First, change the script. Don’t sell years; sell results. Instead of “15+ years in…,” say: “In 90 days I cut support costs by 20% using X automation.” Clear metric, clear deadline.

Job hunting after 40 isn’t begging for chances. It’s negotiating proven value.
You’re not selling “potential”; you’re selling repeatable impact. You’re a tested bet.

First, change the script.
Don’t sell years; sell results. Instead of “15+ years in…,” say: “In 90 days I cut support costs by 20% using X automation.” Clear metric, clear deadline.

Kill three myths:

“You’re expensive.” Training someone for months without judgment costs more.

“You’re outdated.” What matters is active learning, not your birth year.

“You won’t fit a young culture.” The culture that wins is the one that delivers.

Five concrete moves:

Value statement: one line with problem → method → result → proof.

Fast proof: a before/after mini-case, a 3-minute demo, a repo or dashboard with anonymized real data.

Visible learning: a recent certification, GitHub PRs, a short post on how you removed a bottleneck last week.

Useful networking: don’t just send a résumé; diagnose. “I saw X in your process; I’ll send a 3-step plan in 48 hours.” Give value before you ask.

Reverse interview: ask builder questions. “What metric defines success at 90 days? What killed past attempts? What resources do I have on day one?”

Tactical signals:

LinkedIn headline: Target role | problem you solve → outcome | proof (KPI/client/industry).

One-page résumé with quantified wins, last 10–12 years, key projects.

Lean portfolio: 2–3 cases, each with context, action, result, and data.

Bottom line: after 40, your edge is judgment. Use it to cut risk, speed decisions, and teach by doing. This week, pick a real market problem, build a mini-case, and offer a one-week proof.