By Kenneth Terrell,AARP | Contributor
Withmillions of unfilled job positions available, older adults have a wealth of opportunities to secure employment or transition to different careers. However, age discrimination remains a significant barrier for many seasoned professionals.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that as of January 2022, there were over 11.3 million job openings. Despite this high demand for workers, 36.1 percent of individuals aged 55 and older were facing long-term unemployment—defined as looking for a job for 27 weeks or longer. In contrast, the long-term unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 54 was notably lower, at 23.7 percent.
While age discrimination is not the sole reason for this employment disparity, it undeniably contributes to the challenges older workers face in their job searches. A recent survey conducted by AARP revealed that a staggering 78 percent of respondents aged 40 to 65 have witnessed age discrimination in the workplace—this marks the highest rate recorded since AARP began its survey nearly two decades ago.
If you’re embarking on a job search, it’s crucial to concentrate on the roles that align with your professional aspirations and the qualifications you bring to potential employers. Yet, it’s essential to remain cognizant of the possibility of encountering age bias. Career coaching experts recommend the following five strategies to help older job seekers succeed in the market.
Experts highlight these techniques as beneficial for older job seekers.
1. Revamp Your Résumé
It’s well-known that omitting graduation dates from your résumé can help avoid age assumptions, but there are additional measures to protect yourself from age bias. Having an outdated email address or including your home address may also signal to employers that you’re older.
“Experienced workers are often perceived as less technologically adept,” explainsAmanda Augustine, a career expert and professional résumé writer for TopResume, a partner of AARP’s Resume Advisor service. “Don’t give employers any reason to affirm that stereotype.”
Augustine suggests confining your work history to the last 15 years, as experiences prior to this timeframe might not be deemed relevant to potential employers.
2. Highlight Your Skills
Keep in mind that your résumé will likely be filtered through software before reaching a hiring manager. To navigate this process, ensure your résumé and cover letter contain key terms that reflect your current skills rather than focusing solely on past roles or achievements.
“If certain words or phrases repeatedly appear in job descriptions you’re aiming for, make sure to incorporate them into your résumé,” advises Augustine.
Additionally, tailoring your résumé or application for each position is advisable, ensuring you utilize specific keywords for every job opportunity.
3. Leverage Your Younger Network
With years of experience comes an established network, but don’t overlook the value of connections with younger colleagues. They might provide insights into job openings and effective strategies being used by their generational peers to find employment.
“Reflect on what you can gain from younger coworkers, as they bring fresh perspectives,” assertsDevora Zack, founder of Only Connect Consulting Inc. and author ofNetworking for People Who Hate Networking.tells AARP.
4. Promote Your Mentoring Abilities
In a diverse workplace comprising up to five generations, marketing yourself as a mentor could enhance your attractiveness to employers. According toAARP Research, younger employees often appreciate the teaching abilities, unique viewpoints, and productivity-enhancing skills of their older colleagues.
Review your work history to identify instances where you’ve successfully mentored younger team members. Showcasing these experiences can significantly boost your appeal to potential employers.
5. Enhance Your Appearance
Your personal appearance and presentation contribute significantly to career success, so it’s essential to consider how you’re perceived, especially by younger hiring managers. Research indicates that once interviewers can interact face-to-face, they are 40 percent less likely to choose older applicants over those who are younger with similar qualifications.
This suggests it might be beneficial to postpone in-person meetings with hiring managers for as long as possible. However, once granted an interview, approach it confidently. While you may not be able to conceal your age, you can update your wardrobe or hairstyle to reflect contemporary trends and show adaptability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kenneth Terrell specializes in employment, age discrimination, careers, and federal employment issues for AARP. He has previously reported for the Education Writers Association andU.S. News & World Report,covering a range of topics from government and politics to lifestyle and science.
Originally published on AARP, March 16, 2022
