Over 45? Don't Make it Easy to Screen You Out

If you are over 45 and looking for work, beliefs about aging can work for you and against you.

Some beliefs about aging can give you an advantage when you are applying for work. Surveys have found that many human resource professionals believe older workers are reliable, committed to their jobs and have a strong work ethic. Since human resource professionals participate in the hiring process in most large organizations, these beliefs could definitely work in your favour.

Still, there may be times when you have to convince employers that some common beliefs about aging, especially negative ones, do not apply to you.

Here are three ways to reduce the impact of negative beliefs about aging on your work search:

Do not reveal your age Most employers use application forms or resumés and cover letters to screen job applications. Don’t make it easy for them to guess your age from your application:

		If you earned a credential a long time ago, let employers know you have that qualification but leave out the date you earned it.
		Include only your most recent and relevant work experience.
		If you worked for one employer for a very long time, say that you worked for that employer for more than five years (or some other appropriate number).

Make it obvious that negative beliefs do not fit you First impressions are extremely important in job interviews. Make sure you look energetic, confident and up-to-date. Your clothing, shoes, grooming and the way you hold yourself say a great deal about you. Be enthusiastic about your work. Talk about your interest in new techniques and technologies. Describe situations where you have successfully taken informed risks. If you don’t feel confident, energetic, enthusiastic or passionate, pretend you do. Pretending can lead to actually feeling the way you want to appear.

Address potential concerns indirectly Although employers may have concerns about your age, human rights law prohibits them from asking about it. Below are some ways to indirectly let employers know their fears are unfounded:

		Provide evidence that you are a productive worker. Talk about your performance record and any recognition you have received (e.g. a letter of appreciation or commendation, a good performance appraisal, an Employee of the Week award).
		Talk about things you have done recently that required as much or more physical stamina or strength if the job you are applying for is physically demanding. Or, talk about how you have learned to work smarter.
		Tell employers about how the job fits into your career plans. If true, let them know that you will stay with the company at least as long as most other employees.
		Talk about your interests and what you have learned recently. Let employers know that you are willing and able to learn new skills.
		Talk about your commitment or good attendance record. Your references should be people who can support what you say.
		Talk about situations in which you have worked co-operatively with young people if your supervisor might be someone who is much younger than you.

But before you can convince a potential employer, you have to examine your own beliefs about aging:

Negative beliefs can become self-fulfilling prophecies. If you believe you are too old to start something new, employers will sense that and probably agree with you.

John Glenn’s experience is a good example. The astronaut and United States Senator wanted to be involved in medical and scientific experiments planned for a 1998 NASA Discovery mission. He had been out of the space program for years and was over 70 years old, but he believed he was the right person for the job. People at NASA were not easily convinced. Mr. Glenn had to talk to NASA dozens of times before he finally got the go-ahead for the mission.

Other Relevant Tips
Marketing Your Soft Skills
Over 45 and Looking for Work?
For more, visit the TIPS home page at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/tips

Additional Reading
A Guide for Midlife Career Moves, A Guide to Rights and Responsibilities in Alberta Workplaces and Change and Transitions produced by Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. For copies of these publications:

			download an on-line copy or order the publication from the e-CareerShop website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop
			call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 422-4266 in Edmonton
			visit your local Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline.

Last Updated: June 16, 2006