Use Your Age to Your Advantage at Work
No matter how old you are, there is always a label attached to your age — especially in the workplace.
“Perceptions about older workers often dominate the hiring process,” says Jean Erickson Walker, Ed.D, author of “The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition.” “Today’s 60 is yesterday’s 40. People aren’t checking out Sun City. They are healthy, energetic and competitive and determined to remain productive well into their 70s. They aren’t going anywhere near that rocking chair on the front porch if they can help it.”
Walker notes that a few of the apprehensions employers may have about older workers are arguable:
· Health concerns. Employers worry that older folks may ultimately cost more as their health deteriorates. Walker says that people older than 50 tend to take fewer sick days than younger people, and that it “takes a gurney to get them off the job.”
· Technologically inept. “The concern about people at midlife being technically [incompetent] is an old saw that holds very little merit,” Walker says. “Although they didn’t grow up with computers on their desks, they’ve been using them for over 20 years now. There is very little they don’t know about common usage.”
· Younger bosses. Bosses do get younger every day, but Walker says that the relationship between someone with experience and someone who is ready to experiment and take risks can be outstanding. “Once they get over the initial adjustment, they often develop a relationship based solidly on mutual respect and each learns from the other,” she says. “The key is a leadership philosophy based on collaboration rather than top-down authority.”
If you’re an older worker who is looking for a job where people will have faith and trust in your wisdom, here are five jobs where your experience and expertise are an advantage:
Why age is an advantage: Though young people in the medical field are more than capable of providing exceptional medical care, some people simply don’t feel comfortable having someone their daughter’s age in charge of their life. Older health-care professionals exude good judgment and breadth of experience; people believe you are less likely to be wrong or make a mistake.
Annual average salary*: Salary will vary depending on your position in the industry.
Why age is an advantage: Older workers hold a lot of credibility with stakeholders, Walker says. There’s a natural assumption that someone older knows what he is talking about, which is important when talking about finances. People will believe they can trust your opinion because they come from having been “been there, done that.”
Annual average salary: $66,242
Why age is an advantage: It’s doubtful a college graduate is going to feel comfortable getting career advice from someone who graduated the year before her. People want career advice from people who actually have depth in the work force. Older workers have a great work ethic, as most of them came into the market when they remained at one company until earning a gold watch. That type of commitment will be useful when others need help landing a career.
Annual average salary: $47,074
Why age is an advantage: Older workers usually have a clear commitment to company goals, which means they believe in what the company is selling. “Their knowledge and experience in the global marketplace creates a frame of reference to understand ‘why’ and to recognize the place of the company within that marketplace,” Walker says.
Annual average salary: $60,706
5. Consultant
Why age is an advantage: The good thing about being a consultant is that you can consult for almost anything. As someone older, you probably have more than one area of expertise; consult for them all! Your knowledge will make clients believe you will commit fewer errors, identify the best opportunities and find the clearest path to results, Walker says.
Annual average salary: $152,423; salaries will vary.

April 20th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Older workers are more loyal and care for the job and the company more than younger ones that are climbing the corporate ladder. Older workers are calm in the knowledge that there is not much they haven’t experienced all ready in their careers.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I am 66 yrs old very inciteful article,keep them comeing.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Well, all these articles sound really good and all that. Wish that things were as such out in the real world. Most of the time, the reality is that the older worker gets passed over, amd the HR types will never admit this is why. Most of them are 20-somethings, and by into the myths about older workers. That is the reality; something these rah-rah articles miss. They are looking for those most like themselves. If this is not the case, why are age discrimination lawsuits going through the roof?
April 20th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I would cery much be interested in hearing more about this topic. I am 62 still working will have have to until I die. My SS will not cover my living expenses. I was in business w/ my sister for Twenty years and she did not want to rake out for SS, so you know the fest of the story. i am in the food service feild, assist to GM @ a University. My question is I would like to move to North Carolina and try to work out there. Do you think because of my age, this would be a good move?
