7 Tips for the More Seasoned Professional
Those employees who have managed to keep their jobs in this tough economy are getting older with no plans to slow down.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the work force for people age 55-64 is predicted to increase by 36.5% between 2006 and 2016.
“Many people have delayed retirement because of the economy and some older workers still want to work and don’t plan to stop,” according to business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of “GREET! EAT! TWEET! 52 Business Etiquette Postings To Avoid Pitfalls & Boost Your Career.” Pachter has authored 9 books and has over 20 years of experience in business etiquette. She says it is very important for older workers to stay vibrant and offers 7 tips to help people in today’s changing business world:
Try Not To Get Defensive. Her example: A man was told that “He looked great for his age.” Try not to dwell on the comment or its intent. A simple “Thank you” in reply is appropriate. Move to another topic.
Help Yourself Deal With Negative Self-talk. When you keep asking yourself, “Am I too old for this?” you subliminally tell yourself you are. See yourself as a professional with strong experience and you continue to look forward to even more career accomplishments. Look to other successful older workers for inspiration. Pachter notes Diane Sawyer just turned 65 and she isn’t slowing down.
Educate Yourself on Social Media. Start your Facebook page. Make business connections on LinkedIn. Find out about Twitter and start tweeting. Familiarity with social media helps you keep up with the speed of life now. Ask your children or grandchildren for help if you are unsure where to start.
Toot Your Own Horn (psst, it’s ok!). You need to speak well of yourself, no matter what your age. You definitely date yourself if you dwell on the past. Pachter’s example: Telling people “At Gimbels we did…,” makes you seem like a “dinosaur” when some of your coworkers were still in diapers when this large department store closed back in 1987. She also suggests not joking about how long you have been in the workplace. One 54-year old manager she knows of often says, “When I worked at Ford 100 years ago….” – just don’t take people there.
Learn How to Work for a Younger Boss. The communication styles are different now so find out how your boss likes to communicate. Learn to text if he or she prefers texting. Resist the urge to act like a parent when you’re an employee.
Stay healthy and in shape. When you eat healthy and exercise regularly, you stay vital and well.
Consider a makeover. You can take 10 years off of your look by dying your hair, updating your glasses or getting contacts, whitening your teeth, and getting a new hairstyle and a contemporary wardrobe. Some people even choose more extensive measures like plastic surgery and Botox injections. Speak to a professional coach if you need help with this.
Learn more about Pachter and her expertise at her website, www.pachter.com.