Career Advice for the Baby-Boomer Job Seekers

Career Advice for the Baby-Boomer Job Seekers If you’re a baby-boomer executive who’s recently landed on the ripe side of 50, there’s probably less to worry about than there was a generation ago. Except for the economy, of course. Mark Jaffe, author of Let Me Give It To You Straight: An Outspoken Guide to Working with Headhunters, Advancing Your Career and Reaching Enlightenment†¦Without the Sugarcoating  has some words of wisdom and reassurance for the over-50 job seeking generation. A veteran head-hunter, he recalls interviewing a candidate for a Silicon Valley Chief Technology Officer position; while both Jaffe and the client liked the candidate, he was into his 60s, and Jaffe had to check his references (and evaluate his abilities) by asking questions about  Ã¢â‚¬Å"‘bandwidth’ and ‘energy level’ and ‘stamina’ and ‘ability to withstand constant pressure.'† Fortunately that candidate had a lot to offer on all fronts, and performed well once hired, leading Jaffe to realize the following:But if the current trend in CEO hiring is any indicator, boards of directors have become hugely risk-averse and appear to be more than willing than ever to sacrifice youthful edge and velocity for a few gray hairs.Although the stakes are higher for baby boomer employees, and starting in a new position can sometimes feel like a demotion, Jaffe urges workers, via sports metaphors, to keep your skills sharp, â€Å"play like you mean it†, and count on your expertise and mileage to outweigh the newest risky flash-in-the-pan who interviewed right before you.Career advice for the baby boomer: If Peyton Manning is old, then so are weRead More at The Business Journals