Thank you,
Deanna Santino
April 20th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Thanks for these motivations for older people looking for jobs like me. I have been unemployed for almost two years now as an accountant. I have been in training for advanced office technology, which I would have not done. This makes me busy, while, preparing myself for more challenging accounting roles when economy jumpstarts.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
How ironic reading this article today, which is my 51st birthday. I have been unemployed since Oct 08. I am beginning to believe that more and more employers do believe the myths about older employees. Like Evelyn, I am going back to school to obtain that almighty piece of paper stating I am smart. Thanks for the comments!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Downturn in economy is one part. Unfortunately almost all employers have started asking your birth date as an obligatory entry as part of the application which gives HR an opportunity to for age-discrimination although they know in their heart that age-discrimination is against the law. In addition the younger generation does not not care about or value the experience people over 50 carry. It’s better to have matured HR people who would not discriminate with either because of their maturity.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Thank you.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I am over fifty, and have worked in advertising my entire career. My background and interests have only been in print related projects. The world seems to be shifting more and more towards web based environments, for various reasons from far/fast and easy reach of the population; but mostly cost-effectiveness. At this stage I’m not sure where I will stand. Between the horrible job market and younger more technically savy people I don’t have many opportunities. I am a very passionate, take charge and dedicated individual, what does a person in my situation do?
April 20th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I saw two Ph.D.s laid off (who had that piece of paper by the way)and that’s when I decided to go into business for myself. I expanded one business and started the other one and said good-bye to corporate America, long commutes, office politics, and lay-off threats. I have more flexibility, I have fun doing what I am doing and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. I did temp work and found what these other folks found out about who is being hired – young people who DON’T have experience…another lie about your age being an advantage – where? not in corporate America it isn’t…
April 20th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
The problem with consulting in industrial automation is that in many cases you need to be bonded and insured and be able to front large sums of money to be able to take on projects. One client that bails and you are in deep guano. And companies are going down right and left under the Obama plan. Awful risky
April 20th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I would like to add one more interesting item regarding age in this environment now. When I was laid off from my previous job, the first thing HR said, was that it had nothing to do with age. The interesting part was when we compared notes, it was all women and all over fifty that were let go. I was told that if I disputed this , I would not get my severance. I do read all the material that gives advice and help in finding work, and I am very grateful for all the information; but I must admit that situation does tend to put a damper on it all.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
A Law need to be passed for Employers that ordinarily they need not ask a Birth Date (in applications filled on employer’s websites)from an applicant before the hiring decision has actually taken place. However, employer may ask if a candidate is atleast 18 or 21 years of age and able to perform the functions of the job requirements. Unfortunately, in certain cases some employers have made various group brakets so they may know as to which age group you fall into. I am sure they are deliberately doing this to select a candidate which should be ideal from their stand point — A CLEAR AGE-RELATED DISCRIMINATION. That’s one of the reason over 50 people are finding hard time seeking a job eversince employers have started applications through their websites with unnecessary and discriminatory questions to screen out over age people from their point of view, I believe. I still wish GOOD LUCK to over 50s. Thank you.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Who are we all kidding.
The economy is in the toilet.
A kid will work (even if poorly) for beans.
People like me (50) are healthcare burdens to employers.
I’ve worked for three Fortune Forty companies, with stellar performances.
Hiring managers consider us more of a threat to their position than an asset to the “Team”.
Write off ‘09 if you can, ’cause regardless of the market upswing, consumer’s are stuffing their mattresses, banks aren’t lending (although they’re turning profits now, and raising credit card rates), our exports are flat, and we owe China three trillion dollars.
Have a nice day!
