Job hunting challenges for the older worker
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HR Roundtable panel member Michael Haberman gives expert advice on how to deal with “ageism” while job hunting:
Let’s face it, being 60 and newly unemployed is not a good position to be in. “Ageism” is alive and well and exercised on a daily basis. Obviously it is not openly stated, but report after report shows it is there. Your resume looks good, but then after showing up for an interview you start getting the cold shoulder. If you also happen to be overweight the problem is compounded. Add to that some other shortcomings, such as lack of computer skills, lack of a college education and an out of date skill set – well let’s be honest you have a problem. So what do you do? Here are some tips:
Part of your age is your state of mind. Just because you have gray hair does not mean you have to act old. Exhibit some energy and vibrancy. That may take some practice.
A second part of you age is how you look. Do you look “frumpy”? If yes, then redo your wardrobe to look professional but not dated.
If you are overweight start losing it. You are now in a position to work on it. Nothing more than a vigorous walk in the morning is needed. This will also give you more energy and you will feel better.
Are your computer skills up to date? If they are not then work on them. There are many opportunities available to improve your skill set. Learn how to surf the Web for job information.
Have no idea what the words “social media” means? Then learn. This is one of the primary methods that recruiters use today to find candidates. LinkedIn, FaceBook, Twitter are all outlets to broadcast your talents and their use by the “older” set is unusual. Just this usage will make you more “youthful” to many recruiters.
Network. Don’t know what this is then read Harvey Mackay’s Swim with the Sharks or Keith Ferrazzi’s Never Eat Dinner Alone, or the many other books on networking.
Is your work skill set dated? Then get some education. The Workforce Investment Act, administered through organizations like CobbWorks!, provides money for people to update skills or to retrain in a different field.
Realize that this is hard work, but you come from a generation that is noted for its hard work. Be organized, be efficient and be driven. Now is not the time to sit and cool your heels.
Lastly, check you attitude. Negative shows in your posture, your face, your voice and your handshake. I don’t care how old you are no one wants to hire negative.
Remember, your selling points are your work ethic, ability to take direction, the broad exposure you have had to different situations and the stability you offer. Convince an employer you will give them 10 years of good hard work, something Generation “Why” may not. Good luck.
Let us know, have you faced discrimination during your job search because of your age?
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9 comments Add your comment
Patricia Sahertian
March 12th, 2009
3:46 pm
You are right, there are many obstacles that stand in the way of older workers getting the job. And some of what you are saying is so important, especially keeping up with job skills and technology. Knowing how to network and use a computer is a must in today’s job market.
But as far as what you look like, where do you draw the line? What’s next, plastic surgery, botox, hair dye… and what does it have to do with your job skills? Yes, being clean and well groomed is important for your interview at any age, but whether I wear my hair in a bun or I have it cut in a funky new style will not make one bit of difference in my job performance.
When I lived in New York I used to go to a doctor who was in his 70s and wore polyester pants suits from the 1960s. I went there because he was a good, compassionate and educated doctor. It did not matter what he looked like, he knew his job and he did it well.
And as far as weight, that is a completely different area of discrimination, and that is absolutely not a criteria of job performance, unless your job is such that you could not do it due to your weight.
And what does energy mean? Quite frankly that cuts across the age barrier. I have been involved with some young people who are more likely to want to relax and take breaks on the job than some of the older people I know. Energy is an individual issue.
I am tired of the blame for ageism being placed on the individual who is being discriminated against. The blame of any kind of discrimination comes from the ignorance of the discriminators.
Corporations, recruiters and human resources departments need to be educated in what to look for to find a good employee. They need to get over the insipient stereotypes that that are perpetuated day in and day out by well meaning individuals who say it is all our fault.
You are already setting up a stereotype in your article by assuming old people do not have energy, do not have good hair cuts and don’t know how to act. That is an outrage. Most of us have been in the workforce for years, have kept up with culture, trends and technology. I find it insulting to assume otherwise.
The reason we are discriminated against is not because of who we are, but because our society does not value age and experience. Part of that was started by us, the very individuals who are now feeling its sting. Remember “Never trust anyone over thirty”?
What is needed is awareness and education and more intergenerational experiences where we can all learn the value that we all have to offer.
I made a movie about age discrimination issues in the workforce. It presents all these points, and has well meaning job councilors and coaches saying exactly what you are saying here, but if you listen to the words of the individuals who are affected by age discrimination you will understand it from a whole other perspective.
