Candidates

A professionally crafted CV can make all the difference between securing your first interview and landing your dream job. At O50C, we recognise that the task of creating a new CV can be daunting - especially when you have years of experience under your belt - particularly for those individuals who may not have written one in a while. We believe that a CV should accurately represent your skills and experiences without concealing any of your well-earned professional history and relevant years of experience.

That's where our expertise comes in… We provide dedicated guidance in navigating the challenges faced by age diverse employees, including ageism and discrimination, when it comes to their CVs. Understanding the techniques to optimise your CV is crucial in ensuring its effectiveness and maximising your chances of securing the ideal role.

Our experienced team is here to guide you and help assess the requirements of the position and determine which format will best highlight and showcase your expertise and accomplishments. There are two fundamental formats to consider when creating your CV: the traditional chronological CV and the functional skills-based CV. The chronological CV is more commonly used, providing a straightforward timeline of your work experience. However, the suitability of each format depends on the specific role you are applying for, especially with the length of experience you’ve gained.

Whether you are embarking on your next career move, or re-entering the workplace, job interviews may feel challenging, especially for age-diverse candidates. It may be highly likely that you may encounter interviews conducted by individuals younger than you, who might have preconceived notions about your skills and adaptability, but do not despair.

You’ve got the experience, now it’s time to shout about it. Embrace and highlight your past accomplishments, showcasing how they make you a valuable asset to potential employers. Your rich background can set you apart from younger candidates who may lack the same level of expertise. Proactively address any age discrimination concerns by emphasising your adaptability, openness to learning, and ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse age groups.

Remember, age should never be a barrier to landing a job. Your experience, skills, and wisdom make you an asset to any organisation. We know that there may be many candidates out there, but you’ve got years of accumulated experience to show.

When preparing for your interview, focus on highlighting transferable skills and achievements that align with the requirements of the job you're applying for. Practice makes perfect; at O50C our team is experienced in helping you gain confidence, receive feedback, and identify areas for improvement through our interview master-sessions and mock interview opportunities.

Mastering Microsoft Office applications is essential in today's digital world, regardless of age. Showcasing these skills on your CV and during interviews can demonstrate your adaptability and readiness to embrace technology. Whether you're looking to create professional documents, analyse data, or deliver impactful presentations, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint offer a powerful suite of tools.

We say never stop learning - embrace lifelong learning, take advantage of online tutorials and courses, and practice regularly to build proficiency. We can guide you with all you need from a beginner - advanced levels with step-by-step instructions, practical exercises, and real-world examples. By highlighting your proficiency, adaptability, and go-getter outlook to embrace technology, you can demonstrate your true value to potential employers.

We say never stop learning - embrace lifelong learning, take advantage of online tutorials and courses, and practice regularly to build proficiency. We can guide you with all you need from a beginner - advanced levels with step-by-step instructions, practical exercises, and real-world examples. By highlighting your proficiency, adaptability, and go-getter outlook to embrace technology, you can demonstrate your true value to potential employers.

Job descriptions serve as a roadmap, providing essential information about the position, its requirements, and the skills and qualifications sought by the employer. By carefully examining job descriptions, our expert team can help determine if a particular role aligns with your career goals, skills, and interests.

It may seem straightforward, we know, but reading a job description thoroughly is so important, especially when there’s a lot of competition. Pay close attention to the language used, including keywords and phrases. Understand the main responsibilities and duties associated with the role. Identify the key requirements outlined in the job description, including educational qualifications, work experience, technical skills, certifications, or specific competencies.

Job descriptions are often multi-dimensional, so reading between the lines is a must, and we’re here to help! Look for both hard skills (technical abilities, software proficiency, language proficiency) and soft skills (communication, problem-solving, leadership). Gain a clear understanding of the responsibilities and tasks associated with the role. Company culture is hugely crucial… take note of any references to the culture, values, or mission and assess if these align with your own beliefs and work style, if you’re there for the long run.