April 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I am 64 and was laid off Dec 1. The company later went out of business. I was also laid off at age 58 (having worked for the company for 15 years.) It is absolutely true that age discrimination is rampant. I could tell by the look on the HR person’s face when I was called in for an interview. If you don’t believe me send out a resume with the year you graduated—see what happens.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Susan, I was “laid off” from my company under the same circumstances as you. (3) (women) (over 50)(same group)
April 20th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
A law does need to be passed that prevent any employee from asking for your birthday. Age discrimination is quite the rage today. All the HR types uses age to screen out candidates, and their is nothing you can do about it. The law is so lacking in specificity that even if one know the law is been broken you have no recourse. The HR types know that this law is just window dressing. I had a recent experience applying for a position with the federal government and the HR person who was handling the application found me unqualified and unsuitable for 4 positions. I am quite sure it was because of my age but what can be done about. This is some young lady who only sees my age and run for the hills. Truly, in America, where one has paid taxes, etc, would this be allowed. This is a terrible place to grow old, especially so if one still has a lot of productive years left.
April 20th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Thanks for the article. It is good to try and maintain a positive perspective. However, I must admit that I have twice been in discussions with potential employers where age was explicitly mentioned. The problem (as others have mentioned) is often the HR departments where there is a tendency to look for reasons to reject your resume. One age-related reason can simply be that you have too much experience so that some of your experience does not fit. I have heard that one also.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Over 50 and highly experienced
However I am discriminated against because I am over 50 and NON- degreed
Ironic isn’t it.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
If you think you have been discriminated due to your age and laid off, then as a service to all mature workers you must file a complaint and forgo the severence. If seeking employment, do not disclose your age and your SSN until hired. Sometimes the employer tries to guess your age by asking you the year of your graduation but you can tell them politely that this information may be confirmed later along with the screening for drug abuse and criminal background. How can I tell them that I graduated 50 years ago and still hope to be hired?
mdm10
April 20th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I appreciate the upbeat article for older Americans looking for work. I agree age discrimination is against the law, however most applications get around the birth date question by asking for a complete job history with dates. Doesn’t take a math wizard to determine when someone is over 55.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I have been in financial services for over 17 years. I’ve worked at some of the largest companies in the world, and been in management capacities. The lack of disclosure from the Wall Street firms makes me sick, and I have been struggling for the last few months. I’m over 40 now, and have worked my butt off to be almost homeless. If anyone in the Portland, OR is looking for a very hard working employee who is tenacious and very loyal, I would love to talk with you regarding the possibilities. Thank you and have a great day!
April 20th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I was terminated (oh, excuse me, “laid off”) nearly two years ago (and STILL unemployed!), the day before my 59th birthday (how convenient). You can’t tell me that age does not play a part when companies are “culling the herd” to downsize, right-size, whatever you want to call it.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I agree, Mike. It is a no brainer for companies to determine one’s approximate age via one’s resume. In the interview for my last position I was told by the interviewer (who was not my direct supervisor, but rather her supervisor) that I had a wealth of experience and that this experience would be an asset to their organization. Apparently my direct supervisor did not share his postive impressions of an older worker and actually said to me, “You know…there’s a reason 20-somethings take this job.” This was right before she terminated me for no reason the day before my union benefits and protection kicked in! My productivity far exceeded that of my 20-something counterparts. Everyone tells me it was age discrimination but what can one do when it is “she said/she said?” The end result if the same…I am unemployed and starting over at 51. Scared to death….
April 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I am 64 and out of work for four years. I have over 30 years data processing experience and am very knowledgable and a practioner in all aspects of quality and productivity improvement. I have applied for over 300 jobs including low paying jobs at Walmart, Home Depot, etc. I have had less than 10 interviews and no offers. Clearly in some of the applications I was the most qualified candidate.
You can’t tell me that age discrimination is not rampant in the workplace. All the articles on reliability, work ethic etc.,of older workers are true but do absolutely nothing to help us get a job.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I agree wholeheartedly with every email regarding age discrimination. I am only 54 and was laid off after 20 years at the same commpany. Another women a couple years older than me and a guy that was younger were also let go – guess they made him the sacrifical lamb so we couldn’t use age discrimination. We also had to sign a form saying we wouldn’t retaliate if we wanted to get a severeance package. I have applied for over 50 jobs that I I am completely qualified for. Mostly I never hear a wrod back, but what’s even more depressing is that a few weeks later I see the exact same advertisement for a position I applied for! And twice I was told the position was filled by someone that met their qualifications better, but then saw the same ad again and again. Obviously age discrimination is occuring here. I have even said I didn’t care what the salary was or how far I had to drive. It didn’t matter.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
The only thing missing from the other comments is when they ask for “a seasoned” employee. I must too well seasoned. I have been unemployeed for over a year now. I always thought that I had marketable skills. What the heck happened?
