#023 - Job opportunities for older workers

HOW TO
Find Tech Job Opportunities for Older Workers in Japan

Finding tech job opportunities for older professionals in Japan involves understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that come with age in the tech industry.

With the right strategies, older tech workers can effectively navigate the job market, leveraging their extensive experience while overcoming potential age biases.

Here's a guide tailored specifically for older tech professionals looking to advance or re-enter the tech sector in Japan.

Retraining and Skill Development

One of the key strategies for older workers in the tech industry is to stay updated with the latest technologies and skills.

Japan offers numerous retraining programs and continuing education courses specifically designed for older individuals looking to update their tech skills.

Programs like the "Silver Human Resource Center" and various online platforms such as Udemy or Coursera provide courses in emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Engaging in these learning opportunities not only enhances your skill set but also demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to staying relevant in the field.

Age-Friendly Companies and Startups

Some companies in Japan are recognized for their age-friendly hiring practices and are particularly open to employing older workers, appreciating the depth of experience and stability they bring.

Identifying these companies can significantly increase your chances of employment.

Companies like Fujitsu and NEC have been noted for their programs aimed at leveraging the skills of older employees.

Additionally, many startups value the seasoned perspective and experience that older professionals can offer, especially in roles like project management, quality assurance, and customer relations where deep industry knowledge is a significant asset.

Leveraging Years of Experience

Older tech professionals often have a wealth of experience that can be invaluable, especially in complex projects that require nuanced understanding and strategic foresight.

When applying for positions, it's crucial to highlight how your experience can benefit the company.

This can involve emphasizing leadership roles, past project successes, or specific technical skills that are particularly relevant to the job.

Tailoring your resume to showcase these experiences and discussing them prominently in interviews can make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Effective Networking Strategies

Building and maintaining a professional network is crucial, especially for older workers.

Networking can often open up more opportunities than traditional job applications.

Participate in industry seminars, join relevant tech associations, and attend tech meetups to connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.

Platforms like LinkedIn can also be invaluable for connecting with industry leaders and recruiters who specialize in tech placements.

Additionally, consider reaching out to former colleagues and employers, as these connections can often lead to new opportunities or valuable referrals.

In conclusion, older tech professionals in Japan have many avenues to explore and succeed in the dynamic tech industry.

By focusing on continual learning, identifying age-friendly workplaces, leveraging extensive experience, and maintaining a robust professional network, you can navigate the tech job market effectively and secure fulfilling positions that appreciate the depth of knowledge and experience you bring to the table.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
ANDPAD - Construction Management Application

Company Mission
Andpad was first doing a remodeling portal site, "Minnano Remodeling", and was established to support clients in the remodeling industry to attract customers and provide development support.

There they built connections and grasped user pain points, eventually inventing "ANDPAD" to create the BtoB platform they have now.

Today, ANDPAD provides a variety of functions, including management systems for the construction industry, as a SaaS service. More than 140,000 companies and 380,000 users use their applications.

Notes
The construction and building industry is an area where IT and digitalization have not yet progressed where paper reports are exchanged by faxes and phone calls.

On the other hand, the construction market size is approximately 50 trillion yen, which is the second largest industry in Japan, and although ANDPAD has number 1 share, the companies that use them are limited to 140,000 out of the estimated 500,000 companies in the industry.

Useful links

• ANDPAD website

• ANDPAD Tech Blog

NEW TECH NEWS
Tokyo high school kids develop seaweed slime gloves

Using a fiber from seaweed slime, three high school students in Tokyo have invented recyclable gloves that have garnered them praise from experts in the field as well as a coveted award.

of the Japan Science & Engineering Challenge (JSEC) 2023, the three third-year students of Tokyo Metropolitan Tama High School of Science and Technology in Koganei, western Tokyo, took home the Denka prize, a significant honor.

Check out the full story from Asahi Shimbun.