Are You up to Date?

Keeping current is essential to your job search

One of biggest complaints that employers have about job seekers over 50 is that they are technologically deficient in one way or another. So the argument goes, they’re either techno-phobes who don’t even know how to turn on a computer, or their skills are so out of date they’re still using their aol.com email addresses.

Although those impressions are mostly unfounded, there is some truth to the notion that 50+ job seekers have not kept up to date regarding technology. If you expect to compete in today’s job market, your technological skills must be current. What you learned (and practiced) 20 or 30 years ago doesn’t matter.

Help is on the way

Fortunately, there are many avenues available you can pursue to remedy the situation. If you need an IT update, look to your local community colleges, career centers, libraries and tech schools. Most offer classes of one kind or another. Some are even totally free or free to anyone over a certain age (which varies based on geography.)

If you’re too intimidated to venture out and attend a class, there are innumerable online videos that you can view in the comfort of your own home while you remain in your pajamas. Depending on the skills you need, some may only be 7-10 minutes while others may last 60-90 minutes. It depends on your skill level going in, or how deeply immersed you wish to become.

Here’s a perfect example. Microsoft Excel is one of the most ubiquitous pieces of business software out there. Many companies use it daily to track finances, to manage databases and customer contacts. It’s very flexible and very powerful.

If you need to update your Excel skills, consider this article that we found by Caroline Forsey, How to Use Excel Like a Pro: 29 Easy Excel Tips, Tricks, & Shortcuts or you might want to explore a series of YouTube videos from Leila Gharani. Some are very specific; all are quite good.

These are merely two examples. It’s all out there. You just have to look for it.

More tips.