The Seasoned Executive - Searching for Nonprofit Work at 50 Years and Older

by Erin O'Connor Jones, Director of Candidate Services

Many job seekers aged 50 or older worry about the impact their “advanced years” will have on their job search. For some organizations and for certain positions, age may be perceived as an asset; for others, it may be perceived as a deficit. As a seasoned, over-50 job seeker, you are part of the fastest growing group of job seekers, and one of the most challenged. You know that you bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to any job you hold, but how can you convince a future employer of that fact? By asking yourself introspective questions at the beginning of your search, positioning your skills and experience strategically, and networking effectively, you can ease your transition into your next career.

Ask tough questions. A reflective job search can provide key information to finding your next nonprofit position. As you begin, start by examining your passions, earning requirements, strengths and weaknesses, and desired environment for your next pursuit. Think about the mission about which you are most interested; a job search in the education sector looks different than a job search within healthcare or the environment. Most importantly, ask “What makes me happy?” Even if you currently work in the nonprofit sector, consider these questions to continue your mission-driven career trajectory. The answers to these questions will provide your roadmap for your job search. 

Reach out. Nearly every study supports the fact that networking is the number one way people land a new job. Years of experience have provided you with significant assets such as expertise and knowledge, but also a wide and deep network as well. As a seasoned executive, your network will be especially important to launching a successful search. Whether you are currently employed or not, now is the perfect time to maximize your past and present contacts. You should identify your professional and community network, and reach out regarding your job search. This is often the last thing on a job seeker’s to-do list, but if you are over 50, it may prove critical to uncovering new job opportunities in your field. Don’t overlook technology as an amazing way to gather information, but remember that personal, direct contact may still be best way to learn about opportunities across sectors.

Build your skills. You may have been quite accomplished in your previous career, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need help to achieve your new one. Looking for and getting a new job after many years of being productive at one company or in one field takes a different set of skills and you will want to make your first impression the best possible. Now is the time to take a class, attend an on-line webinar, gather board or volunteer experience, and hone your knowledge about leaders and trends within your field by reading the latest thinking in your field of choice.

Be patient, but stay active. Whether you are turning 25 or 55 on your next birthday, it can take a while to land the right job in this economy. In addition to networking, updating your skills, and seeking new employment, you may want to consider creating your own job through consulting or volunteering. Many job seekers land their next job this way; short term assignments are low-risk ventures for nonprofits looking at nontraditional candidates, and allow nontraditional candidates to prove their value while expanding their networks. Others use such strategies to reduce the isolation prevalent in many job searches. 

Put your best foot forward. While you are identifying your network and reaching out to let people know about your job search, consider whether you are presenting your best self. The presentation of your best self includes: your resume, cover letter, technology skills, knowledge about innovation or trends within your chosen sector, and yes, even your appearance. Taking the time to put your best, 50-plus foot forward will demonstrate that you’ve kept up with industry trends and research and are invested in keeping yourself current and marketable.
Practice your elevator speech on your friends. Discuss your search strategy with colleagues. Have your resume professionally reviewed. With appropriate support, you may cut your search short with new challenges and, hopefully, a new job offer.