Are you concerned with your age and what a potential employer will think? Have you been advised to leave dates off of your resume? No doubt, some level of age discrimination probably exists in the work place, maybe not outwardly, but certainly for the less than obvious perceived characteristics that are more common in older workers. Don’t despair, though, there are actually quite a few advantages of being older, if you know what to sell yourself on.
While companies cannot legally discriminate against age, there are factors considered in the hiring process that in a roundabout way may cause many more experienced candidates to be screened out and they can easily be associated with age as well. What are those and what can you as an older candidate do about it? Most of these following factors are really what the employer is screening for, commonly perceived to exist in a “younger” candidate.
1) Energy – Many hiring managers are first looking at those that have drive, enthusiasm, self initiative, and just plain energy to work hard and be eager to learn.
2) Relocatability – If the job requires a move to a satellite facility, most times the young bucks are more willing to go. Many do not have as many ties or roots planted as those more established.
3) Cost – Let’s face it, more experience will cost more and sometimes it is just what the company can budget for the position. In the employer’s mind, younger workers haven’t been spoiled yet.
That’s not necessarily a long list, so what do the younger applicants NOT have? What could a worker sell themselves on?
1) Experience – Of course, those that do not have a track record, have not learned how to sell yet, have not managed much, or have not proven themselves, and as such are more of a risk to the hiring company
2) Training – While many may have some quality education behind them, it is the real world training, on the job, experience in dealing with real life and real work problems that is the best training. Many have not yet had opportunities for continuing education. Many also have not had the opportunity to have gone through business or economic cycles, both the ups and the downs. In uncertain economic times, employers may be drawn to the more experienced workers who could join with ready to use skills and a shallow learning curve.
3) Fewer Contacts – Remember the adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know that counts.” This can be a real disadvantage for the younger ones when it comes to sales, or when in a position that advice from mentors is helpful in solving a tough problem.
4) Experience in dealing with a wide array of people – Let’s face it, how to deal with or manage people can be challenging. It takes time and experience to learn how to deal with people and get the most out of them, whether managing them or just simply collaborating with them.
5) More than one way to do things – Technology and new methods can be great, but what if the new ways don’t bring the solution. Experience in being able to solve problems more than one way can be a real advantage.
So, what is our advice for those of you older workers that are about to seek out new employment? How do you prepare yourself? Let’s face it. You are competing with others out there. Here is a good list that can get you started to differentiate out your advantages over the lesser experienced. If you are missing items on this list, then maybe it’s time to get started.
1) Make sure you know all of your real accomplishments in each of your positions and make sure those are listed on your resume, completely. An example could be: “Built sales in an established territory from $1.2 million to $8.5 million through market share growth.” This is not the time to be humble on your resume.
2) Get Trained – Are you up to speed on computers, software, social networking, the latest industry tools and gadgets? If not, then get trained. Stay well informed and read up. Take some classes or find some time to take in some webinars that show new techniques. Make sure that you know about the latest new technology that is being used in your field.
3) Stay in touch – Haven’t talked to some of your peers for a while? Pick up the phone, Schedule a meeting with a colleague. Attend trade shows. Get involved a little more with social networking such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, or Twitter to name a few. Track some blogs in your industry area of interest. It may take time to catch up a bit, but let’s face it, reading the newspaper or watching television is not interactive. The real conversations are happening in the newer media spaces.
4) Get some additional leadership training. How we read and listen to other people is very important. Being able to speak to all styles of people is essential to being able to lead. Learning how to get the most out of your conversations or management is crucial to efficiency.
5) Ask to take on additional responsibilities or projects. Getting experience in handling new problems or opportunities will help you keep your tools sharp and your interest in your work high. Expanding your experience base is one of the very best assets you have. No one can take experiences away from you. Make sure you make the most of your time.
6) Get fit. This may be the hardest one of all in some cases, however, it may also be one of the most important. What are we leading to? Your lack of energy, enthusiasm, attitude, and overall professional appearance may be the single most important reason you could get passed over. You need that competitive advantage that you could have over a younger applicant. For most people, a regular exercise program, while it may be hard to get started with, is one of the most important factors leading to not only feeling good about yourself, but over the long term helping one to have more energy and drive. A more fit appearance tends to provide the image that you are taking care of yourself and thus will take care of business in your new job. Lose the donut.
7) Flexibility – Are you inflexible about work hours or the ability to move? The more flexible that you are, the more opportunities that you will be able to consider. It’s as simple as that.
8) Cost – You’ve made good money in your previous jobs. Indicating flexibility or that you are willing to take a higher percentage of your compensation in the form of incentive or performance pay may be necessary. However, if you’ve gotten to this point and it really comes down to the fact that you are being passed over for a less expensive applicant, then you may not have done your job in selling yourself in all of the above areas.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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