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Searching for a new job at any age is difficult, but when you’re an older adult, it can be especially tough. Many people feel they struggle to get employers to see past their age and give them a fair assessment. Fortunately, there are a few ways to overcome this obstacle. Berk Trade and Business School is a trade school serving students at all stages of life in Long Island City, NY. Here, they list a few job hunt tricks for older job seekers.

A Trade School’s Guide to Job Hunting When You’re Older

1. Limit What Employers Know About Your Age

Your resume can give a surprising amount of information about your age away. Comb through it and remove items that let employers know how old you are, such as the date you graduated from college or that position you worked in 15 years ago. Generally, you only need to include the last seven years of employment in this document, so let this guideline work in your favor.

2. Develop New Skills

trade schoolNo matter how old you are, if you’re in the job market, you should always be working on developing new skills and revitalizing old ones. Look up free in-person courses in your area, or find some classes at a trade school. This will show employers you’re still actively working on your career, and you want to enhance your job performance.

3. Take Advantage of Your Experience

A long job history isn’t just a sign of age; it’s also an indicator of how much experience you have. Even if you are switching industries, you can use past situations to your advantage. Whether you’ve solved a company-wide problem or helped two co-workers settle a dispute, many skills translate to new positions. Younger applicants don’t have this wealth of experience, and you should emphasize it in interviews.

If you’re like to start a new career as a plumber or an electrician, begin by checking out the curriculum at Long Island City’s top trade school. Berk Trade and Business School has been helping their students become successful trade workers since 1940. They believe it’s never too late to start doing what you love and offer flexible class hours and job placement assistance upon graduation. To learn more about their courses, visit them online, and call (718) 729-0909 to ask about admissions.

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