There are a lot of ways to discuss age in the workplace. We can talk about the benefits of life experience, the financial rewards that experienced workers offer their companies, and the hurdles that older job hunters must overcome to land positions in a competitive job market.
I have touched on these issues many times in my column. But no matter what I write, and how many times I write it, the matter continually comes up in conversation. Just yesterday, I heard someone say: I’m 56 years old. If I needed a job, I don’t think I could get one.
Many older job candidates are concerned about age discrimination. They’re frustrated with long, unsuccessful job searches, and afraid that they won’t earn the money they need to pay the bills.
Here’s the thing. Some bosses discriminate against older candidates, and some do not. You can throw your arms in the air if you want to. Shout about the injustices in the world. You can even spend your days trying to identify the prejudices of specific employers, and limit your job hunt to age-friendly companies.
But, before you waste too much time, consider this: Even discriminatory employers (the ones that unfairly rule out candidates based on cultural background, age or other factors) can be persuaded into offering you a job. How? By focusing on money, money, money.
To be clear, I am not telling you to seek out this type of employer and put my theory to the test. Life is supposed to be joyful, and workdays should be productive and rewarding. With that said, I am suggesting that most hiring managers choose the best candidate for the job, regardless of age.
This is not a new idea. In fact, I’ve written about it many times in my column. Businesses need money. They need creative people to come up with money-making and money-saving ideas, and they need experienced individuals to execute them. Be one of these people. Walk in to your next job interview and prove — really prove — that you have the ideas or experience to improve the bottom line. Focus on money, and the job offers will come.
This bit of advice is especially important for older workers, because people with extensive life and work experience often have one more hurdle to overcome. No, the hurdle is not your age. Most of the time, it’s your fear of age discrimination.
If you stroll into an interview feeling self-conscious about your age, you are missing a great opportunity. Even if nothing is spoken out loud, the boss will probably follow your lead, and question your maturity or lengthy work experience. From then on, it may be difficult for this manager to think of you as a valuable job candidate.
How can you reveal your money-making nature when you are worried about gray hair? Aren’t you encouraging age discrimination by making it the focal point of your job search?
Business is about money, not age. Prove that you will drive up revenue in this tough economy. Concentrate on dollars and cents, and employers will too.
Contact Eve Nicholas at Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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