Wendy Tedder
March 14th, 2009
11:37 am
Ageism is alive and well. And the current job market is looking for deep skills in narrow areas. I went to a job seekers seminar last week and one marketing person was concerned about a very tiny sideways step and how to sell her skills as appropriate in a slightly different industry. Talk about pigeon-holing! I thought we were beyond the age of ultra-specialization spawned by Henry Ford nearly a century ago.
One result of this organization style that I see often is a failure to coordinate efforts around one goal long enough to make it to the end. We older workers are more integrated, have broader experience, and can spot that kind of failure in a heartbeat. We also have a variety of experience in multiple areas making us ideal integrators of effort and spotters of holes that spell failure. We can also anticipate unintended consequences more effectively, having lived through many. I would feel better about our economy if I saw more gray heads in the administration.
Michael Haberman, SPHR
March 16th, 2009
11:22 am
Patricia:
I used the “stereotypes” I did, not out of prejudice, but out of recognition of them in friends and collegues, many of whom are out looking for work. At the same time I will say that I have many other friends well over 40 (as I am well over 40) who are models of energy, organization and are well aware of social trends. However, this does not negate the fact the prejudice exists, right or wrong, and the more you can do to lesson the effect on you the better off you are.
Most over 40 job seekers are not interested in being social crusaders, they want a job. Given that I have had personal comments from some friends, that I directed to this blog post, that indicate they found the advice useful I hope there is some practical pointers in amoungst the stereotypes.
Janice Billingslea
April 14th, 2009
10:38 am
I am new to job seeking at 50 and it is a new day; I panic when I am on line applying for jobs and I am not sure whether or not my resume made it to the employer. Not being able to speak with the employer is mind-blowing to me. However, I am convinced that when I have the opportunity to interview with the employer that I will be able to present my skills and experience in such a way that they will be certain that I am the person for the job regardless of my age. I really try not to concentrate on it because it does come across if you are self-conscious. My problem is being able to convience the employer that I am willing to accept a lower paying position than my past work history reflects. I have tried scaling it down, but it has not worked in some instances. Atlanta
Valencia Epps
May 4th, 2009
11:17 am
Ageism is obviously a problem. I am 53 years old and have been in the job market for 2 years with no success. I notice those my age have the same problem.
Ironically, I have no gray hair, have computer skills, and have education in various areas. I must admit I am overweight but have not gotten the opportunity for any interviewer to see that, as I have only gone on one interview.
What I have been told from the human resources advisers is experience (which comes with age) is a threat to the younger generation. I would think that it would be an advantage since most aged people are looking to add to the organization instead of taking anything away. We are not looking for an exorbitant salary, we are just looking to be of enormous help and keep ourselves busy at the same time.
Rick Ard
July 19th, 2009
7:26 am
i sure agree with all the comments here. i have no grey hair and i have lost 40 lbs since march. it seems like i am being kicked to the curb before i even get to the sidewalk.
good luck everyone.
Richard Webb
August 4th, 2009
9:39 am
Patricia:
Tey the age is a problem a big problem. I have met it for over a year. And even after I was in my last job, the wife;’s boss made a comment to him ” What is this Golden Pond you are creating here?” I have heard “over qualified, the job had changed, the job is going away, we need someone with younger contacts.” Unfortunately I have been very successful with my own business and other businesses,. I am quite sharp with finding root causes and the overlooked solution to problems. Oh yes the .. “You look good on paper but..” At 61 I can hold my own in construction meet all the physical challenges. Never miss a day, be on time speak with any group of people, handle a one-on-one with statesmen and laborers. I’m computer savvy, and can sell most anyone. so why/
Carol Anthony
October 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
Most ageist attitudes in job-related interactions have nothing to do with the candidate’s “attitude”, physical appearance, abilities, or energy level. Although I am part of the “aging baby boomers” to quote hundreds of well meaning authors, I am also physically lean, professionally stylish, have more positive energy than people half my age, and am learning new technologies all the time. Ageism is a problem of ignorance on the part of the people who practice it–not the individuals who are aging. True, there are some over 50s who need to update their skills and wardrobe and attitude. But that is true of individuals in every generation. The problem is systemic–rooted in cultural stereotypes perpetuated by the media, the fashion and entertainment industries and HR and recruiting professionals. Until there is a major cultural shift, this issue will continue to undermine our economy and humanity.
Aleezah
November 9th, 2009
8:24 am
I personally think the problem is with the state of Georgia. Georgia does not value education or experience. People hire their friends and relatives. Do not take it personal it is not you. If anyone is willing to move, I believe employment would not be an issue.