It’s never too late to make a career pivot. The thought of starting something new can be scary, especially after investing years, even decades, in a particular field post-college. The pressure to have it all figured out by your 40s adds to that stress, but don’t let it stop you from taking charge of your career.
According to Patrice Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, a consulting firm, the idea of being ‘too old’ for a career reset is becoming increasingly outdated. This is especially true in today’s world post-pandemic, with many professionals exploring new ways of working.
So, if you are over 40 and eager for a career change, you’re not alone. “My clients vary widely in age, including many who are mid-career or later,” Lindo says.
There are certainly challenges when navigating this change, as per an October report from Generation and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Hiring managers showed a preference for applicants aged 30-44, while those aged 45-64 were least favored.
When dealing with professionals restarting their career later in life, Lindo helps them “emphasize the value of their accumulated experience and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.”
In other words, showcase the expertise you bring to the table and your commitment to continuous career growth, regardless of your age. When emphasizing these qualities, it is important to be authentic and accurate about your skills.
Don’t be afraid to pursue new roles with confidence. According to Niro Sivanathan, an organizational behavior professor at London Business School, it means keeping explanations with hiring managers or potential bosses brief and avoiding over-arguing your case with background information and research.
“Most people make the forecasting error that in order to win people over, you need to get them lots of data,” Sivanthan told CNBC Make It last month. “Oftentimes, things fail not in content, but delivery.”
Lay out your core argument and let it hover in silence until the other person is ready to respond. “Less is more,” says Sivanthan. “If you have just one key argument, be confident and put that on the table, rather than feeling the need to list many others.”
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