Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

Unemployed boomers may be their own worst enemy in job-seeking, according to a new study

Their faulty assumptions such as "My experience speaks for itself" and "I don't have time for this touchy-feely stuff about what work means to me" are contributing to an already tricky job environment for older workers, researchers at the MetLife Mature Market Institute said in a new report.

That's because not only do boomers need to contend with a competitive job market - the national unemployment rate stands at 9.8 percent - but they also need to settle into the changing US workplace by adopting specific skills, new attitudes and work expectations. They're also wrestling with financial problems related to housing debt and depleted retirement savings accounts.  

"Largely due to the economy, many of those looking for work may not have the money to retire," said Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "For this group, finding work is a necessity and they would benefit by making major changes in what they present about themselves to potential employers."

Many Americans over the age of 55 plan to work at least until age 69. Even though most adults are unsuccessfully pounding the pavement, Department of Labor projections indicate that the 55-plus jobseekers will eventually defy the odds. The department predicts they will account for almost 93 percent of the net increase in the US Civilian Labor Force between 2006 and 2016.

Nonprofits, in particular, have been cited in recent studies for their interest in the boomer workforce. A boomers' "encore" can help a group improve organizational effectiveness and provide opportunities for learning across generations.

That said, successful job seekers still need to recognize how to adapt to the changing US workforce. This includes taking note of five key strategies, according to MetLife:

Acknowledge new job market realities. There are opportunities for older job-seekers - some of which will increase in many sectors as the recession recedes. To better understand the market, boomers should spot nearby industries and organizations that are stable or growing. Second, look for those with a workforce culture that respects all workers. Finally, look for opportunities in small- to medium-sized companies, which create the majority of new jobs.

Market experience to show future value. This is a two-fold strategy: boomers must identify and articulate what specific value they can bring to an organization, while also recognizing that their underlying skill set must constantly change and evolve. Overall, it's important for boomers to clarify what they have to offer, and develop the contacts for competing in this job market.

Nurture your network. This is easiest for boomers when they're clear about their job interests and can connect with like-minded individuals. These connections are more likely to be a source of new job opportunities than a network of individuals with unrelated interests. That said, networking should also be about learning. For example, consider volunteering at an organization with younger people. It's an advantage to be able to say, "I've been working with 20-year-olds."

DOS is dead, so update computer technology skills. The most consistent finding from interviews was the need for older job-seekers to update their computer skills. Those who aren't familiar with social networking websites like Facebook and LinkedIn need to learn about them - and fast. That doesn't mean boomers have to reorganize their lives around these sites. But they should try them and be able to talk about them, so they aren't caught off guard when a 40-year-old hiring manager asks, "Are you on Twitter?"

Do the math, and manage your ambivalence. It may be late for older boomers to start retirement planning, but they should own up to the conflicting pressures they face about work and retirement. Despite needing money, some boomers have felt ambivalent about staying in the labor force. Anecdotally speaking, job counselors said some workers are sabotaging themselves in job interviews because they feel torn about success in their search. That's why older job-seekers should be clear about their actual financial needs as they make a decision about finding work.

"Older job-seekers who don't recognize that they're viewed differently in the job market are in for a rude awakening," said Dr. David DeLong, author of the study and president of David DeLong & Associates, a research and consulting firm that collaborated with MetLife.