Silver In The Workplace

We all know that with age comes wisdom, so why doesn’t that always apply in the workplace? Did it ever occur to the powers that be that the ones who know what they’re doing may be the ones holding the company together? There is something to be said for experience, wisdom, a strong work ethic and the calmness in decision making that comes with age. The younger workers selling the fresh ideas are the ones that are looked at first even though the experience may not be there. So what is to be done about it?

It’s up to you to prove that your age is an asset and not a liability. Managers that are interviewing are looking for people who embrace new technology, learn by mistakes and are willing to give new ideas a try. Your job is to persuade the interviewer that you are that person. How can you do that, you ask? Well, experience is a great equalizer. Do you have good people skills? How are your management skills? Are your problem solving skills still relevant?

There are some ways to make your job application look fresh and interesting. For example, only list the last ten years you worked. Since it’s actually illegal to ask your age, by not listing years on anything, you won‘t be dated. If you have to list jobs over ten to fifteen years old, don’t list the dates. Explain what you did and brag about your accomplishments. List any degrees that you have but don’t list the dates that you received them. If you’ve taken any classes or earned any certificates in the last ten years, put them on the list with the dates. This shows that you’re keeping current in the field that you’re in. Emphasize the skills that you have that would make you a valuable employee for that company.

When managers are interviewing potential employees they are looking for someone who can perform at the same level as the other employees. If you don’t give the impression that you are savvy to the latest technology, then you will be overlooked. Don’t compare how you used to do things unless it’s relevant to the issue at hand. You need to convince the interviewer that you can learn new techniques quickly, love the challenge of solving problems and respond well to pressure. Okay, yes the person interviewing you is young enough to be your kid, but you need to be upbeat, personable and not condescending. You don’t want to give the impression that you are set in your ways and won’t take direction or input from someone younger.

So what it basically boils down to is selling yourself. If you have the self confidence, regardless of your age, and the ability to do the job at hand, then selling yourself should be “a walk in the park”.

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelance work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheads blog.