What is the best way to overcome age discrimination?
Ageism refers to a fundamental denial of older people’s human rights. It has been illegal to discriminate against more senior people in the workplace since 1967, but it happens frequently. However, there’s no reason to experience discrimination as you get older. Engage in the world. Stay active mentally and physically, live in the present, and look for the future. Show everyone you are aware of what is around you. Try to be positive. Greatly enjoy the wisdom and experience of age and use them well. And a piece of friendly advice: surrender yourself to younger people. Taking a class at the gym or language classes with more youthful people will help fight ageism.
The most obvious way to avoid ageism is not to draw others’ attention to your age. Many people always highlight our age without even realizing it. If you don’t want to be one of these people, get rid of all the graduation dates and years you had training courses older than ten years. It lowers the chances of getting eliminated before an actual interview. Another way to prevent being stereotyped is to fight against the assumption that you don’t know your way around technology. Try to stay current on trends and take training courses on technology if necessary.
It’s wise not to draw attention to your age and never directly answer illegal questions. To overcome age discrimination, you must look outside the box. You need to keep your technical skills current, stay in shape, physically and otherwise. Focus on what you can do and what companies can use that skill. If you make yourself and your knowledge both up-to-date and valuable, you can overcome age discrimination.
1. Ignore any thoughts of ageism
Try to change your mentality about ageism. Do not consider age as a factor. Before the fundamental questioning begins, try to “connect” with the interviewer. Avoid those thoughts that reflect “reverse ageism,” in which you think a young individual cannot grasp your passion, skills, interests, or potential to contribute. Instead, try getting them to understand your enthusiasm, abilities, interests, and ability to adapt.
2. Rather than experience, focus on skills
Don’t equate experience with strength and competence. Instead, concentrate on the skills that you earned throughout your career.
3. Purchase a computer, a cell phone, an iPhone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
Employers assume that you can contact them via email. It’s a plus if you can demonstrate that you’re tech-savvy. Not having a computer may seem like a “show-stopper.” For about $400 to $600, you can buy a decent desktop or laptop computer. You’ll also need the internet, so you’ll have to contact service providers (People PC, AOL, Yahoo, or your local phone or cable TV provider). You may, at the very least, be able to say, “You can always contact me on my mobile phone.”
4. Learn the basics of using a computer.
Today, most jobs require a basic understanding of working with the computer. Begin with the Microsoft Office suite, starting with Word (for word processing), Outlook (for email needs), Excel (for making spreadsheets), and PowerPoint (to create presentations). Learn how to use Google and other search engines to do online research. Classes are available at community colleges and adult education institutes, or you can register for an online course here.
5. You don’t need to mention your age.
Only include the last 15 to 20 years of job experience, and describe your previous job in a single paragraph without dates or lengths.
6. Create a professional resume.
Carefully write your CV or job applications to highlight your talents and abilities rather than your duration of service. Explain what you are capable of, as well as what you have learned and done. Try using http://retirementjobs.com/ to help you rewrite or create a new résumé.
7. Do some interviewing practice.
Probably, you haven’t interviewed for a while, and you’re up against a hiring manager half your age. Try answering and asking questions straightforwardly and simply. Expect direct questions like “How long do you expect to work?” and “Do you think you are overqualified for this position?” Don’t take it personally, and don’t get reactive. Give a straightforward and sincere response. Discuss your qualifications and “fitness” for the position with the recruiter.
8. Appearance and Health are essential.
Keep your fitness for the rest of your life, not only during an interview. Ahead of interviews, get plenty of rest and exercise. You can wear your “lucky interviewing suit,” but if that’s worn out, consider shopping for something new. Make sure you’re well-groomed. And do not be worried about overdressing. Even in today’s casual dress culture, it’s still necessary to look competent and professional.
9. Look for age-neutral companies.
Head into http://retirementjobs.com/ look for those job advertisements that have Age Friendly Employer Certification TM seal. Robert Half International, H&R Block, and Staples are among the approved businesses, with more to come. See AARP’s Best Employers for Workers 50+ and also, for more info, take a look at Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Employers.
10. Make Use of the Most Up-to-Date Internet Networking Tools.
Show the employer that you know how to work your way through the internet. http://linkedin.com/ is one of the tools. Go to the website, register, and invite your potential hiring managers to join your network. Also, use search engines like Google or Zoom Info to search for your name. Make sure your name and profile are neat and professional in the eyes of hiring managers.
Lastly, remember to sign up at http://retirementjobs.com/ and post your resume.