Is it possible for an older person to overcome ageism and succeed if they have the skills?
As a senior citizen, work experience is like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you have more knowledge, leading to better performance. On the other hand, your experience will cost recruiters more money. So, as a mature worker, consider using these tactics to bypass ageism in the business industry:
• Be ready to talk about how much longer you hope to work.
Interviewers are not allowed to ask for your age directly. However, they can convert the question by asking how much longer you intend to work. Answer these questions with something like this: “I like working, but I feel like I’m still learning, and I plan to stay in the workforce as long as possible.” The goal is to show your passion for working.
According to experts, you need to strengthen your knowledge and skills. They improve your performance at the workplace, and someday you might need to teach them to the younger workforce. All in all, people live longer and are more healthful these days. Many of us choose to keep working either for financial purposes or because we enjoy what we do.
• Catch up with technology.
To keep up in your industry, you should be aware of the latest trends and technology. It’s not necessary to learn about every platform. No one expects you to know all the camera filters of Instagram. Understanding the essential tech doesn’t mean you should become a tech whiz. Still, it would be best if you weren’t unfamiliar with social media either. Write down all of your social media profiles on your CV so that the recruiter knows that you know your way around the current technology.
Try to pay attention to the programs, platforms, and apps used in your field of expertise and get comfortable with them. You might be a professional in what you do. Still, if you’re not familiar with the relevant technology, it’ll end up hurting your career. Look for someone who knows their way around technology and ask for their help. You can also sign up for a local or online tech course.
• Look for the right company.
Even if your employer is not ageist, it doesn’t mean they’re your best option. Some companies only look for a young workforce, and you might not like the idea of being the oldest guy in the room. Plus, working in some businesses won’t be worth your time. You don’t need to visit a company to realize that it discriminates against older people. By reading online reviews on websites like kununu, you can learn about previous workers’ career experiences—including the company’s stance on hiring older adults—before applying for the job. Another viable option is to weed out better workplaces through networking with people. If you’re a senior, doing so is particularly important since it’s the only way of understanding a company’s stances and culture. You might realize that certain companies are not worth your time at all.
Try to keep an eye on other workers’ ages. If you learn that a company favours a younger workforce, remove them from your list. There’s no denying that a job’s responsibilities determine its relevance. But to win the best spot, you should find the intersection between more senior-friendly companies and jobs that suit your abilities the best.
