Challenges for Older Employees

Many mature employees, age 50 or older, approach the job search with a defeated attitude and a bundle of resentment because of the potential for age discrimination. While age discrimination certainly is not fair, a pessimistic or cynical attitude will not help. Don't build your own barriers to success. Here are some common misconceptions that keep older workers from approaching a job search with the positive attitude they need to succeed:

Older workers are unwelcome in the workplace. Focus on what you have to offer. If you focus on your age and consider it a barrier, your interviewers certainly will too.

To get a job, you don't have to look younger. Just be yourself. If you try to dress or act a younger age, you may come across looking awkward and contrived.

I know more than my younger boss. A condescending attitude will be a turnoff to employers. Yes, as an older worker you have a great deal of experience and insight to offer, but instead of taking on an "I know it all" attitude, show that you are flexible and willing to learn new ideas. You want age to be irrelevant when it comes to being hired, so make age irrelevant when it comes to respecting the boss.

Older workers often face many obstacles when it comes to finding a new position. Different employers will have different hang-ups when it comes to hiring an older worker, so know how to circumvent the most common. It's essential to make age irrelevant in the interview process, and there's a lot you can do to achieve this goal.

• Delete any dates on your résumé that reveal your age, such as when you graduated from college, and make a point to display your knowledge of current industry ideas and skills. Show a high level of enthusiasm and energy, and focus on what you can bring to the position.
• Market yourself correctly. Listing all your qualifications and experience can seem intimidating; share only the most relevant ones. Explain why you think it will be a challenging and fulfilling position. Use your vast experience as rationale for how you'll hit the ground running and inspire others.
• Don't accept a position that doesn't pay you what you're worth. Like gender or race, age should never be a determining factor when it comes to salary.
• Show how the position will help you begin the next phase in your career. Explain how you would like to develop professionally and how that relates to the position. Discuss your long-term goals.