Age is only a number
I don’t know how many people come to me complaining about how their age is hindering with their job search, but it’s a large number. They feel defeated even before they have even looked at a job posting. You are not alone, if you are over 50 and are looking for a job but feel like your age is working against you. There is a subtle or not so subtle ageism that prevents you from getting hired. You experienced ageism if you have been told you are overqualified. Or maybe you are not the “right fit”. Those two terms are used to tell a candidate they didn’t get hired. Both are vague and in this litigious time can’t be quantified.
If you are discriminated against by a company for your age, do you honestly want to fight it? Even if you could fight it successfully, the company culture would be hostile toward you. Rather than go through that and then find yourself in a job search with a stigma against your name, concentrate on companies that welcome older workers. Every year AARP publishes a list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The entire list will appear Friday at the end of the 5 Tips to Fight Ageism: Get Hired at 50+ Part 2
The 5 tips you to get hired if you are over 50 are use your network, stay informed, use your age as your best asset in your résumé and cover letter, prove yourself in the interview, and update your appearance and look healthy. These tips will help you compete in today’s job market.
Networking is the most effective way to a new job. Regardless of your age, networking is responsible for over 80% of all obtained jobs. Network with friends, relatives, former colleagues, former managers, customers, suppliers, competitors, and people you come in contact with every day. Manage your network with LinkedIn.
Stay informed and current. Keep your skills and ability up-to-date. Take relevant courses, watch how to videos, search out and join professional groups in LinkedIn and take part in the discussions. Know about current technology in your industry and in what is used today-iPhone, iPod’s, tablets, eBooks, Wi-Fi, etc. Talk to teens about what’s in. Nothing says old like a type written resume on soft pastel resume paper. There have been many changes in the job search process in recent years. Use the latest job search strategies. Learn the age bias red flags and what you can do about them.
Coming up on Friday are: use your age as an asset in your résumé and cover letter, prove yourself in the interview, and update your appearance and look healthy. Along with the list of 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
How can I help you in your job search?
Hi, I think networking does work, but there are many types of networking I have found. I belong to a number of professional organizations and I have made a point of not missing a meeting. At meetings I have met or reconnected with people that have told me about potential jobs, or said “I’ll keep your situation in mind”… I have just started to ask people in meetings if we can talk about our profession, by phone, email or getting together. I will say that I am still not totally use to going to a networking meeting where 90% of the people are already employed. But, you never know who you are going to meet, who might know someone, who might remember you by going to one of these kinds of meeting and then talking to another person days after the event meeting.
David you are right on target! You just never know who you will see and who they know. You just have to put yourself out there where ever and when ever you can. And never, ever give up. You have the right attitude. Go for it, and you will find success. Good luck.
Networking does not work. I’ve applied at companies which have have had several people who I knew and that didn’t get me a job. I’ve been in constant contact with people I knew who were successful at business and said they would help me get a job. That didn’t work. I’m more effective at online life and have more experience at that part of the world, than most people. The truth is that if you’re the wrong age or wrong color, you will not be hired.
Hi John,
I am sorry that your experience with networking has been a good one. I think that maybe there is something you should tweak in your networking. Try focusing on your skills and accomplishments and how you do things better than others. If you do, your age, color, or anything else won’t matter. They will want what you have to offer them. You can succeed. I know you will. Believe in YOU and you will. All the best, Arleen