What’s it really like to job search over the age of 50? Mary Rose Wild, Founder & CEO of AvalonLane Partners, recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. R. Mark Miles, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience who successfully landed a new position after an extensive job search. His detailed responses to our interview questions provide valuable insights and advice for any experienced professional currently navigating the job market.
MRW: Can you start by sharing a bit about your career background, the circumstances that led to your job search, and the type of role you recently secured?
RMM: My background is in Learning and Development, Organizational Development, and Leadership Development. I have worked in Corporate, Government (State & Federal), and Higher Education sectors. For the last 16 years, I was in Higher Education. In January, my CHRO informed me that the organization was heading in a different direction and needed new leadership, leading to my termination despite stellar job reviews. This came as a surprise after five years with the organization. I was unemployed for exactly six months, during which I applied to approximately 375 jobs. I had numerous interviews and was a finalist for two roles, which eventually led me to my current position as the Director of Learning and Development at the Witherite Law Group. While still within my field, it feels like a career change since I have never worked in the legal industry before.
MRW: How did you approach updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your extensive experience while remaining relevant to current job market trends?
RMM: I teach business communication at the college level, covering interviewing and resume skills, so I always keep my resume updated. Despite this, I sent my resume to a CHRO, a recruiter, and an Organizational Development Manager for feedback. Everyone has blind spots when it comes to their resume, and I received some valuable tweaks. The big debate was whether to remove my doctorate degree, which was in Higher Education Administration and not always relevant. Some advised it was a turn-off, while others felt it set me apart. Ultimately, I kept it, but I was prepared to remove it if my unemployment lasted longer.
Updating my LinkedIn profile required more effort. I recommend a current professional headshot; my old one was ten years outdated. I opted to use an AI headshot photo generator for $35, which returned dozens of photos of which I was able to use a couple of them. That was good enough. Ensuring my LinkedIn profile included relevant keywords to attract recruiters was essential. I also turned on features showing recruiters I was looking for a job without publicly announcing it. There’s a feature that puts a label on your profile picture stating you are open to work, but I chose not to use it as I was told that some recruiters see it as a sign of desperation.
MRW: What strategies did you use to network effectively, and how did you leverage your professional connections during your job search?
RMM: Networking is crucial, and I realized I had neglected it. I rejoined an industry association, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and joined a professional book club, which was an incredible experience. Many participants were also unemployed, which helped reduce feelings of isolation. From the book club, I formed professional relationships and friendships. One friend from the association helped me secure at least three interviews. I also used LinkedIn to connect with people at companies I applied to, leveraging my professional network effectively.
MRW: What are some things that went through your mind as a job seeker over 50 that were not factors when you were job searching earlier in your career?
RMM: One of the silliest yet significant considerations was whether to dye my white goatee for in-person interviews. I decided to keep it as it was, believing the right organization would accept me as I am. Additionally, I ensured my resume had as few age-identifying markers as possible, like omitting my graduation year. I also realized I needed to update my skillset, as my most relevant degree was 26 years old. I subscribed to LinkedIn Learning and took courses to improve my knowledge and skills, which was a game-changer.
MRW: During your job search, what was the most encouraging thing you heard/advice you received?
RMM: Staying encouraged and open to advice is crucial. Many times, people told me not to worry because something would come along. Although it seemed cliché, it was comforting. Expanding my network and interacting with others in similar situations also kept me motivated. Every time I received a rejection letter, I applied for another job immediately. For me, it was akin to getting back on the horse after a fall. Talking to a therapist was also invaluable during this time.
MRW: What was the most discouraging?
RMM: The most discouraging aspect was interviewing without receiving any feedback, making it impossible to improve. Some recruiters moved me forward, only to later send a rejection letter without explanation. Ghosting by recruiters was also common, adding to the frustration. Of all my interviews, only two offered constructive feedback, which was invaluable but rare.
MRW: How did you stay motivated and positive throughout the six-month job search process?
RMM:
1. Therapy
2. Expanding my network
3. Upskilling
4. Prayer
5. Allowing myself moments to feel down but not staying in that place for long
6. Taking breaks: Every Tuesday, I went to the movies to rest my mind
MRW: Can you describe a key moment or breakthrough in your job search that significantly improved your chances of landing a new role?
RMM: A breakthrough moment was realizing I needed to upskill. For this, I leveraged LinkedIn courses. During early interviews, questions about succession planning and organizational design methods highlighted gaps in my knowledge. Taking courses helped me learn the necessary terminology and theories, enabling me to answer questions more effectively the next time around.
MRW: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently during your job
search?
RM: I did everything I could, but it still took six months to find a job. Key strategies included having a killer resume, seeking multiple feedback sources, enhancing my LinkedIn profile, and being strategic about networking. Joining or becoming active in professional organizations and leveraging LinkedIn were also crucial.
MRW: What advice would you give to other job seekers over 50 who are currently in the midst of their own job search? What are 3 Do’s? What are 3 Don’ts?
RMM:
Don’ts:
Don’t let negative thoughts convince you that you’re outdated.
Don’t assume you’re too old to learn new skills.
Don’t succumb to imposter syndrome; always be ready to communicate why you are the best candidate.
Do’s:
Acknowledge that your experience outweighs your age.
Be strategic in your resume to avoid age markers.
Upskill continuously.
Have a Personal Affirmation: Before every interview, I said to myself repeatedly: “Today is the Day and I am the ONE.” This positive affirmation technique was essential for maintaining a resilient mindset.
Navigating the job market over 50 can be daunting, but with the right strategies, mindset, and support, success is within reach. Dr. Miles' journey highlights the importance of continuous learning, strategic networking, and maintaining a positive outlook throughout the process.
About the Contributor:
Dr. R. Mark Miles is a distinguished professional with over 30 years of experience in Learning and Development, Organizational Development, and Leadership Development. He has worked in Corporate, Government, and Higher Education sectors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the field. Dr. Miles currently serves as the Director of Learning and Development at the Witherite Law Group. He is passionate about continuous learning and professional growth, dedicating his career to developing effective leaders and organizational strategies. In his personal life, Dr. Miles enjoys traveling, listening to live music, and watching independent films. He is a foodie who tries one new restaurant each week and writes reviews for Yelp. Dr. Miles also loves spending time with his wife of 10 years and their 11-year-old daughter
Dr. Miles holds a BA in Public Relations from the University of North Texas, an MA in Organizational Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) from The University of Alabama. Connect with Dr. R. Mark Miles on LinkedIn to stay in touch and gain valuable insights into Learning and Development.
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