April 20th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Kinda ironic that the title of the article is:
“Use Your Age to Your Advantage at Work”
I would imagine that most people reading these posts are unemployed/laid off.
And those of us that were laid off probably didn’t have much of an opportunity to use their age to their advantage, or they would not have been laid off in the first place.
On top of that, it is in the FINDING a new job that the age discrimination is a major barrier.
Sure, it is true, and all of us 50+ people will probably agree that we are such devoted, hard-working and experienced workers.
Problem is that when applying for a job, especially when it is via a recruitment agency (and 80%-90% of the postings on sites like CB are) we are dealing with (mostly) young girls, who are hardly capable of spelling their own name, or write a decent email or a job posting.
When you do land a job interview with one of these kids, they are always “very impressed”, and think you are an “awesome candidate” and they will “find you a suitable job in no-time”.
But after that you will probably never hear from them again.
They don’t answer their phones (caller-id, anyone?),have just “left-for-the-day” don’t return calls or emails and are generally useless.
So don’t tell me that has nothing to do with age…
April 20th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Our company filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy two years after being sold to an investment company. I am starting to believe that my age has a lot to do with me not getting another job. I have over 30 years of experience in the printing business as well as a BA degree in Art. Once my resume is reviewed, potential employers can figure out my age according to my work history and year I received my degree. Little do they know that I go to the gym, excerise, take my vitamins and have never taken a sick day in those 16 years. I wonder how many youngers can say this?
April 20th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I am 52 and have been unemployed for 1 year now. I have applied for several hundred or more positions with little or no feedback from employers. Last month I started a one man company because there is no hiring going on anywhere in this state. I have 1 customer so far and keep looking for more but the economy keeps sliding towards depression. I have heard that there are many people opening their own companies because the lack of jobs for mature workers. What people are saying is true, companies won’t hire older workers. First there is no governing body to make them hire older workers outside the EEOC. Second they don’t want to pay benefits and retirement plus the required taxes for ss. I have worked since 1977 and now have no safety net with savings left. I don’t think I could get another job and make enough money to retire unless I am working for myself. If I do get hired by a company, I will try to keep running a business, because it will take it to make it.
April 20th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I just had an interview. Three minutes into the interview I was asked how old I was. What do you say? “I’m a Cad Drafter/Designer, using two types of graphic software packages, with 30 years in multiple fields of engineering,an I’m 55″. They didn’t hear a thing you said except that you’re 55. Oh yeah, and the job I got laid off from went to India, to the people I was training.
April 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
From what I can see,a good number of the folks making comments could stand some lessons in spelling and grammar. Those are skills that should be up to par no matter what your age. Of course, if the HR person is younger and overly exposed to testing, they may not realize that any errors exist.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I am 63, laid off in January. I apply for several jobs every day and have had 4 interviews in three months. One agent called to advise I was not chosen and I mentioned that I had seen most of the 50+ employees and they were all very young. Since we were having a friendly talk, she admitted that is her experience with the company.
Another interview was for a temp job with the same layoff company. The agency had scheduled the interview and I was to deliver my resume to the interviewer, a 30ish man new to the location. He came to the lobby to get me and immediately looked at me with a sneer. He hurriedly walked me to an office, sat down and quickly said I was not qualified for the job. The fact that I am qualified was irrelevant. He never read the resume, only made rough scratches on it as he meanly glared at me.
By the way, I’m a fairly nice looking old lady with great speaking ability and also well-dressed. My jacket alone that day probably cost more than half his wardrobe. None of all that mattered since I was clearly way beyond his age preference.
I have concluded that I may as well just go ahead and put my age in a cover letter on every application. At least that way I won’t waste gasoline for the useless drive.
Best of luck to all Oldies But Goodies!
