They say age is just a number—but for older job seekers, it can complicate things, to say the least.
One in three workers 50 or over say they’ve experienced age discrimination when looking for a new position. And two-thirds have felt its sting in the workplace.
Last year saw continued layoffs, particularly in tech, while job openings fell to their lowest level since 2021 with the seeming end of The Great Resignation. It’s a tough time to navigate the job market, even more so for those approaching the later stages of their careers.
But with age comes experience, which businesses desperately need as they look to cut staff while maintaining efficiency. Here’s how older candidates can showcase their skills and demonstrate their advantages to stand out in the saturated job market.
Build your online brand
Navigating social media might not come naturally, but it’s essential to landing a job in 2024. A clean and consistent brand across various platforms can grab the attention of potential employers and recruiters. First, update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your wealth of experience and accomplishments, then ensure your profiles on other platforms align with your professional identity. Assume everything you post online will be seen by hiring managers, so delete any content that could hinder your job search and be careful what you post. If you can’t find time to manage your profiles between applications and interviews, AI tools and social media management platforms can reduce the workload.
Your experience is your advantage—use it accordingly
You may feel at a disadvantage because of your age, which will undoubtedly show both in job interviews and while negotiating terms of employment. This is not the way to land a job—at least not one you’ll love. In reality, your age is an advantage with all the experience you offer, so act and pitch yourself accordingly. Position yourself as a seasoned professional who can bring unique perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and a depth of industry knowledge to the role.
Related: Are older workers being ‘optimized out’ of work?
Consider the added value you bring
If you were hiring for a role and you had two similarly outstanding candidates in front of you, which would you pick: The one who can do the job and not much else, or the one that comes with all sorts of extra value? Once you’ve landed an interview, consider what you can offer that others can’t. Perhaps it’s the ability to mentor younger workers just starting out in the field, decades of experience practicing soft skills, or a black book full of contacts that would be extremely useful to your future employer.
Don’t accept discrimination
Almost half of all older workers have recently experienced ageism in the workplace. Discrimination is rife, but it isn’t right. In the United States, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects over-40s from discrimination in hiring, promotion, layoffs, and compensation due to age. Read up on your rights so you can recognize mistreatment and respond appropriately. This will protect you during the hiring process, and inform you of the steps to take if you feel you’re being discriminated against.
Be tech savvy
Younger job seekers have grown up with technology and are often assumed to possess stronger digital skills than older candidates. By showcasing your proficiency in working with technology, you can instantly dispel assumptions and biases about your technological competence. It helps level the playing field and positions you as a competitive candidate who can match or exceed the digital capabilities of younger applicants. Plus, it shows your ability to adapt and learn new skills. But before you get to work learning industry-specific software, make sure you know your way around video call platforms like Zoom: with many interview processes now taking place online, forgetting how to turn your microphone on won’t make the strongest first impression.
Dust off your résumé
At times, our careers can take us down unusual and unexpected paths. While these experiences will serve you well in the workplace, it’s best to tailor your CV to highlight the specific skills, accomplishments, and experiences most relevant to the position. It’s important you showcase any recent skills you’ve acquired and training you’ve completed to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Additionally, CV formats and tastes change over time, so keep up with current standards and trends.
Seek out age-friendly employers
Unfortunately, age bias isn’t uncommon in the job market and, while many businesses are working hard to remove the stigma, it’s still a work in progress. Those outdated employers that care little for inclusivity? They’re not worth your time. Research companies with a reputation for being age-friendly or those with policies in place to support older workers—ones with a track record of retraining and promoting senior employees, rather than tossing them on the scrap heap like a piece of old-fashioned office furniture.
Leverage your network
A referral from a trusted source makes vetting much easier for recruiters or hiring managers, so leverage your professional contacts and enquire about open positions within their companies. But you also need to build new connections: attend industry events, join online forums, and use your updated social media profiles to connect with professionals in your field. Often, landing a role comes down to who you know, so the wider your network, the greater your chances.
Get interview-ready
If it’s been a while since you went through the interview process, treat it like it’s your first. Go over practice questions and craft responses complete with real examples from your previous work, then touch up on your interview skills. It’s imperative you don’t fall into the trap of underselling yourself and focusing on skills you don’t have: you have more experience than most, so don’t be modest. Confidence is crucial to convincing hiring managers that you’re the ideal candidate.
