Age Discrimination and How To Fight It

Posted on Dec 30th 2009, 11:33 pm, under Career Advice

If you're over 40 and currently searching for a job, then you might have experienced age discrimination during your job hunt already. Age discrimination is real, and it happens all over the country. Worse, employers seem to be more tacitly accepting of this form of discrimination than they are of other forms. Case in point: complaints about gender or race discrimination have been decreasing in the past few years, while complaints about age discrimination are on the rise.

Is there anything you can you do to fight it? Yes, there is. Here's how:

1. Show your adaptability and openness to change.

One big reason companies avoid hiring older workers stems from the belief that veterans are set in their ways and not open to doing things differently. You need to show them that you're the exact opposite, and convey that your decades of experience are not a hindrance but an advantage. The more technical the position, the more important it is to show your flexibility and willingness to learn.

2. Look for work as soon as possible.

If you've lost your job recently, you should start searching for work right away. The longer you're out of the work force, the harder it is to get new employment. Don't waste your energy on panicking, feeling like a victim, or holding a grudge. It's unproductive, and won't help you land a new job any faster.

3. Maintain your skills and keep them current.

In most jobs nowadays, computer skills are especially important. Make sure you're Internet-savvy and up to date on industry-standard programs such as the Microsoft Office series. Brush up on your other job skills through training programs at local colleges and libraries.

4. Forget about companies that discriminate.

Some backward companies really insist on sticking to discriminatory policies against hiring people "of a certain age". You may wish to take them on, but you're probably better off looking for companies that actually embrace older workers' maturity and experience. 

5. Keep your energy level high.

Staying physically healthy and fit is essential to keeping your energy level up. This means that you should eat healthy and get sufficient rest when looking for a job. Show potential employers that you're just as energetic as your younger counterparts, if not more so.