April 20th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I was fired by my company in Dec.2008 because of age. I am 58 years old and the group acted if i was senile. but i stood up for myself everyday of course in a professional and intelligent way.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I would really appreciate hearing of how to reply to Companies that give us (over 60) dear john letters. I have been sending out resumes for three years now and have a difficult time landing an interview….help!
April 20th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I was also laid off after Training my replacement who just happen to be half my age making half my income funny how that works, Not only do you bust your butt for an employer you train some one half your age with knowledge it took you 20+ years to gain just to watch some kid take it away. Age discrimination never would have thought of that!
April 20th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
what about starting a staffing service for over 40 year old workers?
i have 20 plus years experience in the collection business and want to consultant/train the younger folks, and i need to know how to start my staffing company
April 20th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I recently took a job at a little above minimum wage after e-mailing my resume for two years. They put me on 90 days probation without knowing my age.(I look 40) but am 54. I’ve been told I am beautiful, smart, witty, professional and (the dreaded words)over qualified. On the 75 day I was called in to say “I wasn’t the right fit” for the team they were building.(Most all were in their 20’s) What was the most exasperating part is the 20 somethings show up late, call in sick and made a career of personal phone calls to boyfriends etc and they are all still employed. Where’s the justice? Thanks anyway for the article.
Justice for Jeanna!
April 20th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I’m 50 with ten years of delivery experience in addition to a college degree. I’ve been looking for work for over an year, interviewing with several companies with no success. I agree with the others that age discrimination is rampant, but often difficult to prove. I’m pretty sure that if I’d been 10-15 years younger I’d have been hired by now. I also agree that birth dates/graduation dates/s.s. numbers shouldn’t be asked for in most cases until someone is hired.
April 20th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Great motivators. Now, if someone could get CEO’s & Executive Directors understand how valuable older people are. I was with a company for 23 years and was laid off 1 yr and 9 months before I could collect my totally retirement money. Now, I have to wait until I’m 65.
April 20th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Great! Ok now I am ready to get hired! I am a finance guy. 52 and ready to move forward. alonagilus@yahoo.com
April 20th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
It would be great to believe there are advantages for older workers in the workforce, but that’s just not how things play out. As an earlier poster mentioned, many HR staff are in their 20s and 30s and don’t want to bother even considering someone who’s over 50. Even using your network to find a job is difficult as many of my contemporaries are also out of work or have figured out how to retire and be done with all the corporate nonsense they’ve had to put up with for too many years. When I interview, I put on a happy face and try to appear energized and enthusiastic, but, frankly, I wish I had the money to retire so I wouldn’t have to deal with the condescension of the incredibly conservative and close minded people who pass for managers today.
April 20th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
At 53 I have accepted the fact that the only option for us baby boomers is to be in business for ourselves. I worked for corporate America for 25 years and since leaving have not been able to even secure an interview due to the competition and my previous salary. That was 12 months ago. It’s all money and the bottom line as far as any employer goes. I was blessed to have found a business with absolutely zero risk and in March had a record breaking month in 25 years even with this almost unbearable recession. There are options for us but you must take action. Do your research on any company you are interested in working with. I invite you to join me if you want to be in an even better situation than you were in the past, make more money than you could ever imagine, and eliminate that knot in your stomach.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I am in my early 60’s. I can certainly relate to the age discrimination coments. I recently experienced age discrimination on the job. I was put in an unfair position where the workload was not distributed fairly (confirmed by HR) I feel I was let go because I could’nt meet production standards.I told HR that the workload was so overwhelming. I felt as though I was put in that position to fail.
Upon my leaving and during my exit interview, I reported to HR how I had been subjected to Age discrimination comments; they were also directed to the other women in the office. I shared with HR that I had gotten advice from an outside organization regarding the age discrimination comments.I did not pursue their advice because I did not want to hurt this not for profit organization whose mission is to help others in every way possible. If I pursued them legally, most the people who are being helped would experience hardships. I am hopeful that I will be rewarded for doing the right thing and land a job in the near future with a company that respects and rewards seniors who want to work and have to work. I am hopeful and prayerful that one day soon, I will find that perfect job where I can feel appreciated and happy as I enjoy my seasoned years.
