Ageism in recruitment

It's estimated that over 80% of older people have suffered ageism in their job search; resulting in their confidence levels dropping and a worry that employers aren't taking them seriously.

 

Focus on the positives:

Although we would like to think all job applications are equal, we know that this is simply not the case when it comes to age. However, age can  work for you as opposed to also working against you; so it's important that you seek out the right opportunities and not dwell on those where a job is hinting directly at a different age bracket.

Remember: many organisations seek out diversity in age across their departments, so don't always class an employer as being ageist just because they are seeking someone younger or older for a particular position, they might simply be recruiting based on a balance they feel will suit their department.

Avoid being stereo typed

We know that employers and recruiters can be very quick to stereotype and resume / CV, and in just a few seconds will have already made up their mind; read on or delete the application.

The following is a few hints and tips to improve your chances:

· Remove education dates to avoid ageism
· Don't list your entire employment history if you don't have too
· Remove reference to old IT applications such as DOS or WinME etc
· Keep you resume focused on the job description; don't list unnecessary pointers
· Remember your resume is a selling tool and needs to sell you
· Don't ever lose belief that you can and will succeed

What to look out for in a job description:

Employers will never say "age level" being sought in a position description. It's illegal and non one wants to be seen as being blinkered. Instead, they use subtle changes such as "years of experience". Here we take a look at some typical wording.

Graduate with two years experience
It's quote obvious that when an employers uses this type of phrase, they are seeking someone who is young, just starting out on their career and usually happy to take lower pay and work all the hours legally allowed ! Don't expect too much flexibility on age here

Minimum two years experience
In contrast to the above, it's a phrase that's open to interpretation and will often depend on the context of the wording within the job description, and the description of the team if supplied.

Experienced manager with at least 10 years experience
As seasoned professional's dream in which the employer obviously values years of experience to young and dynamic. That's not to say the role wouldn't be equally challenging - far from it. But the will probably be looking for stability.

Newly or Recently Qualified
Although open to speculation, there's a very good change the employers is hedging towards someone who has qualified and has a total work experience of less than 7 or 8 years. Those with 20 years experience who have recently qualified should still apply, but do understand potentially they are looking for a young employee.

 



    Quick Tips:

    ► Limit your career history to 25 years and
            avoid long winded / bloated resumes

    ► Consider removing dates of qualification

    ► Don't emphasize skills or job experience that
            has no relevance to the position you are
            applying for.

    ► Ask for open and frank comments and
            feedback on your resume.

    ► Remember that not all companies are ageist,
            and for the right roles, your age can work for
            you, not against you.