Overcoming the Stereotypes about "AGE"
Interviewers typically have preconceived notions (or “stereotypes”) of “Mature” interviewees. They include some or all of the following and, of course, lots more:
1. Lack energy and cannot keep up with today’s “fast paced” organizations
2. Don’t like and, in fact, resist “change”
3. Lack current technical skills or understanding of current technology
4. Cannot work effectively with “younger” employees and, in particular, cannot work FOR a younger manager
5. Are SICK more often and miss more work
6. Want too much money
7. Overqualified for the job
It is your responsibility to overcome these “stereotypes” in your written, telephone and in-person communications. Here are some thoughts on how you can do that:
1. Lack energy and cannot keep up with today’s “fast paced” organizations.
- Enhance your experience by projecting youthful energy. It’s not that difficult to do!
- Stress how much you prefer or even “enjoy” working in a fast paced organization and give examples if possible.
- If you are involved in any sports activities – like playing tennis – or if you do volunteer work for an organization like Habitat-For-Humanity find a way to bring that out during your conversation with the hiring manager.
2. Don’t like and, in fact, resist “change.”
- Stress how you have been a change facilitator in previous jobs.
- If you are Six Sigma trained, make sure to bring that up in conversation and ensure it is detailed on your resume.
- If appropriate, provide specific examples of how you have fostered or facilitated change in previous but recent positions.
- If you have re-designed and implemented improved processes, make sure to point that out.
- Project a charisma that you will contribute, learn, and grow; you’re a lifelong learner.
3. Lack current technical skills or understanding of current technology
- If your technical skills are NOT current, take courses to update them even if it’s on your own time and spending your own money.
- If you do not have an online presence, establish one. And, the easiest ones to establish are Facebook and Twitter and, of course, LinkedIn. But, keep in mind that you will need to have some experience with both in case questions arise during the interview. So, don’t just set up accounts. Get some experience working with them.
- Sometimes, you can overcome this objection simply by referencing any on-line presence (e.g., Facebook or Twitter)
- If appropriate, make sure to include indications of your current knowledge of technology either on your resume or mention the topic during any conversation.
- Project computer literacy.
- Keep current on technology and jargon in your industry;
4. Cannot work effectively with “younger” employees and, in particular, cannot work FOR a younger manager
- Respect the feelings and opinions of younger workers, especially supervisors. Make sure they know you are not a threat to them.
5. Are SICK more often and miss more work
- Dispel the myth that older workers are sickly by mentioning activities or exercise you regularly engage in.
- As with the “fast paced” organization stereotype, if you are involved in any sports activities – like playing tennis or hiking – or volunteer activities that require physical activity, make sure to mention them
6. Want too much money/are too expensive
- While negotiating higher compensation, tell the interviewer that they “will get the biggest bang for their buck because of the multiple talents you have to offer and the lack of a learning curve.”
- Assuming this is correct, explain that finding the correct opportunity or “fit” is more important than the salary.
- Explain that you are aware of what people in the positions for which you are seeking are making and that you are fine with the general range for the position.
7. Overqualified for the job
- Most of the time, people over age 50 already have the experience that is in demand.
- Get the question of your being “overqualified” on the table so you can discuss it by asking the interviewer if he or she sees any pluses or minuses to you as a candidate – based on your qualifications.
- If you are labeled as overqualified, confidently tell the employer that you can “hit the ground running, doing the work of 2-3 people in the shortest time possible, and bring credit to his/her hiring you.”
- Focus on smaller companies. They may be more ready to hire someone with the experience they need – especially if they don’t have time to train or the trainers on staff.
General Recommendations:
- The most important attribute after age 50 is Attitude, which automatically shapes behavior. Everything else comes second after a positive and optimistic attitude. Enthusiasm makes the difference!
- Rely more on networking (professional friendship development) and the telephone than on resumes.
- Limit your resume to the last 10-15 years
- Remember that a resume is not an application. It is a marketing tool and does not have to present anything more than what you want to present.
- Leave out graduation dates and personal information (height, weight, marital status, for example) from your resume.
- Beware of talking about “the good old days.” That will be your death knell!
- Join professional organizations and be proactive.
- Dress appropriately for the company audience. A conservative outfit is best in most cases, especially for the first interview. If the interviewer comments that you didn’t need to dress up so much, and you get a second interview, ask what would be more appropriate the next time.
- Don’t be a cop-out and hide behind age discrimination; it may be salary discrimination because the company truly cannot afford you without causing discontent within their ranks.
- Accept a contract position, if necessary, to prove yourself.
- Patience is a virtue, because the job search may twice as long as expected.
- Sell your transferable skills in another growing industry, if necessary.
- Volunteer- It will make you feel good to help others and you may make good networking contacts.
- Remember people’s names - The first time you meet someone, repeat their first name during the conversation to reinforce it in your mind.
- Tap into your spirituality so that you give something to other job seekers. Rejoice in the good fortunes of those who land a job, and encourage those who are still looking and getting discouraged.
- Get advice from an image consultant.
- Obtain unbiased on-camera feedback on your interview performance if it’s available.
- Get career coaching to minimize the scratch elements of your personality.
Appearance:
We hate to bring this up. But, unfortunately, some of us don’t look as good as we’d like. Therefore, seriously consider the following items. But, remember, you have to be comfortable with yourself. So, if you take any of the following suggestions, do only those things with which you are comfortable.
- Dye your hair to your previous natural color if you feel comfortable doing so. Wear contact lenses instead of glasses, if you can. This may improve your interview performance because of higher self-image and self-esteem.
- Keep your weight under control using whatever method works for you. Unfortunately, there is discrimination against obese people, who are perceived as being out of control.
- Minimize wrinkles on your face and bags under your eyes, if you can. If not, a sincere smile can draw attention away from such features.