Thank you for listening.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Age is a disadvantage if working for others. When a younger manager, I did not hire older people based on there attitude and over confidence. Now I am unemployed. Too many younger managers are clueless but very good at wordsmithing and distributing work as their own. Many of the managers today have masters degrees in something not relevant to the job at hand. If I had my 401k money it could have created my own story. My own business to reap rewards and do things the right moral way. We know too much and are disrespected for it.
April 20th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I have had horrilbe job experiances.
Mobbing and bullying and sabatouge.
I am tired of it .
Where are all the decent jobs for Older people who wanted to get ahead but instead got OUTPLACED OUTSOURCED
fired at will after theier employees decided they did not want yopu around.
And younger people do goof off all day,smart mouth you and are so very uncoopertive I can not believe it.
April 20th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I was forced out of the federal government in 07 to take a buyout. My manager concocted a case against me saying my duties and job title does not match and I was unqualified for my position but 5 years before the agency gave me the promotion to my title and position under the same agency director who signed the promotion papers. I was 58 years old in 07′ and retirement age for the government is 55. So they needed a reason to make a case. I tried to fight them through the union but the union joined their decision and gave a buyout with 6 months comp time pay and had me sign a affidavit to not to sue the government or forfeit my buyout. So I left quietly and still I am unemployed today 4/20/09 after going on multiple interviews, signed up with monster, careerbuilder, jobs.com, friends and company etc. kelly temps. I guess we have trust divine intervention and wait.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Yeah Tracy, I know what you mean. I just graduated with a degree in Accounting last month,and sending my resume’ out into the job market abyss.
I went back to get my degree at 51, and now at 55, I can only hope and pray that I get a job that pays enough to pay off the student loan in excess of 40 grand.If I can live that long.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Give it a rest Thomas. People are angry and not to worried about the spelling and grammer, while they are pouring their hearts out about how frustrating it is to be over 50, talented, and energetic, and not being able to find a job. By the way Thomas….how old are you?
April 20th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I’ve been unemployed for 7 months now and am almost 52. I know at least 3 other people in my age group who are also experiencing age discrimination which definitely is common out there. The employer will get a fix on your age early in the game, so you can’t hide your age nor should you try to. I agree that one of the main problems rests with the HR people and their preconceived notions about senior workers. The younger workers, themselves, also can be rough on the more senior workers who they don’t respect as they should. The companies who go out of their way to say that they are “equal opportunity employers” and “honor diversity” are usually the worst when it comes to seniors. They’re generally not stupid, so they won’t give you enough evidence to successfully sue them. We were suppose to be entering a phase in time where a shortage of qualified workers was going to open the doors for us to work longer, so maybe if the economy recovers some, that may happen. (It may not happen, too.) Those who can start a successful business at this point in their lives are probably in the best position. It’s unlikely that we can find a company who will hire only seniors and pass on the others. For now, it’s the other way around.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Yes, there is age discrimination but I would like to throw in my two cents, here. Some asked for advice and others didn’t but desperately need it; not that I’m a theory. First, don’t give your age. On your resume, dates need not be listed for your schooling – just put your highest achievement there. Work history: keep your resume briefer (more than a page is pushing it). List your last ten years of experience; hopefully, it’s relevant to the job being pursued. Importantly, tweak your resume for the positions you’re applying for – one size fits all doesn’t work. Last but probably most foremost; act young. Just because you have a few extra years doesn’t mean you have to be angry, mean, defensive, or any of those kind of undesirable traits. Go into an interview with an upbeat attitude and smile. No, don’t be a dorky goof but show you have humor and intellect – often they coincide. I could go on but there’s really only one more point I’d like to make (that someone else mentioned earlier)… watch your grammar. Some of the posts here show a tremendous amount of illiteracy – I hope it isn’t reflected on the culprits’ resumés. Oh, by the way – yes, I’m fifty-something and unemployed but I’ve not given up – and I think it shows. The practices I’ve noted scored a great interview today, though not the first. Be patient and be happy, even if it hurts.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:10 am
I work in management (non HR) and am 50+. I do make hiring decisions. We are oriental owned company. We look for knowledge, healthiness, and quickly moving engertic associates. I have had potential associates rejected for grossly overweight, lack of knowledge, poor conversation skills and age by senior management. The oriental companies tend to put age lower on the list though. Put your severence into cosmetic age reduction and being slim. The problem lies with the american HR filtering by american standards and the oriental judging by overseas work ethic. Keeping the position requires a different set of skills. One I found to be interesting is that a judgement is made on how fast an associate walks in the aisle and if they keep head up or down.
