How to stand out in the jobs market

With more than a couple of decades in the workplace under your belt, how can you present your experience to a potential employer and stand out in the jobs market?

A Robert Half International workplace survey shows that New Zealand is more age-friendly than any of the other countries surveyed. But 33 per cent per cent of respondents say their companies are still not addressing the ageing-workforce issue by hiring older people or letting them work longer.

"Despite the ageing workforce and the skills shortage in New Zealand, there is still an element of stigma that can prevent older candidates from maximising their potential," says Kim Smith, a consultant at Robert Half finance and accounting. "But there are ways of combating this if you present your experience in the best light. "Tactics like keeping a concise, punchy CV, and omitting anything that's not directly relevant to the job can be used to get you one step ahead, show employers your true value and enhance your marketability."

She advises older candidates to adopt a clear marketing strategy before applying for a job by answering the following questions:

* Do you need additional credentials or an advanced degree to further your career?

* Have you maintained a wide network of professional contacts?

* How active are you in professional associations?

* Do you have a track record of increased responsibility and visibility at your current job?

* Have you taken on any leadership roles?

* Are you adept at managing your time and resources?

Now take a quick look at the market.

* Have you kept up with advances and technological innovations in your field?

* Can you identify specific hiring trends that might affect your prospects?

* Which skill sets are in demand?

* Is the market saturated with candidates who have job experience comparable to yours?

* Are you a specialist in a market that seeks generalists?

* How might you set yourself apart from the competition?

Once you answer these questions, you should have a reasonably accurate sense of your current marketability. You can then begin building on your strengths and eliminating your liabilities.

"Skills are the cornerstone of your marketability," says Smith. "It is important to develop the technical competence to meet the performance requirements of the current market. In addition, today's employers also expect you to possess so-called soft skills, regardless of the type of work you do.

"These include communicating effectively, using logic and creativity to solve problems, demonstrating resourcefulness and accountability in leadership roles, pursuing steady growth in knowledge and skill development, and showing flexibility and open-mindedness.

"These traits are often what help an employer choose between two prospects who are otherwise comparable in terms of work-related abilities and level of experience."