Did you know that if you’re 40+, you’re considered an “older worker”? If you’re 40+ and job searching, your age can be a barrier to landing a job. You may need to change up your routine and use these strategies to minimize ageism during your job search.
Unfortunately, age discrimination in job search exists. Although it is illegal for companies to discriminate during hiring, it still happens.
According to this survey done by iHire,1 in 3 job seekers in their 50s felt they experienced ageism. Unfortunately, age is not always “just a number” when it comes to employment.
While I realize you can’t hide your age 100% during a job search (nor should you have to!), there are a few ways to minimize ageism during your job search.
These do’s and don’ts can help you minimize ageism during your job search and help you land your next job.
Choosing the right company
DO seek out companies who value experience and knowledge. You can often spot these companies by carefully reading their job ads.
Do they use the terms “multiple years of experience required,” “high level,” or “extensive knowledge”? These terms are indicative of seeking someone who isn’t new to the workforce. They want experienced and knowledgeable candidates.
On the other hand, while reviewing their job ads, keep an eye out for red flags that might show they are seeking younger candidates. Those might look like “entry-level” or “new grads welcome.”
DO stalk their social media. Take a look at their photos and captions. Even if they are stock photos…are they choosing photos that show diversity to represent their company?
Does it seem like a work culture where you’d be happy? They’re going to be stalking your social media to check you out. It’s only fair that you do the same!
DO research past and present employees at the company. You can find a company’s current and past employees by searching the company name on LinkedIn. Take a look at former and current employees. Do the results show that they value age diversity in the workplace?
***Did you know that there’s a list of Certified Age Friendly Employers (CAFE)? Take a look at this list of organizations that have earned the CAFE designation.***
Resume Tips
–DON’T use a career objective statement. Use a career summary or professional summary instead.
–DON’T double space at the end of your sentences.
–DON’T state “References available upon request.”
–DON’T use an outdated email domain like Hotmail or AOL.
–DO only go back 10-15 years on your resume (and your Linked In profile).
–DO only list skills that are relevant to the job. Showcase your modern and on-trend skills.
–DO remove dates from your education section unless it’s a very recent degree. Again, don’t forget to do the same in your LinkedIn profile.
–DO keep it to 1-2 pages.
–DO remove your street address.
–DO use a simple, modern font like Calibri or Arial
–DO give a cell number. If you still have a landline, don’t include both numbers.
Interviewing Tips
–DO prepare for loaded questions that are asking about age, such as, “How much longer do you plan to work?”
–DO discuss the benefits of age diversity in the workplace if appropriate. This helps dispel some of the myths that the interviewer may have.
Some benefits worth mentioning are stability, loyalty, experience, and a strong work ethic.
–DO be prepared for virtual interviews. According to a 2021 study by Indeed, 82% of employers were conducting virtual interviews. Many still plan to continue to utilize this method because of its convenience. Be sure to have a quiet space, clean background or upload a background, and familiarize yourself with the virtual platform used.
–DON’T use outdated phrases or say things like, “I’ve been working in tech since the dawn of computers.” or “You probably weren’t even born when I started working in this industry”.
Keep Knowledge & Skills Up-To-Date
–DO become familiar with the technology currently used in your industry and learn how to use it. YouTube is a great resource for learning new skills.
–DO obtain the most up-to-date certifications in your industry
–DO know the trends and buzzwords in your industry.
–DO volunteer work to keep active and prevent gaps in your resume. Volunteering is also good for networking.
–DO remain flexible and open to change, rather than “set in your ways.”
–DO get feedback from a younger generation on your resume, answering interview questions, interview attire, etc. (ask your kids, nieces/nephews, etc.)
Ultimately, you can’t always hide your age no matter how hard you try. Most hiring teams seek out social media and may discover your age before you get called in for an interview.
If a company is not willing to hire you due to your age, it’s not likely a company you’d want to work for anyway. Seek out those companies that will value your knowledge, experience, and skills.
Another unconventional alternative is to embrace your age. Sell yourself and why your age is an asset, not a liability.
If you’d like to learn more strategies to manifest your dream career, check out this post!
(I understand that ageism can also be a barrier with younger generations. Most of these recommendations apply for older generations.)
