The Age Factor - It's Not Fair, But You Can Get Around It

Social Media Marketing for You

It can be challenging for anyone to find a job after getting laid off, but it's especially challenging if you're a person of a certain age. Or beyond a certain age.  There are multiple factors that contribute to the problem. Someone who is mid to late career will cost more than a fresh graduate.  The fact that they should cost more because they bring quite a bit more to the table seems a bit lost on larger companies lately.  But this will improve as the economy improves and isn't something you have much control over.  There are other factors that you do have control over, however.  And if you work with those, you'll draw attention away from concerns about your age.

Related:  Make a Great First Impression - Online

He has grey hair, he must not be tech savvy.
This is Steve Wozniack, by the way.

Two assumptions about older job candidates are that they lack basic technological skills and aren't up to date on current, common technology. This may or may not be true.  Just because someone is older doesn't mean they automatically lack the skills.  It's just a safe assumption that someone younger is more likely to have them. And really, they just give that impression because they're more likely to be involved in social media demonstrating they know their way around online.  You can give the same impression, and it's fairly easy.  By having a polished LinkedIn profile, an active Twitter account, and a personal website displaying your accomplishments, you can kill two birds with one stone.  You'll demonstrate your familiarity with current trends in social media as well as your skill with using new technology.  The way to show it off is to include at the top of your resume, active links to your LinkedIn profile, email and a personal website devoted to your career.  If you need help with this, you can always give us a call. We craft your professional presence online in such a way that shows you're an in touch, up to date expert in your field who understands current trends.  Keeping the focus on that makes your age much less important to a hiring manager.

Related:  Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

Beautifully age appropriate and stylish

Another misconception about mid to late career workers is that they are less energetic and motivated as their younger counterparts.  This you can absolutely control with your appearance and attitude.  I know, I know, what you look like isn't as important as what you're like inside.  I get it.  It's something we all agree on, you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Unfortunately, it's an evolved survival trait in humans that we do judge someone solely on their looks.  At first.  It's different if you have time to get to know someone.  But in the case of an interview, your first impression is vitally important.  Think about it this way, if you're waiting for an elevator and the door opens you glance inside before you jump in.  If you see a very large, disheveled man who looks like he hasn't bathed in a while talking to himself in an agitated manner, you're not going to get on that elevator.  It has nothing to do with judging him as a person but everything to do with the appearance of a potentially dangerous situation.  That reaction carries over whenever we meet someone new, especially in the case of an interview.  The interviewer has a short time to determine if you're someone they want to work with.  Most people spend more time at work than at home so it's important to be around people you like.  Going into an interview make sure you're dressed according to current fashion trends.  Dress age appropriate but in a current style.  Gentlemen, this means if you haven't bought a new suit in the last 10 years, it's time to go shopping.  If you're not sure what to get, go to a nicer department store like Macy's and ask for a personal shopper to assist you.  They'll get you sorted in no time.  Ladies, this works just as well for you.  You may also need to update your hairstyle and how you wear your makeup. Pair your updated look with a positive, enthusiastic attitude and you'll dispel all assumptions that a worker of a certain age lacks energy, enthusiasm and motivation.

Finding work in today's job market is challenging no matter where you are in your career.  But there are ways to make it easier on yourself.  Use the resources available to you and make sure you're representing yourself as the up to date, in touch, energetic professional that you are.  Start with your online presence and carry it through to your in person image.  Once you disprove incorrect assumptions, they'll have no choice but to see you for the contributions you can make and nothing else.