8 Ways to Combat Ageism in Your Job Search
This is a summary of an article from The Washington Post
Ever feel like you’re getting rejected for jobs because of your age? As upsetting as it is, chances are your age – whether you’re younger or older – has or will be used against you during your career at some point.
“Sometime in your life, someone with decision-making power will size you up based on your age, and you will be negatively impacted,” said Michael North, an assistant professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, who has studied ageism in the workplace.
“Age discrimination seems to be the most socially condoned prejudice.” For jobseekers who feel like they’re getting an unfair shake due to their age, finding recourse can be a challenge.
It’s hard to know and prove whether age has played a role in the decision-making process – and if you think it might have, was it intentional or not? Additionally, not all workers are protected by laws that aim to prevent age discrimination in employment.
So what can you do to ensure your age won’t dampen your chances of landing your next job? Combat the narrative associated with negative stereotypes, workplace experts say.
Emphasize flexibility and willingness to learn Both younger and older candidates face a similar stigma: The idea that they don’t want to change or have stubborn demands.
Workplace experts say candidates can combat this by showing what efforts they’ve made to quickly pick up new skills and show enthusiasm for future learning.
Younger workers may need to show that they have taken proactive measures to learn new job skills they may lack.
Older workers may want to show that they can keep up with fast-paced environments and various tech tools.
“Show your tech acumen and use of relevant apps for that role,” said Teresa Freeman, a career coach, who has previously worked as a human resources executive for companies including Amazon, Deloitte and PwC. Show respect You may have decades of experience under your belt or just a couple of years.
For younger people, understand what you bring to the table while paying tribute to the company’s history and previous success.
“Not all older generations will be open to that.” For older workers, show your excitement and humility – energy that’s often associated with younger workers.
If an artificial intelligence system has concluded that the most successful candidates are typically younger or older than you, that may be a factor in whether your résumé makes it out of the stack.
Choose experience over years Your years on the job may not always work in your favor.
Too many may signal negative older worker stereotypes and too little may convey a lack of knowledge or readiness.
If you lack experience in one area, show how your skills are transferrable for this specific job.
Quantify your previous work’s impact with numbers or qualify it by explaining how it affected the results.
Older workers should emphasize action words and highlight their energy, ability to innovate and stay current.
Stay away from phrases like, “You may not remember this,” “I’m old enough to be your parent” or “I may be dating myself,” said Freeman.
Try to tell recent stories, and if you’re using one from decades ago, explain how it could apply to today’s work.
Younger workers should stay away from trendy slang that older colleagues may not understand or appreciate.
Wear professional attire, but don’t try to go outside your age group or adopt different slang to appear younger or older, Wallen said.
Show your soft skills Use every interview as a chance to build rapport because relationships go a long way, experts said.
For both older and younger workers, a good interview may provide connections for other opportunities even if you don’t land the job.
When applying or interviewing for a job, show confidence but be careful not to come across as cocky – a stereotype both young and older workers face.
Younger workers may also have to combat the idea that they are self-centered and entitled.
“It’s the ability to show interest in the other and be authentic.” Seek feedback Every generation has something to learn from another.
So seek feedback from people of various ages and industries during your application process.
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