Joan believes she’s being sidelined because of her age. She’s convinced, “No one wants someone my age at work!” But Joan couldn’t be more off the mark. If she dreams of becoming the lead in a teen rom-com or gracing the runway during fashion week, she might have a point. But as a store manager or real estate agent, especially in roles she’s overqualified for? Age is merely a number!
The real hurdle? Joan’s retro mindset. Clinging to job-hunting methods from decades ago and then blaming age bias is a self-made trap. Let’s debunk these job-search myths that might be chaining you down:
- Time-travel Talk. Chatting about “the young girls at work” or recalling “back when we used [old tech]” only underscores the generation gap. Just as you’ve swapped neon leg warmers for modern attire, refresh your communication style too.
- Old-School Job Hunt. Combing through traditional job ads is outdated and inefficient. You might feel like a tiny fish in a vast ocean. While classifieds have a role, modern networking, especially via social media, is the game-changer. Dismissing platforms like LinkedIn is like turning your back on job opportunities.
- Resume Rule Myths. If you’re still sticking to the ‘resume-must-be-this-long’ rule from yesteryears, it’s time for a reality check. Instead of trimming your rich experience to fit an outdated standard, showcase all your achievements. While we’re not saying draft a novel, don’t be afraid to go beyond the conventional two pages if it paints your full picture.
- Stay Authentic, Not Archaic. Embracing youthful energy doesn’t mean donning teen outfits or forcing slang into conversations. It’s cringe-worthy and transparent. Yet, sticking doggedly to dated beliefs might raise eyebrows among potential employers. Will you be the “stuck in the past” employee in a dynamic workspace?
In a nutshell, it’s not the candles on your birthday cake but your adaptability quotient that matters. So, embrace the times, keep your rich experience, and dive into today’s vibrant job market with confidence!
I’m thrilled to be part of the Career Collective, a group of professionals who meet monthly to blog about a certain topic. Please return in the next couple of days to read some other articles on this theme and look for #careercollective on Twitter.
- Juice Up Your Job Search, @debrawheatman
- Want a Job? Ignore these outdated job search beliefs @erinkennedycprw
- Job Search Then and Now, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes
- Break the Rules or Change the Game? @WalterAkana
- The New: From The Employer’s-Eye View, @ResumeService
- Job Search: Breakable Rules and Outdated Beliefs, @KatCareerGal
- Job Hunting Rules to Break (Or Why and How to Crowd Your Shadow), @chandlee @StartWire,
- Shades of Gray, @DawnBugni
- 3 Rules That Are Worth Your Push-Back, @WorkWithIllness
- Your Photo on LinkedIn – Breaking a Cardinal Job Search Rule? @KCCareerCoach
- How to find a job: stop competing and start excelling, @Keppie_Careers
- Be You-Nique: Resume Writing Rules to Break, @ValueIntoWords
- Modernizing Your Job Search, @LaurieBerenson
- Don’t Get Caught With an Old School Resume, @barbarasafani
- How Breaking the Rules Will Help You in Your Job Search, @expatcoachmegan
- Beat the Job-Search-Is-a-Numbers-Game Myth, @JobHuntOrg
- 25 Habits to Break if You Want a Job, @CareerSherpa
Updated my blog! It’s not your age, it’s old thinking: “It’s my age, that’s what it is”, Joan lamented. “I need … http://bit.ly/gnyVYz
good advice your only as old as you allow others to perceive you to be
Are Outdated Job Search Beliefs Holding You Back From a New Job? http://bit.ly/gvAoe4 via @GayleHoward
It's not your age, it's old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG for the #CareerCollective
RT @LaurieBerenson: It's not your age, it's old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG for the #CareerCollective
RT @LaurieBerenson: It's not your age, it's old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG for the #CareerCollective
It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective #jobs
RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective #jobs
NICE ARTICLE! RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective #jobs
RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective #jobs
RT @LaurieBerenson: It's not your age, it's old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG for the #CareerCollective
RT @LaurieBerenson: It's not your age, it's old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG for the #CareerCollective
It’s not your age, it’s old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective
Good advice! RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective #jobs
RT @careersherpa: It’s not your age, it’s old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective
Gayle:
I blogged about “old fart” job seekers recently. You’ve touched upon the really critical things, such as the words and phrases we use when we communicate and letting go of past beliefs.
There are plenty of 50+ job seekers landing GOOD jobs because they are contemporary in their thinking and what they do!
Thanks for addressing this!
Love this post, Gayle! One more thing I’ll add is technology skills. Even those over 50 can be tech savvy, and they need to be to stay current in today’s world or work.
Love the article, but the photo with the computer from 2001 made me laugh.
Oh, so true, Gayle! Those of us with gray hair (visible or not) too easily assume it’s our age, rather than our approach and demeanor, that make people ignore us. “Age-ism” does exist, unfortunately, but not to the extent that we often assume. It’s just easier, often, to blame age than to look any deeper.
Great post Gayle! Drop the classifieds and embrace social media – a great message for all. And I absolutely agree that your resume should efficiently and effectively communicate your value – however many pages it takes.
It’s great to be a part of this wise group of career professionals!
Megan
RT @careerintell Good advice! RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #jobs
RT @careerintell Good advice! RT @Keppie_Careers: It's not your age, it's old thinking, by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #jobs #in
haha… that was kind of the idea! Mature people with outdated beliefs… I thought it fitted in with the theme somewhat!
Currently reading http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/2011/01/31/its-not-your-age-its-old-thinking/ #careercollective
RT @GayleHoward: It's not your age, it's old thinking ##jobseekers http://bit.ly/fwxHlx
It's not your age, it's old thinking! Keep up with the job seeking times & read this by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective
RT @EliteResumes: Currently reading http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/2011/01/31/its-not-your-age-its-old-thinking/ #careercollective
Thank you for this post, teaches us not to look down on ourselves, if you have the right attitude and job search approach, you will be able to touch success
Gayle –
Excellent info (as I always find when I visit).
If age is roadblock in the job seeker’s mind, it becomes a roadblock in every career conversation going forward. I wish I had a dollar for every “older” job seeker who made it a point to tell me they look good “for their age.” I work virtually with my clients. I seldom meet them or even see a picture of them, yet early in the conversation, they’re “justifying” their youthful appearance. It makes me wonder if they don’t “drop and give a hiring authority 20” at the beginning of an interview to “prove” they’re really not that old.
If job seekers make age a focal point, guess what? It becomes a focal point. That’s not to say age discrimination does not exist; it surely does. But a job seeker can’t help propel ageism with their own beliefs and actions.
Good stuff!!
Dont self-select for irrelevance: It’s not your age, it’s old thinking by @GayleHoward http://bit.ly/etCcJG #careercollective
Hey Galye!
This is a terrific post!
I think that as we continue to see the ongoing revolutionary impact of social media on career management, the outdated thinking you point to is going to stand out even more among people who want to cling to old notions.
Coincidentally, in a recent discussion, I shared my observation that many people self-select for irrelevance! It’s true, unfortunately. I’ve seen it countless times! I do agree with Susan that “Age-ism” does exist; and also that it’s our approach and demeanor can often lead to people ignore us.
Frankly, it’s up to us to take charge of our thinking and behaviors to change our situation, and you wonderfully reinforce that idea here!
The after 50 job hunter can get the biggest bang for the buck by getting
a complete physical. Start an exercise and diet program. The worst showing
of age is a candidate who shows up for an interview in a suit that
does not fit, and they are huffing and puffing after walking up
one flight to the conference room for the inteview. As a recruiter
I don’t expect everyone over age 50 can run a marathon, but being as
fit as they are able tells me a lot about the individual.