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Despite legislation prohibiting it, age is a common factor in hiring decisions. This is especially true for older workers who must combat a number of negative stereotypes, specifically that they are less energetic, enthusiastic and creative. Recruiting managers have confirmed that companies often will note that they would prefer a younger candidate. What is a mature job seeker to do in the face of this reticence? Last year, the BBC ran an informative article with practical job search suggestions for the middle aged job seekers with seven key tips paraphrased below.
1. Know the stereotype and confront it
Stereotypes exist for workers of all ages. Generally speaking, younger workers are considered:
- Physically more able and healthy
- Easier to supervise
- Lower salary expectations
- Willing to use new technology
- Creative
- Energetic
While mature workers are considered:
- Experienced
- Reliable
- Stable
- Loyal
- Have good practical knowledge
- Mature
You might think that the best strategy is to accentuate the positive qualities associated with your age group. According to the experts cited in the BBC article, this is the worst possible strategy. Prospective employers will already assume that you offer loyalty, stability, etc. and saying so will just reinforce the negative biases as well. What employers don't know (unless you tell them) is that you are creative, energetic, comfortable with new technology, etc. These "young" qualities are exactly the types of things you will want to emphasize.
2. Don't stereotype yourself
Whether you are in or out of work, push to receive training to keep up with important trends. Technology has become a critical element of almost every industry. If there is something you are not comfortable with then get comfortable with it--even if it means asking your kids!
3. Try something new
Don't feel that you must stay in the same industry you just left. While it's true that your relationships and experience are most applicable to the same industry, if your industry is contracting you might be forced to look outward. Odds are you have skills that are transferable to other industries and industries that are growing are more apt to hire from outside.
Free:49 Benefits of Hiring An Older Skilled Worker. Learn More.
Click here to read part 2 of this article
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Update your hair style and dye your hair. Socialize with younger people. SMILE! Watch t.v. shows and movies that cater to younger people. Update your wardrobe; go shopping with someone younger. Network, network, network - attend events that involve all generations.
Where is the advice to be excellent at the relevant skills and being able to learn new things quickly because one likes to pursue challenges with rigor? Why is all this face rubbish important? The USA is doomed if dying hair has a perceptible effect on hiring.
Where is the advice to be excellent at the relevant skills and being able to learn new things quickly because one likes to pursue challenges with rigor? Why is all this face rubbish important? The USA is doomed if dying hair has a perceptible effect on hiring.
Lower Salary Expectations, that's all there is to it.
Thank you! You hit it dead on! I teach a group of students, ranging in ages from 19-45. I'm pushing 40. I notice the older students have such sarcastic, bitter attitudes it drives me nuts! The younger crowd can't go 2 minutes without checking their phones. There has to be a happy medium.
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