Top 5 job application tips for older job-seekers
TORONTO, May 13 /CNW/ - Job-hunting is never easy, but for older workers
looking to return to the workforce after retirement, it can be daunting.
However, according to RetiredWorker.ca, following a few simple tips will help
ensure your application ends up on top of the pile.
"A job application has one purpose: to get you the interview," says
Sarah Welstead, Managing Partner and co-founder of Retired Worker, Canada's
largest employment website designed specifically for older workers. "A
successful application is one which piques the potential employer's interest
and isn't overloaded with irrelevant information."
According to Welstead, 38, older job-seekers can improve their chances of
getting an interview by following these simple guidelines:1. It's a resumé, not a memoir: "Older job-seekers often have 35+ years
of work experience behind them, and it can be hard to whittle it
down," says Welstead. "But detailed information about your job as a
bookkeeper in 1982 is irrelevant - so don't let it take up more than
a line or two." Your resume should be 2 pages or less.
2. Follow the application instructions: If the job advertisement says
that you should apply online or by email, but you phone, fax or mail
in your application instead, you're making yourself stand out - but
not in a good way. "All you're doing is making it look like you can't
follow simple instructions," advises Welstead.
3. Make it clear which position you're applying for: Many companies have
several job openings for which they are recruiting simultaneously,
and receive hundreds of resumés per week. An application which
clearly identifies the position stands a better chance of getting to
the right place. "If the hiring manager can't figure out what job
you're applying for, s/he will simply move on to the next applicant."
4. Don't forget the 'cover email': "One of the most common mistakes we
see among older job-seekers is the assumption that emailing their
resumé obviates the need for a cover letter," Welstead reports. "But
hiring managers say that a well-written covering email often makes
the difference in getting the interview." Include the position for
which you are applying; why you'd make a good candidate, referencing
your skills and experience; and that your resume is attached. But
keep it brief: 200 words or less.
5. Use a common file format when sending your resumé: "Most employers
prefer to receive resumés in Microsoft Word format, with the .doc
extension," comments Welstead. "However, if you don't have Word, you
can also use PDF or RTF format. Submitting resumes in obscure or
outdated file formats increases the chances they'll go unread."Welstead's final word of advice? "A job application is an advertisement
for a product or service - you. Like all advertising, the goal is to attract
attention quickly and favourably, and encourage the person seeing it to take
action - in this case, call you for an interview."
About Retired Worker:
Retired Worker was the first - and is still the largest - employment
website in Canada designed for retired people who want to work on a part-time,
temporary or contract basis. Launched in Toronto in October 2003, Retired
Worker now has more than 25,000 registered job-seekers across Canada. For more
information, visit www.retiredworker.ca.
For further information: Media requiring more information or an
interview, please contact: Sarah Welstead, Managing Partner, Retired Worker,
(416) 809-7829, sarah@retiredworker.ca
