Finding a job is no easy feat. Fresh-faced graduates, ambitious career people and determined job seekers will take no prisoners as they scrap it out to secure their place on the career ladder.
But what about at the other end of the scale?
The competition for jobs has continued to intensify with the scrapping of the default retirement age meaning more people will be working until later in their life. Whilst their interests may differ, it appears that both the young and old share the same struggles of too little or too much experience when it comes to finding a job.
Some would argue that it is the responsibility of employers to look at every application on its merits and not to discriminate on the grounds of age.
Whilst age discrimination, like race and sex discrimination, is against the law, being of a certain age can lead to unintentional preconceptions of ‘out-of-touch’ and ‘dated’ ways of working.
Employers will also consider your long-term involvement and adaptability to both the industry and existing employees – things that can often stack up against the ‘experience-rich’.
But just because you were born before Harold Wilson became Prime Minister, doesn’t mean you aren’t the right person for the job. Here are a few tactics you can employ to help you secure that interview seat:
1 – Method in your search
The last thing you want to be doing is applying for every interview out there. It needs to be right for you. Look for employers who are looking for someone with your skillset and experience. They may have an older client base or a more specified role which you could excel in. Target jobs where your CV will get you noticed, regardless of your age.
2 – Don’t shout about your age
Remember there is no requirement to have your age or date of birth on your CV and it is illegal for an interviewer to ask your age. Whilst your academic results and dates may provide some indication, don’t feel as if you have to acknowledge this. And think about any editing any contact information that might give away your age – myname1964@email.com is a bit of a hint.
3 – Consider your wardrobe
This doesn’t mean dress like a twenty year old, but more taking a truthful look at your wardrobe – what does it say about you and your professional stature? Ask friends and colleagues for an honest opinion of your attire and consider any fashion advice they may offer. It is possible to dress ten years younger without looking like you’re having a mid-life crisis.
4 – Be proud of your age
Despite what the skin cream manufacturers say, ageing is inevitable. You should refer to your personal and professional experiences as a positive asset and demonstrate clearly what you can bring to the role. Interviewers can’t argue with a proven track record if that’s what they require.
5 – Prove you are not ‘old’
The interviewer will be looking for someone that won’t be out of place in their company. Rightly or wrongly, you’ve got to overcome their perceptions of age. They may be younger than you and, therefore, find you intimidating. Build a relationship with them and prove to them that you can comfortably communicate with younger persons and you’re not just a ‘fuddy-duddy’ who wants to be left alone.
6 – Take the matter out of their hands
If you’re the best candidate for the job, then it will be their loss should they choose not to hire you. All you can do is demonstrate how age and experience are, just two, of many skills in your armoury.
You may even be able to become a valuable asset, offering training and experience to other employees for instance. Leave them in no doubt that you can succeed in this role and you will be well on your way to being their newest employee.
Age shouldn’t be a barrier, especially in the workplace. In fact, being a more experienced candidate has the potential to benefit a business by providing a fresh perspective and new ideas. So embrace your experience, play to strengths and be confident – who says a career doesn’t begin at 50.
Experience plays a huge part and it’s not unfamiliar to hear stories of ‘we’ve decided to go with someone a little more experienced’.
by Chris Smith CEO of MyJobMatcher.com
