Take Age Off The Table

Many job seekers who are over the age of 50 feel discriminated against in this tight job market. Are there thoughts a reality or a figment of their imagination? In my humble opinion I know there are hiring managers who may struggle to hire an older worker, however I don’t believe it is an insurmountable obstacle. I believe there are organizations who value work experience, life experience and education. So how do you get over this obstacle of age discrimination or what feels like age discrimination and back to being a valued employee?

Take Age Off the Table! Simple as that. Every single older job seeker that I have spoken to about this topic, sees their age as a major obstacle. For many of them they just don’t see a way around it. They assume that they have to convince an employer to hire them. At some level that is true, but I see it a little differently. I see an interview as an opportunity to discuss organizational problems. As a candidate, over 50 or otherwise I am convinced that if you learn to understand what issues the organization faces, and your ability to help resolve the issues, you can turn an interview into a job offer. And age doesn’t have to be a consideration.

If you consider yourself an older worker who is overlooked in this market, my recommendation to you is to take age off the table. Make your age a non-issue in your mind first and foremost. You can not and will not change the way a hiring manager will view your age. What you must focus on is your ability to communicate your value to the organization. Your experience is added value to any organization that makes you an offer. Ask questions prior to the interview that help you understand the organization and the issues they face.

Speak about what you can bring to the organization. Discuss the organizational issues that you know they face and bring solutions to the table. If you bring solutions, the hiring manager will not have time to consider your age. They will be too busy trying to figure out how to get you in their organization and solving their organizational problems.