Last updated on Mar 29, 2024

What do you do if you're a late career professional trying to connect with potential employers or recruiters?

If you're a late career professional looking for a new job or a career change, you might face some challenges in connecting with potential employers or recruiters. You have valuable skills and experience, but you also need to show that you're adaptable, relevant, and open to learning. How can you build relationships that showcase your strengths and overcome any biases or stereotypes? Here are some tips to help you network effectively and land your dream job.

1 Update your online presence

The first step to connect with employers or recruiters is to make sure your online presence reflects your current goals, skills, and achievements. Update your LinkedIn profile, resume, portfolio, and any other platforms that showcase your work. Highlight your recent projects, certifications, awards, and testimonials that demonstrate your value and impact. Use keywords that match your target industry and role, and optimize your profile for search engines and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Be consistent and professional across all your online platforms, and avoid any outdated or irrelevant information that might confuse or deter employers or recruiters.

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2 Reach out to your existing network

The next step is to leverage your existing network of contacts, such as former colleagues, clients, mentors, or friends. Let them know that you're looking for new opportunities, and ask them for referrals, introductions, or recommendations. Be specific about what kind of job or career you're interested in, and how they can help you. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback or advice on your resume, cover letter, or interview skills. Be grateful and respectful of their time and support, and keep them updated on your progress. Remember to reciprocate and offer your help or expertise when they need it.

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Aaron Schmulenson

Marketing Coordinator + Strategist | Supporting High-Growth, Ambitious Teams | Project Management and Marketing Expertise 🎯 | Influencing Performance Acceleration by 30%
Take the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues. Be specific about what you are looking for. Ask if they can give you a referral or introduction. Let them know how they can help you. Do not be afraid to ask for feedback on your resume or interview skills ask them. Keep them posted on how everything goes. Someday, your colleague or friend may be in the same position as you. Support each other and give back. Reciprocate the kindness.
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3 Expand your network strategically

The third step is to expand your network by connecting with new people who can help you achieve your career goals. Identify the key players, influencers, or decision-makers in your target industry or role, and research their background, interests, and challenges. Reach out to them via email, LinkedIn, or other platforms, and introduce yourself briefly and politely. Explain why you're interested in connecting with them, and what value you can offer them. Ask for a phone call, a video chat, or a meeting to learn more about them and their work. Follow up with a thank-you note and keep the conversation going until you build trust and rapport.

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Aaron Schmulenson

Marketing Coordinator + Strategist | Supporting High-Growth, Ambitious Teams | Project Management and Marketing Expertise 🎯 | Influencing Performance Acceleration by 30%
What are your career goals? Identify who could help you achieve your goals. Be strategic in reaching out to decision-makers. Look and see if they have the same educational background as you. When you research this on LinkedIn, it can help you personalize your message. Who are you, why are you reaching out, and what value do you offer? It should be the framework for how you personalize your message. If you receive the opportunity, ask to meet them or talk to them by phone. Make the conversation about them, not you. Send them a thank you note for their time. Plan to continue the conversation and build the relationship.
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4 Showcase your thought leadership

The fourth step is to showcase your thought leadership and expertise by creating and sharing valuable content that relates to your target industry or role. You can write blog posts, articles, white papers, case studies, or ebooks that demonstrate your knowledge, insights, and solutions. You can also create videos, podcasts, webinars, or online courses that teach, inform, or entertain your audience. Share your content on your online platforms, as well as on relevant forums, groups, or communities where your target employers or recruiters might be active. Engage with their comments, questions, or feedback, and invite them to connect with you further.

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Aaron Schmulenson

Marketing Coordinator + Strategist | Supporting High-Growth, Ambitious Teams | Project Management and Marketing Expertise 🎯 | Influencing Performance Acceleration by 30%
Become a thought leader by building your online presence. LinkedIn is a good platform for meeting like-minded professionals. Create articles, write content, or comment on posts related to your niche. Provide insight to your audience and be consistent in showing up. Engagement with your audience can help you gain new connections and followers. When someone comments on your posts, respond promptly. It helps you build a relationship. The idea is to be authentic and credible.
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5 Attend events and workshops

The fifth step is to attend events and workshops that are relevant to your target industry or role, and that offer opportunities to network with potential employers or recruiters. You can find events and workshops online, such as on Eventbrite, Meetup, or LinkedIn. You can also look for local or regional events and workshops that are hosted by professional associations, industry organizations, or educational institutions. Prepare your elevator pitch, business cards, and resume, and practice your communication and interpersonal skills. Be friendly, confident, and curious, and initiate conversations with people who interest you. Follow up with them after the event, and keep in touch until you find an opportunity.

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Aaron Schmulenson

Marketing Coordinator + Strategist | Supporting High-Growth, Ambitious Teams | Project Management and Marketing Expertise 🎯 | Influencing Performance Acceleration by 30%
Look to attend networking events, alumni events from your alma mater, or a conference related to your niche. It allows you to meet potential recruiters or employers. You never know where you may make a new connection. Update your resume and have a business card prepared. Prepare your pitch to let people know who you are and what value you offer. Work on your relationship-building skills by starting with body language. Eye contact, a firm handshake, and having good posture make a difference. Actively listen to the other person without interrupting. Thank your connections and follow-up. Plan the next step to continue the conversation and build the relationship.
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6 Be flexible and open-minded

The final step is to be flexible and open-minded about your career options and opportunities. You might have to adapt to changing market demands, technologies, or trends, and learn new skills or tools. You might have to consider different types of jobs, industries, or locations than you initially planned. You might have to face some rejections, setbacks, or challenges along the way. Don't let these discourage you or make you doubt your value or potential. Instead, embrace them as learning experiences and opportunities to grow and improve. Be positive, proactive, and persistent, and you'll find the right fit for your late career.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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CORI KURTZ

Senior Headhunter at Movement Search & Delivery
Navigating the job market later in life presents unique challenges, but I've come to appreciate the advantages of experience and a well-established network. Initially, I felt sidelined due to my age, but I've realized the value of my extensive experience and the professional relationships I've nurtured over the years. The key shift for me was embracing humility, actively seeking feedback, and leveraging my network for guidance and referrals. My advice for those in a similar stage is simple: Value your network, recognize your worth, and maintain humility. This approach has opened new doors for me, proving it's never too late for opportunities to arise.
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What do you do if you're a late career professional trying to connect with potential employers or recruiters?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Update your online presence

2 Reach out to your existing network

3 Expand your network strategically

4 Showcase your thought leadership

5 Attend events and workshops

6 Be flexible and open-minded

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

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What do you do if you're a late career professional trying to connect with potential employers or recruiters?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Update your online presence

2 Reach out to your existing network

3 Expand your network strategically

4 Showcase your thought leadership

5 Attend events and workshops

6 Be flexible and open-minded

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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