Surviving a Layoff as an Older Worker

Surviving a Layoff as an Older Worker Surviving a layoff can be a challenge at any age, but especially if youre close to retirement. Tune in to hear my advice live on CNN Newsroom Friday October 31st at 2:30pm eastern. And read below for specific, practical steps you can take to land a new career and take control of your job security.Focus on your employability: When your work plays to your strengths, interests and natural talents, you have no problem demonstrating specific ways you are the BEST at what you do. Even in bad times, employers will hire and retain their best and brightest. Make a list of your top strengths and identify careers where those are key required skills. Youll be a perfect match at any age. Click here for more on landing a job over 50. Convert your skills: Opportunities still exist in industries such as healthcare, education, oil gas, and green power. Identify the skills you have that are transferrable and youll broaden the career possibilities available. Functional skills such as technology, human resources and finance/accounting exist in all types of businesses. Other skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork apply across industries as well. Get creative with packaging your experience: If you are open to consulting, freelancing or project-based work you may have an easier time finding opportunities. Companies may be more apt to commit to a project than a full-time position during the downturn. It may require starting your own consulting business, but youll be able to continue building your resume and earn an income. Click here for more advice and resources on starting your own business. I know it can be tough to go through a career crisis (read my story). But you can prevail if you take action with your career. Writer Art Buchwald puts it all in perpective, Whether its the best of times or the worst of times, its the only time weve got.Share your comments, questions and concerns if youre going through a layoff. And if youve got a survival story from you r own experience, share that too. Were all in this together!