As a career coach and Revved Up For Hire Career Club leader, I’m often asked, “How can I overcome my age? No one wants to hire someone my age.” I know it’s frustrating for the baby boomer generation to compete with the two to three younger generations that are now in the workforce. It’s also frustrating for me to see so many folks in my generation let their age become a barrier to their success as a career seeker.
Yes, I’m sure that I’ve also been impacted by my age over the last few years—hard to remember that I used to wear glasses merely to appear older and more experienced when I was in my 20s—I thought it would up my credibility factor. And perhaps it did! I was certainly not averse to using any of the tools in my toolkit and, no matter what anyone in the workplace says, image is critical. Whether it is toning down the sexuality or vamping up the vitality in your persona, now is not the time to quibble about whether or not your wrinkles, gray hair, glasses or turkey neck should be used against you! Face it, life is not fair and neither is the competition for jobs. So get a grip, ladies and gentlemen, and be realistic. If you can afford to get a good haircut and a complimentary hair coloring, do it. Same goes for your manicure, clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Keep in mind that it’s not about looking younger, it’s about looking your best and feeling confident. I’ve met bald men and women with fabulous gray hair that I would consider far better candidates than their younger competition. In line with looking your best is keeping your energy level high. As difficult as this is when you are feeling depressed and de-motivated, it’s imperative that you “fake it till you make it” if you want to be seriously considered for a position. Far more damaging in the mind of the hiring manager than a receding hairline, is an impression of fatigue, low energy, depression or desperation.
Keep your energy focused: on your job search strategy, your health—both mental and physical, connecting with your network, and paying it forward by helping others. It’s well known that when you focus on helping others, you feel better about yourself and the value you bring to those around you. Get involved in volunteer work with your community, church, local schools, or other organizations of interest. Not only is this key to staying positive, but it also shows you are not just sitting around moping. Not that you would….
Focus that energy on learning something new as well. Be relevant. One reason hiring managers perceive some of us as “old” is that we seem stagnant. Just like that old 1950s record player, we can become irrelevant to the current times. Use your network to stay involved in the industry you are targeting by asking for short informational meetings. During these meetings you want to ask questions, showing interest in current topics of importance to the company, industry or interviewee, and share experience to showcase your knowledge.
Show enthusiasm for new experiences and challenges. Like learning about social media and how it’s being used for business marketing, customer experience enhancement, even political upheaval around the globe. What are other technological advances that are or will have an impact on your target industry or company? Perhaps cloud computing is one. Or nanotechnology. Or perhaps there are new trends that are solving problems or causing new ones. Be curious. Be Open. Be confident.
Be humble. It’s a fine balancing act between being confident and being arrogant. Hiring managers want to know about your achievements and strengths. So take the time to really examine your experiences and identify what makes you the best candidate for an opportunity. This is where your history gives you an edge over youth. Own your accomplishments and embrace your value. It will shine through in your interactions with recruiters and hiring managers. Just don’t cross the line into arrogance. Bragging about “I” “I” I” will ruin your chances. Learn how to share your enthusiasm and successes with humility. Practice it.
Don’t waste time worrying about your age being a hindrance. That’s a defeatist attitude that won’t get you anywhere. Be proud of who you are and what you bring to the table. Put your best foot forward in your attitude and your professional image. You’ll go far.
If you want to know what other steps you can take to overcome ageism in your job search, give us a call.
Overcoming Age by Donna Galatas
