SEATTLE, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Yes, age discrimination does exist in job searches. Anyone over the age of 50 wishes it wasn't a fact, but sadly it is, reveals Career Counselor Robin Ryan author of the book Over 40 & You're Hired.
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A manager told Ryan in confidence that the President of their billion-dollar organization had issued a verbal decree saying "We aren't hiring anyone over 40 because they are too old to get the job done."
"Age discrimination has many stereotypes. Whether you are employed and looking to make a move, or in career transition, handling these age biases effectively is essential if you are looking for a new position," says Ryan, the country's leading career expert.
After surveying hundreds of decision makers, here are a few of Robin Ryan's important strategies and solutions she covers in her book Over 40 & You're Hired.
Stereotype: Declining Productivity Levels
Decision makers note that they have witnessed a decrease in productivity with older workers. Some said a significant decrease. They want someone who can contribute now, not someone who did a lot ten years ago.
Ryan's Solution: Producing recent results. Show how you have recently applied yourself and been able to get the job done. You will need to stress your recent accomplishments in your resume and during the interview.
Stereotype: Being Overqualified
Employers worry about this issue A LOT. Many job seekers say they are willing to start lower and work their way up, but this seemed like an act of desperation and an out-of-touch, dated response to the hiring managers who hear it. Additionally, the overqualified person is often believed to want the hiring manager's job and that was a major concern. Another worry is that the candidate sees the job as temporary until he or she can find a better position.
Ryan's Solution:
The simplest and wisest solution is to look harder for positions you are qualified for. There may be fewer opportunities, so spend your time putting maximum effort in to locate the positions that fit your level of expertise and experience. Then target your resume and cover letter to meet their specific needs. Be open to moving – it is often essential to get a high paying job.
Stereotype: You look OLD
A CEO from a major U.S. company noted, "There is a presumption that if your look is out-of-date, your information and skills are also out-of-date." Most over-40 job hunters don't realize how off-putting their appearance can be. On the other hand, sometimes people forget to act their age. They try too hard to look trendy, young, and hip, and it backfires.
A top-level HR VP said, "We see too many people who are over 40 showing up at an interview and actually losing the job ten seconds into the interview. They have lost their enthusiasm for life, let alone the job, and when they walked through the door they look defeated and burned out."
Ryan's Solution:
Reinvention is the answer. This may simply mean for you to buy a more contemporary suit and get a new hairstyle to update your professional appearance to throw off this stereotype. Men need to be clean-shaven and dying your hair is often a good idea for men and women.
Burnout is a different story. This needs some serious remedies. Time off, vacations, daily exercise – maybe even counseling is necessary to get you out of this defeated mode.
Your attitude – positive and encouraging, or negative, angry, and grumpy – has a big impact on those around you. A great many of these employers commented that a bad attitude was often the reason they skipped over hiring someone over 40. Therefore, you must show up enthused, vibrant, and excited.
Hiring managers DID point out several very positive characteristics of more mature workers, stated Ryan, including:
- Having a superior work ethic
- Being loyal to their employers
- Acting as mentors to others
- Offering superior customer service
- Being dependable – showing up every day ready to work (their kids are typically older or grown, thus they can work flexible hours).
For more care advice subscribe to Robin Ryan's free eNewsletter at: www.RobinRyan.com
About Robin Ryan
Robin Ryan is America's leading career authority. She's appeared on 1,500 TV & radio shows including Oprah and Dr. Phil. Robin has a career counseling practice working with works with individual clients across the US helping them land better jobs. Robin Ryan is the bestselling author of 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Winning Resumes; and Over 40 & You're Hired.
For more career help visit: www.RobinRyan.com
CONTACT:
Robin Ryan
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425.226.0414