With the highly competitive job market of today, older professionals are having a harder time finding a new position. Even though age discrimination is illegal, it still happens, only now it is much more subtle. Workplaces that have a strong commitment to diversity and non-discrimination aren't immune from this either.
This sort of discrimination isn't the blatant “we don't want to hire older professionals”, but it is more of the permeating idea that older people aren't as up-to-date and professionally relevant as their younger counterparts. This belief is, of course, all wrong, yet it still persists. The truth is that older, experienced professionals bring years of working knowledge to the table and have the connections and know-how to get things done. And, there are things you can do to maintain your professional relevance at any age and lessen your chance of being sidelined. Here are some tips:
- Don't be afraid of more education – So, you have been working in your field for 10 or more years. When was the last time you brushed up your educational credentials? It doesn't hurt to enroll in a certificate course or take a few classes at a local community college. Look at courses that relate to your career and that can provide you with some additional skills or help fine-tune your talents. Having some recent training can look wonderful on a resume and make it clear to a hiring manager that you are committed to life-long learning and growing.
- Tweeting isn't just for the birds – Social media is here. Make sure that you are using it appropriately. If you are looking for a new job, know that employers are looking for applicants who have a strong personal brand and who embrace social media. Having a Facebook account isn't enough, you need to set up a Twitter, a Linkedin profile and build a strong network. If you aren't familiar with new technology, consider taking a computer tutorial class. There is no shame in taking a class that can get you up to speed quickly. It is definitely a better choice than struggling to figure it out on your own. Don't allow yourself to become a stereotype. You aren't someone who is stuck in their ways and old dogs can learn new tricks. Be the first one in your office to adopt new technology and be a leader of change.
- Keep your appearance fresh – It sounds horrible, but unfortunately as professionals, we are judged by our appearance and if your look is stuck in a previous decade, consider updating. For men, get a new suit or update your tie collection. If your job has a more casual dress code, look at what the younger men are wearing and try to find some inspiration. For women, even in a casual office, it is important to keep a modern, professional image. If you work in a very professional environment, it may be a good idea to talk to a personal stylist or shopper's assistant at an upscale department store. You don't have to buy everything they suggest, but it can be a great source of inspiration.
- Keep the “remember whens” to yourself – It is easy to get in the habit of reminiscing about the “good-old-days”, especially when learning a new skill or being introduced to a new technology. Saying it out loud reminds your co-workers that you have been in the industry longer than them. It is better to focus on what can be done with the new information rather than reflect on how things have changed. Keep in mind that you are marketing yourself as someone who is flexible, eager to learn new things and able to compete with anyone in your field.
Staying relevant after 40 isn't difficult. The key is to combat the stereotype of the stuck in their ways, out-of-date, has to be trained and retrained, is afraid of technology and too tired to be enthusiastic about their career job seeker. Instead, present yourself to a potential employer as a person who is experienced, enthusiastic, and strives for excellence. Take a look at your office culture and see what the younger employees talk about, how they dress and what they care about. The goal isn't to make yourself seem younger. Rather, it is more about keeping current, valuing the unique skills and talents you offer and staying relevant in your field.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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