To snag a position with less stress, take these three steps If you’re nearing retirement, you might be thinking about finding a less demanding job with a better work-life balance: One with fewer hours, less responsibility or reduced travel demands. But when you’re ready to apply for a less-stress job for less pay, how do you communicate that effectively to potential employers? More to the point, how do you do so without seeming like you’ve lost your competitive drive? It’s a challenging situation. We are taught to approach the career ladder as a forward climb — one that leads progressively upwards to positions of greater status, pay and responsibility. But when you reverse direction and want to take a step downwards, employers tend to react with skepticism. They worry that downshifting is code for “tired and checked out.” (It doesn’t help that a Gallup survey last year found that workers in their 50s and 60s are America’s least engaged.) And they fear that if you accept a lesser role than the one you just had, you’ll be bored and leave when a better opportunity arises. Given these concerns, the key to convincing an employer to let you downshift is to do three things: Reformat your job search materials — resumé, LinkedIn Profile and cover letter — to be in alignment with your desired job. Target employers and industries that are receptive to midlife career changers and flexible work schedules. Prepare yourself to effectively address the employer’s concerns during the interview process. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these “must-do” strategies: Reformat Your Job Search Materials If you want employers to take your request to downshift seriously, you need to edit your resumé and LinkedIn profile so...
