Baby Boomers have so much to offer workforces filling with millennials who need good mentors, but there are some things hiring managers are afraid of when considering boomers. Here are some great ways to play to the advantages of your experience and talents.

You don’t have to know every technology

or app, but you do have to be able to talk about the technologies that affect the work you do. It helps to know the hands-on stuff, but that’s getting more into tactics and as a boomer you probably belong more in strategy. The big thing is don’t be afraid or intimidated if you don’t know everything, and don’t dismiss tech.

Networking is critical.

It’s grown in importance and for boomers this could be an Achilles Heel. Let’s face it boomers are probably not hanging out with friends as much as people in their 20s. Some might be and that’s great, but the important thing to know is that your network is what’s’ going to bring you the best opportunities. Grow it at every opportunity.

Use Your Organization Skills.

One thing boomers often have as an advantage over youngsters is better organization skills. If this is true for you then it’s time to put it to use by drafting a plan and getting a schedule together (a spreadsheet is even better) that outlines your plan of attack. Sticking to this is what gets people jobs.

Think about Temp and Part-Time.

It’s a bonus to employers if they don’t have to hire you full time. If this can work for you then by all means embrace it. Temporary work is a great way to get back into the force and start feeling the excitement and variety that different workplaces offer.

The big thing for Boomers seeking jobs is being open to change and opportunity. It’s easy to pigeonhole yourself, and that’s not a good idea in an economy as dynamic as ours. The more you’re able to embrace it and the more fun you can have with it, the better off you’ll be. And companies need boomers just like playoff teams need veterans—to get them through the really trying times when things aren’t clearly laid out.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.