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The Changing Face of Insurance: Career Management for the Mature Worker
Contributed by Martin E. Murphy, CPCU
Career management objectives are unique to each generation. As a mature worker, the career challenges you face are much different than those plaguing the younger generations. Generation Y and Generation X, with 25-40 years remaining in their working lives, are focused on establishing their careers and propelling themselves into management roles and other high-level positions. Mature workers have less time remaining in their professional lives and possess different career objectives.
Even as a seasoned professional, it is possible to stay on top of your career goals. Below are three concepts of career management that will put you well on your way to success and professional satisfaction.
1. Understand the common preconceptions that precede members of your generation, as well as how to counteract them.
Identifying the preconceptions you are working against is the first step to neutralizing them. Life is not fair. Whether you like it or not, many people have preconceived notions regarding the mindsets and capabilities of older members of the workforce. By acknowledging these preconceptions, you can mitigate them in both word and deed.
How is your generation perceived?
Traditionalists (born 1900-1945)
- Traditionalists are workaholics. Counteract this by showing potential or current employers that you do have a life outside of work.
- Traditionalists are set in their ways and inflexible when it comes to new ideas or change. The next time an innovative idea is brought to your attention, think it through before automatically shutting it down. If it is hard for you to take a major leap, try new things out on a temporary, trial basis.
- Traditionalists have trouble reporting to younger supervisors. Demonstrate that you respect all of your colleagues, no matter their ages.
- Traditionalists do not understand current technology. Technology is a major component of today's jobs, and you must take the time to learn what you can. Younger generations pick up on new technology quickly and naturally, whereas traditionalists may take longer to learn new tricks or may work at a slower pace. Take computer courses if you must, and demonstrate an aptitude for work that has technical components.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964)
- Baby boomers lack current skills. Demonstrate through actions, not words, that you keep up on current trends and are capable of performing tasks as thoroughly and quickly as younger generations.
- Boomers are unwilling to learn new technology. Show your colleagues that you have a thirst for technological advances and are able to keep up with and use current technology.
- Boomers are close to retirement and therefore will not stay in a job for long. Disprove this by showing you are committed to your work and desire to be a key player for years to come.
- Boomers demand a higher salary than other generations. If you do have high salary expectations, make sure to demonstrate that the value you bring to the company is worth the monetary cost.
2. Identify what you bring to the table.
Now that you are able to level the playing field, it's time to recognize the traits that put you ahead of the game.
Traditionalists
- Traditionalists are the most disciplined generation. This discipline results in an unmatched work ethic.
- Traditionalists are accountable and detail-oriented. Your colleagues can depend on you to see tasks through to completion.
- Traditionalists dislike conflict and are unlikely to cause disagreements in the workplace. Traditionalists pick their battles. Unlike younger colleagues, you will not cause preventable negative discourse at work.
Baby boomers
- Baby boomers are one of the most adaptive generations. This adaptability means boomers can adjust to a variety of situations and work environments.
- Baby boomers are goal-oriented. You do not come to work to go through the motions. Boomers like to successfully reach their project goals.
- Baby boomers maintain positive attitudes in both work and life situations. An enthusiastic and optimistic attitude is a great asset in any workplace.
3. Maintain marketability in the workforce.
The final step to effective career management is to recharge your resume and interviewing strategies.
Tailor your resume to your situation.
When tweaking your resume, combine popular resume formats. For instance, functional and chronological formats have benefits and downfalls to mature workers. You can merge these formats together, listing your accomplishments first and employment history second, to retain the benefits of both. Include tangibles in your resume, such as numbers, dollars and awards. Omit the dates of your degrees (unless your advanced degree is relatively recent). If your resume includes gaps in employment, supplement them with applicable volunteer work, consulting engagements or educational experience.
Ace the interview.
The interview is your chance to make an impression that counters any negative preconceptions a potential employer may harbor. Maintain good posture and stay alert. Demonstrate that you are attentive, energetic and capable. Wear contemporary clothing - this is not to say you have to dress like a trendy twenty-something - but outdated clothing (i.e. the suit you wore to a job interview 20 years ago) only reinforces stereotypes. Demonstrate that you are truly passionate about the position and desire to stay in the role for many years. Make a point to talk about your technical skills and abilities. Speak to computer skills you have, courses you have taken, projects you have spearheaded and additional skills that you possess.
Stay Current.
The insurance industry is constantly changing. It is up to you to remain current and valuable. Read professional journals and trade publications. Enroll in technology courses. Attend conferences and join professional organizations and civic groups. This will not only demonstrate your commitment to the industry, but also will make you a valuable and savvy candidate.
Remember that it is up to you to combat stereotypes! Rather than disengage from younger generations and work styles, show your flexibility and re-engage with the workforce.
Are you a member of Generation X or Generation Y? Stay tuned for career management techniques catered to your generation.
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