Want to Avoid Age-ism When Looking for a Job? 3 Steps to Take

Is it all about millennials?  It really feels that way. The fact of the matter is, some people don't want to promote their age.  Age-ism is the unfortunate bias some people have about hiring older workers (45+).  Of course, what age equals "old" keeps changing.  I've seen the fear of age-ism absolutely cripple some job seekers.  They fear they won't be hired, won't be interviewed, won't be paid fairly, and won't be considered for promotions because of their age.

These people go to great lengths to hide their age on their resume or Linkedin profiles.  This ranges from removing dates to "fudging" dates or eliminating roles altogether. And I am happy to work with clients on creating a resume that works for them.

Although, trust me on this one, people can figure it out.  Just because you avoid listing your graduation dates doesn't mean recruiters and interviewers can't guess what decade you entered the world.

Age-ism is depressing for several reasons. From a company's perspective, they are missing out on valuable talent that could help scale their business, avoid pitfalls and grow the organization. Mostly,  the fear of age-ism really sinks someone's self-confidence.  I spend every last breath trying to convince them NOT to worry about age-ism and instead focus on what they do have to offer - which is A LOT!

I've seen the idea of age-ism boost other people's confidence and help them get the job they want.


FACT: Age-ism used to exist MORE prominently 20+years ago.  Companies did not WANT to hire older people because they were more expensive.  Their salaries were higher but also the cost of their retirement was more expensive.  Retirement plans - WHEN THEY EXISTED - were based on your years of service at a company.  If you only worked someplace 5 years before retiring, companies had to spend more to fund your retirement plan than if you were there 25 years.

FACT: Other than teachers, police officers and other government sector jobs, THERE ARE NO RETIREMENT PLANS ANYMORE!

FACT: A job is worth what a job is worth.  Your experience might allow you a little more money than someone who is brand new to the role, but it won't cost the company DOUBLE to hire you versus someone 10 years your junior for the same role.

FACT: Companies WANT and NEED leadership (aka experience).  That is a critical skill set and an advantage.

While we can't eliminate someone's biases by hiding our age on a resume, we can help them see the light.

Use your age to your ADVANTAGE when looking for a job by taking these 3 steps:


1. Be honest in your resume and LinkedIn profile


Use dates.  Don't try to hide your age.  I believe people (companies, recruiters, new hires) are smart and prefer candidates who are straightforward about these things.  They will find out by talking to references or peers or - most definitely - during the interview process.  So don't hide it.  BE PROUD OF IT.

2. Apply for jobs - and companies - that are appropriate


What does this mean?  Don't apply for a job looking for 2 years of experience.  Because - then yes - you will not be considered.  Companies try to avoid hiring people who are overqualified.  They need people to STAY in the job, be happy and feel challenged.  Turnover is costly. They worry you will start, get bored and leave. Apply for jobs requiring your skill set and experience.  I see many people get disappointed and then think it is age-ism.  Most of the time, they are just overqualified.  Apply for jobs that you are qualified to do - and do well!

As for the company - be realistic.  Don't shoot for a start up where no one is over the age of 24.  Look for more mature organizations that actually have a diverse workforce - or startups with more senior leadership or more senior Board members/advisors.  You want to fit in and be happy too.  You may not feel comfortable at a place where everyone shows up at 10, stays till 10 and lives in a vastly different stage of life than you.

3. Tout your leadership and experience in interviews


BE PROUD.  BE CONFIDENT.  I can't stress this enough.  Should I say it again?  BE PROUD.  BE CONFIDENT.  Companies need you.  Show them they can't live without you.  Share your experiences and knowledge - tell them you can help them avoid landmines, or help them to get where they want to go with their company.  This requires research, understanding the company, talking to friends and being prepared for the interview.

Over and over again, I see supremely qualified - older - workers land the jobs they want without any hesitation or issues.  It is because they are confidence and they understand what they have to offer.

You.  Be.  You.

And then you WILL get the job.

Rise to the Top

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