Q: I am 68 years old and want to get back into sales but I’m having a hard time finding a job. Any advice?

A: The job market continues to be strong, with more workers deciding to re-enter the market based on robust opportunities that are available. We’ve previously written about why companies can and should consider candidates who might be later in their career. Now, let’s take a look at some ways a seasoned candidate can stand out from the crowd:

• Get back in touch. Assuming you’ve had some success earlier in your career, you should track down former sales managers and colleagues to let them know you are eager to jump back into the game. They might have interest or be able to refer you to someone who has a need for experienced sales talent.
• Highlight your results and network. If you plan to reach out to a recruiter about job openings, highlight your results and deep network in a specific industry to show the ramp-up time would be brief.
• Be flexible on compensation. Indicate to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re comfortable with a lower base and attractive commission based on hitting or exceeding sales targets. This highlights your desire to grow the business while minimizing the risk to the potential employer.

Following these key simple steps will help get you back in business after time off from your career.