“Discrimination due to age is one of the great tragedies of modern life. The desire to work and be useful is what makes life worth living, and be told your efforts are not needed because you are the wrong age is a crime.”
– Johnny Ball/ British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) veteran
Baby boomers are no longer the “babies” of the modern workforce. If you’re part of the same generation, you probably find it harder to look for a job as you age. The influence of technology can cause companies to look down on old professionals and see younger ones as the new hope of their respective fields.
To further understand the subject, here are the answers to your whys and how-tos of breaking free from age discrimination:
Why Do Companies Shy Away from Hiring Older Professionals?
• Possess less energy
• Skills are mostly outdated
• Less willing to exert effort/work extra time
• Expected to retire soon
• Cost more in terms of health benefits
• Usually expect higher salaries
• Reflect much frustration towards work
Young workers may be more energetic, adventurous, and tech-oriented than elders, but there are still known advantages that companies recognize about baby boomers:
• More experienced
• Can stay in a company for a longer time (as long as they can work)
• Have more balanced work–life equation
What You Should Avoid
To help you counter age-related stereotyping, here are tips you should consider to win your dream job:
Don’t include your graduation date – Age discrimination starts when hiring managers see the date of your graduation on your resume.
Filter your professional experience – Only include professional skills related to the job you’re interested in.
Look young on social media – Nowadays, employers check candidates’ social media accounts for background reference; make sure your profile looks professional.
Upgrade your skills – Staying current means staying employable. If you need to brush up your tech-related skills, consider learning computer applications such as PowerPoint, Photoshop, and others.
Age doesn’t matter. As long as you’re capable of contributing something valuable to a company, you can still win the job you want. Are you struggling to refine your resume? Count on Resume Prime! We have quality resume writing services suitable for all ages. Contact us today!
Sources: Pacific Staffing | Job Interview Tools | Careerialism | Halogen | Talent Space | US News Money | ResumeGenius
Image: Pixabay.com
