By Jackie Simmonds, NEJS Blog Editor
If you attend networking meetings all you have to do is look around to visually see one of the largest demographic groups hurt in this recession – the over 40 crowd. We all know that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. Under the ADEA, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his/her age with respect to employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation and benefits. However when looking for a job these days it sure feels like age discrimination is alive and well. Whether it is truly is age discrimination or wage discrimination as some of us like to put it, the reality is the over 40 job seeker needs to actively combat being labeled as “old”.
Elizabeth Pope has written an article for AARP on ways you can put your best foot forward as an older job seeker. Here’s what she thinks many older job seekers do—and you should not.
1. “I’ll just do what I was doing before.” Many jobs and industries have changed radically in recent years. Identify your transferable skills and explore new ways to use them. Find self-assessment tests and tools at jobhuntersbible.com, rileyguide.com and job-hunt.org.
2. “My experience speaks for itself.” Don’t start the interview with, “I’ve had 35 years in sales.” Instead, ask questions and use examples that highlight your experience, such as “I know the pitfalls of this sort of situation, and I have the contacts to work it out.
3. “I’ve always been successful, so why should things be different now?” In today’s job market, ability trumps seniority. It’s a plus to say, “I work well with Gen X and Gen Y.” Seek volunteer jobs working with younger people to get needed experience.
4. “I just need a job. I don’t have time for touchy-feely stuff.” Be prepared for questions such as “What’s your vision?” Many older job seekers fail to reflect on how their skills fit into a larger arena. Devote time to a serious inventory of your strengths, values and assets.
» Read more: Laid Off After 40: Seven Deadly Sins And how to avoid them …
