If you have ever gotten “the look” when you arrived for a job interview, you know what I mean. It’s the open-eyed, stop-everything look that says the interviewer has noticed something from your appearance that sends up a red flag. Without saying a word, his eyebrows go up and the smile weakens or disappears. It could be a lot of things, but if you’re over 40, or 50 something about you may have triggered the “this person is a lot older than I thought” reaction. Without answering the first interview question, the interview may as well be over before it starts.
Fair or not, age does make a difference. A recent article by Aaron Grossman, "Watch For Signs You Could Be Aging Yourself Out Of A Job," says there are ways to tell if your appearance, attitude or performance is sending a message to your employer or boss that you’re not in the running for a job or promotion. Things like a short, polite interview, caution about a new job being “stressful,” or the fact that you’re somewhat of a fixture in the office because of your tenure are some of the signs listed. The article suggests getting more training, education or just getting current with trends and practice in your industry. Good advice, but you may consider some changes that can help your “curb appeal” as well.
- Get a checkup. Fatigue, a persistent headache or stiff joints can show in your face, walk or concentration. Even the fear of a health problem can take you off your game. A checkup can help eliminate health issues and put your focus back on your job.
- Monitor your medications. Read the information that comes with your prescriptions. Most have side effects that can affect your performance. Some medications have to be adjusted for optimum effect. Your fatigue or headache could be something your doctor can easily correct with a change in dosage.
- Stop complaining. It’s fun to shoot the breeze with your coworkers. Going into detail about your bunions or upcoming hip surgery is more information that anyone needs to know and can make others question your future “fitness for duty.”
- Get enough sleep. It’s hard to learn new systems or stay sharp in long, complicated negotiations on a few hours of sleep. Turn off the TV or computer and get the seven or eight hours you need to be your best.
- Take advantage of your company’s wellness program or just get moving! Exercise is good for the body, mind and attitude. Start slow, but be consistent. Regular exercise keeps the muscles toned and your joints moving.
- Participate. Don’t exclude yourself from social events or having lunch with younger co-workers. Be fun to be around. Consider yourself a co-worker, and not the “mother” or “old-timer” of the group.
- Exercise your mind. Do you know how to use a Kindle? iPad? Your Smartphone? Technology can be complicated, but learning how to operate the latest technology is exercise for the mind. Read. Keep up with the news, your industry and community. Read some blogs and articles on the Internet from different sources. Get familiar with YouTube. You’ll be able to join in conversations instead of looking clueless or reverting to, “…in my day, we did things this way…”
- Resurrect an old hobby. Get back into tennis or golf. Find a bridge, kayaking or classic car club to reconnect with something that was relaxing, exciting or just plain fun. The more interesting you are, the younger you’ll feel. You don’t have to win medals; just be in the game.
Age is a state of mind. Your age is just a number. If you don’t make it an issue, no one else will. Get back in the career game to stay in it.
Image by federico stevanin / freedigitalphotos.net
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