s, 90s and possibly beyond. Statistics favour the female as the one who lives more, outliving her male counterpart.

And so, the 40- and 50-year-old will find herself diving head-on in the job hunting field amid so many young and bright people. This direct competition with youth, coupled with the fact that employers frown upon the older woman job hunter, make job hunting a major hurdle.

Patricia Tabone, director of Personnel Resources Ltd, a recruitment agency set up in Malta in 1992, admits that she gets several requests for jobs from older women. 

"Being 35 is not so much of a problem; it's once a woman reaches 40 that problems start. Many employers however, do realise the benefits of employing women in their forties, in that these are more experienced and are better trained. In most cases if they do have children, the children are not so dependant and, generally speaking, these women don't want to increase the family."

In the case of women who already have a job and are after making a career move, clinching the right job depends on the individual and what rung of her career ladder she is on, Ms Tabone explained.

"In general, if the person has been working consistently and is still in her early forties, she will find alternative employment. It is far more difficult for a person re-entering the workforce after a long period of absence. Unfortunately, the older the person becomes, the less her chances are."

In truth, Government has introduced a number of schemes to encourage employers to take on people aged 40 and over (male and female) and has also introduced a number of training schemes as preparation.

"I do think in most cases it is down to the individual. Too many times I see people who come across as 'having a chip on their shoulder' which does not help. They need to remain positive. They need to present themselves as energetic, motivated people, able to get on with all age groups, ready to take instruction and learn new tasks. The problem is that often they are faced with a younger HR manager or director. They must therefore not be intimidated, be cheerful, ask a lot of questions and be positive," Ms Tabone added.

Here are some self-help hints to get you going in the right direction.

• Don't only look at job vacancies on the newspaper. Approach job recruitment agencies and ask for advice. These agencies are run by people who know the job market inside out and can direct your efforts positively.

• Ask for help when drafting your CV. Somebody who has the know-how will tell you how to present it to your advantage and in a way that will maximise your potential.

• Look at yourself in the mirror. Be self-critical. Does your image inspire confidence, reliability? Do you look old-fashioned? An employer will gauge you by your appearance initially and that is what you must work on to give a positive first impression. It's no use saying 'they have to take me as I am'. They won't.

• Think about changing a hairstyle or livening up your hair colour. Find the smartest garments in your wardrobe and try on what you could wear for a job interview. Think smart and just include a couple of 'new' touches to your clothes - like a new bag and new shoes. New does not mean trendy. New means elegant minus frills and sequins.

• Look down at your hands. Are they work-worn? Do they give away your age too willingly? Perhaps you should consider a good manicure and a few pampering treatments. Remember - you are trying to sell yourself to your prospective employer. You must look positive, clean, smart and experienced.

• If you haven't been to an interview for a very long time, rehearse in front of a mirror. Rehearse they way you will sit, talk, divulge information. Listen to the tone of your voice. Avoid shrill, fast speech. Remain calm.

• Read the newspapers, go through recent news. It will help you get tuned in to the current social situation and give you ideas on what to talk about if the interview turns conversational. Keeping abreast with current news will makes you feel part of the system, the world around you, and consciously be aware of social pressures, demands and trends.

• Sleep well before an interview. Don't sleep hassled, rushed, anxious and tired. You must absolutely avoid the weary look from your face and body language.

• Think of your positive points. What can you offer the company? Your experience, patience, willingness to learn, cheerfulness, easy-going character, calm outlook, plans for the future. Yes, future plans will show you are enthusiastic about life and that is important.

• Don't be afraid to start out on a job that does not pay as much as you aspired to earn. It's always a start. Once you land that job, start looking for something better. Don't rest on your laurels.  

• Finally, remember this is just a job you are looking for. If one interviewer does not take to you and does not offer you the job, it does not mean the next one will follow suit.

You have the skills that somebody out there needs and you have something that bright young people don't - life experience.

marika_azzopardi@hotmail.com