Getting the Job You Want After 50 For Dummies

Your guide to navigating today's workplace and snagging that perfect job

Whether you're searching for a new job by choice or necessity, consider this book your life raft. You'll find all the resources you need to job-hunt—from building an online presence and revitalizing your résumé to negotiating a salary and landing that job!

• The power of people — harness the power of the people you know — friends and family, former colleagues, social media contacts, and more — to network your way to your next job
• Mirror, mirror on the wall — rehab your résumé and cover letter, build a positive online presence, acquire social media street smarts, and market yourself on LinkedIn
• Hang your own shingle — join the growing ranks of the self-employed with advice on launching your own business, working as a freelancer, turning a hobby into a profit, and cashing in on your natural gifts
• Scope it out — discover which jobs are in demand and expected to grow, what they pay, and whether you're qualified

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Finding a Job After 50 5

Chapter 1: Scoping Out Your Prospects 7

Chapter 2: Using Skills to Your Advantage 31

Chapter 3: Harnessing the Power of Other People 47

Chapter 4: Tackling Common Financial Issues 69

Part II: Launching Your Job Search 85

Chapter 5: Scoping Out Promising Job Markets 87

Chapter 6: Joining the Growing Ranks of the Self‐Employed 115

Chapter 7: Dealing with Special Circumstances 141

Part III: Marketing Yourself 155

Chapter 8: Rehabbing Your Résumé and Cover Letter 157

Chapter 9: Creating a Strong Online Presence 179

Chapter 10: Marketing Yourself on LinkedIn 205

Chapter 11: Clearing the Application Hurdle 229

Part IV: Taking the Stage: The Interview and Its Aftermath 241

Chapter 12: Prepping for a Job Interview 243

Chapter 13: Acing Your Job Interview 263

Chapter 14: Negotiating for What You Want 279

Part V: The Part of Tens 299

Chapter 15: Ten Great Jobs for Workers Over 50 .301

Chapter 16: Ten Common Interview Questions Answered 307

Chapter 17: Ten Steps for Career Changers 313

Index 321

Kerry Hannon (kerryhannon.com) is a nationally recognized authority on career transitions and retirement, a frequent TV and radio commentator, and author of numerous books, including Love Your Job (Wiley/AARP), What's Next? (Berkley Trade/AARP), and Great Jobs for Everyone 50+ (Wiley/AARP). Hannon is AARP's Jobs Expert and a regular contributor to The New York Times, Forbes, and Money magazine.

Learn to:

• Showcase the value you have to offer a potential employer
• Perfect your résumé and interview skills
• Negotiate for what you want
• Snag your dream job in the age of social media
• Launch a whole new career or business

Your guide to navigating today's workplace and snagging that perfect job

Whether you're searching for a new job by choice or necessity, consider this book your life raft. You'll find all the resources you need to job-hunt—from building an online presence and revitalizing your résumé to negotiating a salary and landing that job!

• The power of people — harness the power of the people you know — friends and family, former colleagues, social media contacts, and more — to network your way to your next job
• Mirror, mirror on the wall — rehab your résumé and cover letter, build a positive online presence, acquire social media street smarts, and market yourself on LinkedIn
• Hang your own shingle — join the growing ranks of the self-employed with advice on launching your own business, working as a freelancer, turning a hobby into a profit, and cashing in on your natural gifts
• Scope it out — discover which jobs are in demand and expected to grow, what they pay, and whether you're qualified

Open the book and find:

• Ways to identify and market your most valuable skills
• How to use Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter in your job search
• How to clear the application hurdle
• Tips for prepping for an interview
• The top jobs for 50+ workers
• Ten steps for career changers