Are You Too Old to Get Hired?

It’s important to note that hiring decisions are often made quickly and subconsciously. The hiring manager may be 100% opposed to age discrimination, but when you start in with the, “I think that was in…” her brain whispers that you’re really old, and all those crabby old people that insist her baby is going to freeze to death because he’s not wearing a sweater, even though it’s 75 degrees out, start to infiltrate her thoughts.

So, those are what not to say, but what to say?

* Keep it positive. You don’t want to project that you’re expecting to be discriminated against. Nobody wants to hire anyone that claims discrimination the first time something doesn’t go their way.
* Share recent examples. In a job interview, when you’re asked, “Can you tell me about a time when…” make sure your answer is from the past two-three years.
* Show your willingness to learn new things. Every job requires you to learn new things. Make sure your interviewer knows you are interested in learning and growing.
* Expect pay to match the job, not your experience. Granted, if you’ve been doing something for 20 years, you’re probably more valuable than someone who has been doing it for 5 years. However, the pay rate is going to be based on what it costs to get any qualified person into the job. Make sure your expectations are realistic.
* Don’t try to pretend you are younger than you are. Just as a “Back when I was…” phrase indicates you’re old, trying to speak like a 20 something when you are 50 something sounds grating and faked.
* Remember the positives that come with age. Employers expect you’ll be more reliable, trustworthy, less likely to offend a customer with your piercings and tattoos, won’t accidentally include text speak in your emails, and know how to get along with people.

If this job interview doesn’t result in a job, Leslie Ayers at Work Goes Strong, compiled a list of websites that are focused on helping the over 50ish crowd find a job. Finding a job is always difficult, but the older you get the more difficult it becomes. But, it’s not hopeless, so don’t start thinking that it is.


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