Job search advice for the older banker

It is not easy being significantly beyond 40 in an industry where most people are significantly below 35. And it's even harder if you're over 40, out of the market, and want to get back in again.

Linda Jackson, managing director of the City practice at Fairplace (an outplacement/talent management company providing job search advice to redundant bankers), says that on average it takes their 35 year old banking clients around six months to find new a job. By comparison, it takes their 40+ banking clients eight to nine months, and many don't take full time roles, but become consultants.

If, therefore, you are aged in excess of 40 and are struggling to gain reemployment, here are some suggestions:

1). Network rather than going through recruiters:

It's sad but true that recruiters will probably be more helpful if you're near the start of your career than if you're senior and trying to slot yourself back in.

"Recruiters often won't look at their CVs, so networking is particularly important for older people" says Linda Jackson. "But don't underestimate what's required - it's not simply about sending your CV to friends, it's more about acting as a consultant and asking if you can help with things.

"The main thing about finding a new job through networking is that people won't be interested in your grey hair, but in whether you can add value," she says.

2). Prepare to be interviewed by someone who is your junior

"The chances are that you will be interviewed by someone younger than yourself," says Graham Ward, founder of coaching company Amandla and a former head of European equities at Goldman Sachs. "If you've been made redundant you may lack self esteem and project that in interviews."

3).Ensure you look/are dynamic

If you look like a dinosaur, you may unfortunately be taken at face value. "You need to work on your personal brand," says Jackson. "If you look tired and worn out and not current, it will be hard for you. It helps to look healthy, fit, energetic and confident."

4). Don't draw attention to your age on your CV

There is no need to specify the fact that you got 8 O'Levels in 1966, says Jackson. "Drop dates off and mention your previous career in blocks rather than listing everything individually," she advises.

5). Emphasize your wisdom

"People over the age of 45 not only experienced the crash of '87, but the Japanese crisis in the early 90's, the dotcom bubble and the Russian crisis," says Ward. "Most bankers aged less than 30 won't have meaningful experience of any of these."

6). Consider doing something totally different

Don't just fall into a job because it pays the bills. "Clarify your career and life goals," advises Ward. "You need to find something that fully engages you as a human being."