April 21st, 2009 at 4:23 am
I am basically in the same position as a lot of the other older workers that have responded to age discrimination. WHoever wrote the article must be in their 20’s or 30’s. Age disrimination is alive and well and the only way to prove it is company by company. How can you keep track of individuals who have applied and interviewed for jobs but have been turned down to hire younger workers? Again company by company. If someone were gathering this information and submitting it to EEOC. i don’t have all the answers yet but unlike the federal goverment I do not have my head where it doesn’t belong. My next letter is to the federal goverment…will advise
April 21st, 2009 at 7:29 am
In briefly reading the other comments. I agree with the person that indicated they were laid off around 59 years old. I too was laid off and am now working as a temp. I have applied through various recruiters and to company confidential numerous times and have not gotten any nibbles. I attribute that to being now 60 and “too old”. I feel that as long as I enjoy the work and can keep my health I can work into my 70’s. In the meantime I have tried to expand a small accounting practice I own and that seems to be the right road for now.
April 21st, 2009 at 8:36 am
Perhaps a group of seniors should get together and form a company. They can recruit mainly competent mature workers who were either laid off or run out of their former jobs due to their age. But then look out. THEY would probably be attacked by the media and sued by all kinds of other special interest groups.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:03 am
I am 56 and can’t get a full time job doing anything. I worked on a computer for about 20 of my working years and was a hair dresser and worked as a cashier, head cashier and part time supervisor and can’t get anyone to hire me for any of those jobs.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:11 am
If it wasn’t for contract/temp work I would be on the street. I highly recommend that to everyone who is laid off.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:20 am
Having read all the comments prior to my writing this I drew the same conclusions. I am nearing 60, laid off last November and was bitter because of the reduction in my lifestyle (and yes it is a reduction in what we did everyday). However along with me at this company there were many people laid off who are also not finding jobs, interviews, or leads. This economy does not have 8.5% unemployment for baby boomers alone. Many people of all ages and backgrounds are losing jobs and can’t find work. Period.
Don’t get me wrong. I am more than capable to continue to work and had planned to do so for a much longer time. If we feel we have been discriminated upon then we have a DUTY to report this to our legislators. But in the meantime we need to sharpen our skills (as many have said) and put forth a “younger image” when we have the opportunity.
One last thing- an outplacement service told me in my last layoff (8 years ago) to always turn around the overqualified comment to “highly qualified”. It puts a much needed positive spin on a negative word.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:08 am
I am a 54 year old, out of work, sous chef! I find that interviewing with 20 year olds really puts a damper on my 35 some years of experience and wisdom. They make me feel like I am way too old for the position I am appling for, in some cases downright humiliating. My position takes experience, not something that a 21 year old fresh out of culinary school has, I have a difficult time understanding how I lose out a position to the exact mentioned above. That and the fact that I am a female.
