HANDLING AGE BARRIERS

 

All job seekers are concerned about age barriers.  Often they are real, other time only perceived.  As we age it is only natural to wonder if age will be a factor when seeking new employment or applying for a promotion.  Employers have many legitimate reasons to have concerns about an applicant’s age.  Their reasons include the following:

1.    That the employee will work a short period of time and retire and training is lost.

2.    Concern that an older person may not fit in if the company has a young work force.

3.    Fear that the applicant would be too expensive to hire –wanting too much pay for their experience.

4.    That as an older worker the applicant would be inflexible or become inflexible.

5.    That the applicant’s skills will need updating.

6.     A fear that they really are only interested in drawing a paycheck and not really interested in helping the company grow and prosper.

7.    That health could become an issue as the worker ages.

 

However, it is my belief that you can overcome the above concerns by selling the experience you bring to the job and indicating clearly at the interview how you will make a difference in the company.

 

MY TAKE ON ANSWERING CONCERNS 1 thru 6 is as follows:

1.    Emphasize your interest in making a career with the company.

2.    Site your record of getting along with co-workers and younger persons you have worked with previously AND how you are a team player.

3.    Indicate during the interview that the issue of money can be dealt with if the employer hints that this is a concern. 

4.    Convey during the interview any new skills, methods or techniques that you have learned recently that you have used.  You may also be able to discuss any new techniques that are out there and your knowledge of them.

5.    Indicate what your technical skills are (if applicable), how you have updated them and are keeping them current.  You can also express that you are willing to take classes if needed.  If you are taking classes or have recently you can indicate so.

6.    Try to show an interest in where the company is, what growth it has experienced and ask what the company goals are for over the next year or so.

7.    Indicate your health status by your appearance and energy, activities and work record to date.

 

If you think that age might be a problem, although not mentioned, it is probably wise to take the tact of emphasizing the experience that you will bring to the job.  Try to weave this into the conversation at various times throughout the interview in subtle ways. Nothing compares with experience – emphasize it and be proud of it.

 

WHAT IF YOU ARE AT THE AGE WHERE YOU ARE IN BETWEEN?

Many of the same things mentioned earlier apply.

A.    Stress the skills you bring to the job.

  1. Show motivation.
  2. Use examples of your work (if possible) to sell yourself.
  3.  Indicate your attendance rate on previous jobs if it is good.
  4. Have a list of soft skills that you work into the interview to help set you apart from others.
  5. Be excited about the company and the prospect of working for them.

 

A FEW OTHER TIPS THAT MAY BE OF HELP:

Ø     Cover Letters

·       Stress your skills and experience.  Career counselor Janet White suggests that you be careful not to give an undertone of superiority because of your experience.

·       Try to indicate what you bring to the firm.  The 2 column letter gives you an opportunity to match your skills to what the job description is. 

·       Do mention special skills you will bring to the table. Try to set yourself apart from others.

Ø     Resumes

·       Do not list work information back further than 10-15 years

·       Indicate awards and achievements as they are important

Ø     Interviewing

·       Be enthusiastic about the job

·       Indicate how you will make a difference

·       Stress the experience you are bringing to the company

·       Show your energy when talking about previous employment

·       Indicate that you are a team player and get along well with others

·       Ask questions that show you are looking to be a long term employee

·       Indicate during the interview your knowledge of where the industry/field is going and

express knowledge of special and new techniques if applicable

·       When salary comes up you will need to be flexible, while not give away your experience

·       You can indicate that you have been blessed with good health

Ø     Interview Follow-Up:

·       Be sure to ask when a decision will be made

·       Set them up by asking if you can call or e-mail if you have further questions

·       Send a 2 column follow up letter to interviewer(s)

·       Do find a reason for contact with another question to keep your name before them

 

Janet White, career counselor, wants you to remember -- that you will not be hired in spite of your years but because of them.

 

AARP, Janet White and unknown career counselors were contributors to this topic.

 

Bob Raikes, NCCC