| If you're unemployed and over 40, it can feel like a | | | | are compensated for commensurate with what you |
| "double whammy" of trouble for you in the job search, | | | | do for the organization. |
| but it doesn't have to be a negative. | | | | I know there is some talk out there about age |
| First of all, unemployment is a temporary status that | | | | discrimination, and the idea that companies may be |
| you are going to change. Don't be ashamed of | | | | more interested in the "young whippersnappers" than |
| that. Many people (especially right now) face some | | | | you. Here's what I want you to know: You didn't |
| period of unemployment in their careers, and it's not a | | | | just get here. You are bringing 20 more years of |
| big deal. It only takes one phone call, one interview, or | | | | experience to the table than those candidates, and |
| one job offer to make the difference. | | | | that experience should lead to positive outcomes for |
| If you're changing careers, don't be afraid of that, | | | | the employer. That means that you can do things |
| either. Internships, job shadowing, learning new skill | | | | and think about things differently, and that you can |
| sets, and the like can feel strange to someone who's | | | | bring more to this job than the hot young |
| been in the workforce for a while already, but they | | | | whippersnapper, and I want you to have that |
| shouldn't. 40 is the new 30. You have a lot of | | | | confidence and develop a way to communicate that |
| years left in the workforce, and you should absolutely | | | | to the hiring manager—because you deserve it. |
| be doing something you enjoy, and something that you | | | | |