When it comes to a slowing economy, the truth is there are no guarantees for any of us on how secure our job may or may not be … regardless of age or tenure within an organization.

          If you are a baby boomer still in the job market, suddenly forced out into the pool of candidates searching for viable positions, you are not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2010, there should be 18.5 million boomers ages 45 to 49 in the labor force. This is greatly facilitated by the fact that many boomers are delaying retirement if they are planning to retire at all.

          If you’re a boomer, do not fret. You offer many qualities which organizations seek in today’s highly competitive job market. In this article, we explore some of these characteristics and how you can accentuate these in your self-presentation.

You are dependable
In a recent article from RainmakerThinking Inc., the author explains how common it is to hear a variation of the following from members of the boomer generation:

          “I hitched my wagon to the star of an established organization and started paying my dues. And my boss was a real grown-up, like my parents, not some groovy boomer who understood young people. I did as I was told, but most of the time it was ‘sink or swim’ so I had to figure out what to do and then do it. I kept my head down and worked hard. I didn’t make demands. I waited for my boss to notice my hard work and reward me in due course.”

          You know how different the younger generations such as X and Y are from your own, in terms of work ethic, beliefs, expectations, etc. This is one other area in which boomers excel. You are perceived for your unwavering dedication to doing the job right the first time and for showing up on time, all the time. You are known for your “competitive nature and industrious work ethic.”No other candidate from younger generations will be as convincing in selling this attribute as you, so use it to your advantage.

You’re a built-in mentor
Organizations, no matter what size or type, need training resources for their employees. One of the great things about your experience and time in the workforce is your ability to mentor others and pass that information along to younger workers. Remind the hiring manager of this simple fact: You are not only a value-add as a resource, but a cost savings as well.

You know what you want
Let’s face it, you’ve “been there, done that” in the workforce. You’ve worked for X number of years in X number of positions, or maybe even in the same position for the same company the entire time. You’ve explored your hobbies, and you know your interests. The bottom-line is this is no time for starting over or for getting into a thankless job in which you have no desire to work. You know what’s out there and in turn, what you want to do, so go for it.

          Let’s be realistic: An astronaut without a degree or any training at age 50, while not impossible, is also not very practical. However, if you know you are interested in pastries, cakes and pies and have always wanted to be a pastry chef, then why not? Having climbed up whatever ladders you’ve mounted in order to get to your position in life has given you the ability to apply and sell yourself on your own abilities, skills, knowledge and especially experience. Use this angle when going after what you want. Let the hiring manager know you are at a point where you only want to be doing something you know you not only will love, but be good at. You’ll be surprised at what dedication and passion can do for your search.

Orrick Nepomuceno, CPC, is a managing partner of executive recruitment firm KAON Consulting and author of “Hitchhiker In the Corner Office: Avoiding The Top-10 Potholes So Your Employees Don’t Hit The Road.” With nearly 20 years of experience in the restaurant, foodservice and hopitality industries, Orrick consults executives and companies in recruiting, hiring and retaining human capital for their organizations. Visit the Restaurant and Foodservice Blog to read more of Orrick’s blog relating to the restaurant industry.
For more information or to reach a consultant, visit www.kaonconsultinginc.com or call 866-414-9729.

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