This is from a relatively recent AARP survey, which shows the challenges older workers have faced during the pandemic. Ageism has been a problem for a long time, and it doesn't look like it's getting any better. Still, you can combat it by being careful what info you provide on resumes and job applications. For example, as the graphic shows, most people surveyed put their school graduation dates on their resume. If you are concerned about ageism, don't give hiring managers (or ATS scanners) too many hints about your age. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙙𝙚-𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙚? #ageism #resumetips #jobapplications
I agree with this
My issue at 65 is not only ageism, but also limited mobility due to a permanent disability and not working/earning a paycheck for 30 years. I can't find a job where I don't have to lift a certain amount of weight, carry children, clean up, stand for long hours, do repetitive work in a factory where I can't move around and alternate between sitting and standing. I am limited in the types of positions in fields where chemicals, fragrances, smoke, industrial products, etc. are used. My real challenge is trying to create a job search that includes limitations. I also am not current in many computer programs. I have a lot of education behind my name (BSN, MSN, JD), but I am do not have current licenses for either nursing or law. I stayed home to raise our children, volunteered for 25 (+) years, and was in the Army Nurse Corps Reserves (MAJOR). I am looking for a part time flexible position that I can do given my health and disability challenges. It is really frustrating.
Most job applications require some info that indicates age, either a birthdate or graduation dates, so even if you leave it off the resume, it’s still accessible to them. 😔
I wish it was that easy. I have succeeded more than once in avoiding the age factor and then called in for an interview. Once they get a look at you the interview is cut short or the "promise" disappears. Work remotely without live interactions and your chances are much better. But then, how realistic is that?
Do the job bots randomly send out job alerts from Linked in ? I am not looking for a job at this time. If for example I am over 55, bots shoukd not send me job alerts. I know ageism exists because I have a client who is over 60 with a law degree. She is struggling to find work. As a self employed stylist I have pivoted a bit to offer Chairside Reiki. To help others release fear and stress post pandemic which has no age barriers. Big companies only cater to the young . No one revers the 55 plus unless you can be more tech Savy than a 25 year old. Autos are a good example of too many bells and whistles - driving a computer. Less is more in my opinion. One can also never too many skills. Anyone 55 needs to update and get todays new skills to be considered relevant in job market. That includes updating how you look too! Don’t look corporate if your boss is 30 wearing sweats. Dress the culture you hope to be employed by.
In my opinion remember that you are competing with people younger than you. They often make sssumptions based on how you look. This is another reason to remain or become physically fit. Also improve your brain fitness with diet, exercise and brain fitness exercises. Check out the work by Dr Michael Mersenich on brain fitness. Do these things for yourself, not just to change the opinions of those around you. I’m almost 75 and still working in healthcare. I may not be hired as a perm. But they love me as a temp. And I’m getting to see the country and get paid for it.
Until every major CEO isn’t an old white male you really have no one to blame but yourself. They are the ones not hiring you, not my generation. In other words the AARP should take it up with AARP members!!! How many fortune 500 HR Executives are under 55? Theres only 500 of them. I say 20% max.
Hammer on your experience And you're an impact player
There are no tips for this. This resume "tip" is worthless, because when you go in for the INTERVIEW, the response will be, "Hey, who's the old guy?"
Thanks for sharing Jim Black! It's so important to have conversations like this and by the looks of your responses it's clear that this resonates with a lot of people. I see this all the time in my coaching practice as well. Senior job seekers feel beaten down by the thought of how ageism may impact them. I'd just add one piece of advice: It's all about mindset. In the words of Henry Ford: "If you think you can't you're right." I've seen clients in their 70's land great jobs in their fields of expertise. So I know it's possible. I've also seen clients half their age, struggle with never-ending job searches because they believe they "can't." The right company and role exists for you. It may require patience on your end, but it ABSOLUTELY requires a good job search strategy, plan, persistence, network, etc. ALL of which every person can achieve. Every person has the capability to be in control of their own job search. It just takes some discipline, guidance and support!