Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Insights from It’s Your Outcome Career Coaching

Feeling stuck in your career at 40+? You’re not alone. The idea of starting over can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you that the skills you already have could open the door to a brand-new career? Here’s the truth: your experience isn’t a barrier—it’s your biggest strength.

I help professionals like you own your career journey, regardless of your age, background, or unique characteristics. Let me show you how to market your transferable skills to confidently step into your next chapter.

Why This Focus Matters

Over the years, I’ve supported individuals across all walks of life—helping them navigate workplace challenges, foster inclusion, and create meaningful careers. Recently, I’ve seen an increasing number of job seekers 40+ struggling with how to market their skills and break through age-related barriers.

This new focus reflects my commitment to helping individuals from all backgrounds own their career outcomes, regardless of age, ability, or industry.

The Problem: Feeling Overlooked and Stuck

Many professionals in their 40s or beyond feel undervalued in today’s job market. Common fears include:

• “I’m too old to start a new career.”
• “I don’t have the technical skills employers want.”
• “They’ll think I’m overqualified.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: These fears aren’t the truth—they’re just myths. The key is learning how to reframe your story and market your experience effectively.

The Solution: Market Your Transferable Skills

The good news is you don’t have to start over. Your transferable skills—abilities like leadership, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability—are in high demand across industries. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills

Take a moment to reflect on your career. What are the skills you’ve consistently used and improved over time? Here are some examples:

1. Leadership: Managed teams, led projects, or mentored others.
2. Problem-Solving: Found creative solutions to challenges.
3. Communication: Built strong relationships or presented ideas effectively.
4. Adaptability: Thrived in the face of change or learned new systems quickly.

Quick Action: Write down your top five strengths. These are the foundation of your career transition.

Need help identifying your transferable skills?

Check out the CareerOneStop Skills Matcher.

A free tool that helps you assess your current skills and match them to potential careers.

Step 2: Align Your Skills With Your Target Role

Now that you’ve identified your skills, it’s time to map them to the roles you’re targeting. Here’s how:

1. Research the job description: Look for keywords and qualifications.
2. Match your strengths: Identify where your skills overlap with what the employer needs.
3. Reframe your experience: Rewrite your accomplishments to highlight transferable skills.

Example: Transitioning from teaching to corporate training?

• Instead of: “Taught high school English for 10 years.”
• Say: “Designed and delivered engaging training programs for diverse audiences, fostering measurable skill development.”

Step 3: Showcase Your Value Authentically

Standing out in today’s job market isn’t just about polished resumes or LinkedIn headlines—it’s about presenting your authentic self in ways that resonate with employers. Here’s how you can showcase your value in a way that highlights your transferable skills while remaining true to your story:

Craft a Narrative Around Your Career Journey. Tell the story of your career in a way that connects the dots between your past experiences and your future goals. Highlight transferable skills like leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Example Narrative:

“After 15  years in retail management, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of customer experience, team leadership, and operational efficiency. Now, I’m excited to bring this expertise to the HR field, where I can help organizations build cultures that value both employees and customers.”

Highlight the Wisdom and Resilience Age Brings. Employers value professionals who can stay calm under pressure, offer perspective, and guide teams through challenges. Share moments where your wisdom or resilience added value.

Example:

“In my previous role, I navigated my team through a company-wide restructure. By staying focused on clear communication and empathy, we maintained productivity and morale, achieving 95% retention during a challenging time.”

Choose a Format That Reflects You.

• Portfolio Website: Showcase career highlights, testimonials, and even a video introduction.
• Video Pitch: Record a short, two-minute video explaining your value and excitement for transitioning careers.
• Personalized Cover Letters: Share your passion and alignment with the company’s mission.

Quick Win: Record a video pitch today. Highlight one challenge you overcame and the transferable skills you used. Share it on LinkedIn or in an application.

Be Transparent About Your Career Transition. Share why you’re making the change—it demonstrates self-awareness and purpose.

Example:

“After years of success in sales, I’m pursuing training and development because I’ve discovered a passion for helping others grow professionally.”

Use Storytelling to Highlight Transferable Skills. Integrate stories into interviews to reflect not just what you’ve done, but who you are. Use stories to showcase skills like leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Example:

“In one of my most challenging roles, I was tasked with turning around an underperforming team. Within six months, we surpassed our sales goals by 20%, and I learned how critical it is to lead with empathy and strategy.”

Quick Wins for Immediate Progress

Want to start strong? Here are three quick wins you can apply today:

Network with Purpose: Reach out to professionals in your desired field. Ask for informational interviews to learn more about their experiences.

Upskill Strategically: Take a course or earn a certification to close skill gaps. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are great options.

• Show Confidence: Your age isn’t a limitation—it’s your competitive edge. Employers value the wisdom, reliability, and perspective you bring.

Real-Life Success: Meet Candace

Candace, 42, felt stuck in retail management but dreamed of transitioning into HR. She worried her skills wouldn’t translate, but after reframing her experience—highlighting her leadership, conflict resolution, and customer service expertise—she landed an HR coordinator role within three months.

Her advice:

“Don’t underestimate how much you’ve learned over the years. It’s not about starting over; it’s about reframing your story.”

What’s Next?

Are you ready to join a community of professionals committed to owning their career outcomes—regardless of your unique abilities or characteristics? With The It’s Your Outcome Newsletter, you’ll get practical advice and simple actions you can start the same day—free, without hassle, and tailored to your journey.

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