If you have joined the great resignation, or have been laid off, and are in your 40’s, 50’s or 60’s you may be experiencing ageism or bias because of your age. Here are some ways to deal with the negative reactions to someone your age.
1) Technology – You are responsible for learning new technologies or computer applications that relate to your field of endeavor. Include in your resume and mention during the interview that you are taking a course or participate in conferences.
2) Ability to learn new things – Include in your resume and talk about how you have been keeping up to date by reading trade journals, or attending online events, or attending courses or conferences with experts in your field.
3) Experience working with or for people younger than you – alot younger, millennials or Gen x or Gen Z. Give an example of how you worked with younger team members on a particular project or process or if you have reported to someone younger than you
4) Thinking out of the box.– You need to show by example that you can think of new ideas or new ways of solving problems.
5) Salary and compensation – Usually it means a company wants to hire a younger person because they want to pay less money – you have more to offer than someone younger in the way of experience, skills, maturity, responsibility, and in your ability to handle crises. Try to find out what the company is looking for beyond the simple job description and show you can offer more than what is required and that will position you to earn a higher salary or a bigger bonus.
Remember: You need to illustrate with specific examples how you have learned new things, worked with younger colleagues, and are keeping up to date. Show how you bring more to the table than a younger, less experienced candidate.
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