No one will ever make me beleive that my age and gender, are not the reason I am out of work, it has everything to do with my still being unemployed.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:15 am
To any HR folks out there looking to hire a well rounded leader with a positive attitude, proven track record, a wealth of knowledge, experience, energy, and determination. I am 58 years old and want to work thru retirement age of 66. As Lee Iacoca once said, “lead, follow or get out of my way”
Daniel M. Demjanik
7208 Summit St, Shawnee, Kansas 66216
mich@everestkc.net
daniel.m.demjanik@bankofamerica.com
Office (816) 979-7954 Home (913) 248-1969
OBJECTIVE
To provide my future employer with an opportunity to utilize my 30 plus years of management expertise. To help the company that is willing to take the chance on hiring me to reach their corporate goals and future growth objectives through my common sense approach to leadership.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A detail oriented professional with 27 years experience in all facets of production operations and management. Areas of leadership competency include:
• Project Management • Multi Departmental Management
• Compliance & Risk Assessment • Contract & Vendor Negotiation
• S5S Lean Manufacturing • Six Sigma Methodology
• Audit / Inventory Control • Customer / Client Relations
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Bank of America, Kansas City, Missouri 2006 to Present
Operations Site Manager, VP; Document Fulfillment Services (2006 to Present)
Responsibilities include P&L budgeting, project planning, operational procedures, performance planning, privacy / risk data management and end-to-end production operations.
• Utilized Six Sigma Quality Control, VOC, Process Management tools
• Implemented organizational multi-department merger transition into one entity
• Managed 4 Departments, 3 Shift Managers, 2 Department Managers and 45 Associates in day-to-day operations which include training, audits and security monitoring to ensure high level privacy breach control methods
• Transitioned from 5 Million Page Statement Operation to 60 Million Page Statement Production Facility
• Integrated software upgrades for various platforms including IBM Info Print Manager, Lasermax Roll Web Vision and PFFS (print & finish software solutions) system
• Formulated and designed systems scope and objectives for the applications and development of major departmental projects.
• Developed and implemented new processes to reduce costs, improve operating efficiency and end to end workflow capacities
• Modified existing procedures and analyzed and resolved non-routine and/or moderately complex operational problems requiring research and involvement from other business functional experts.
• Forecasted and managed staffing levels and capacities.
• Executed business continuity tests to prepare and ensure our site was is in compliance with set goals and strategies for disaster recoveries
• Decreased unit cost (excluding postage) from $0.13 to $0.07
• Established and championed
o ASIT (Associate Satisfaction Improvement Team)
o S5S production and steering teams.
Church, Rickards, & Whitlock Co. Chicago Illinois
Western US Territory Manager (1997-2006)
• Managed overall operation of western territory (Twenty Three States)
• Responsible for annual P&L budget of $2,000,000
• Management of bonding and accident insurance programs for two hundred-seventeen metro and rural newspapers
The Newspapers of West Georgia, Douglasville, GA
Regional Circulation Director (1990-1997)
• Regional Director responsible for the end to end production/distribution of eight circulation department publications consisting of two daily newspapers, four weekly newspapers and two TMC (total market coverage) products
• Devised promotional programs for marketing, sales, service, collections, distribution and customer retention
• Supervised the daily operations of transportation, telemarketing, single copy, home delivery, mail room, customer service, sales, promotions, marketing, commercial printing, newspapers in education, and total market coverage including ABC audit/postal regulations compliance
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY – Courses in Marketing and Business Administration
Company Sponsored Training:
• Behavioral Interviewing (Certificate of Excellence)
• Six Sigma E Learning
• Six Sigma Fundamentals
• Green Belt Improvement Workshop
• Green Belt Improvement Assessment
• Earned Six Sigma (5S) Lean Manufacturing site certification
April 21st, 2009 at 10:23 am
This age discrimination is very similar to the other “wars” going on in the work place. Gender wars, race wars, sexual preference wars and yes, age war. It boils down to political correctness. HR hires the very people who are in the politically correct group that can best represent to the public that the company does indeed hire such individuals. HR then pursues their own agenda of excluding most qualified people who do not belong to their protected group. They will hire a few to cover their backside, but exclude most. The excluded ones are assumed to be able to snap their fingers and have a job appear out of thin air which is not the case. Over time what you see is that the various protected groups, the so called underdogs, take over most departments in the company and discriminate against most other good folks. These people think that it is OK to do so as if it is pay back time. Even if a manager on the floor wants a person on board, the HR people will find a way around the manager and hire the people who they relate most to, be it age, sex, race or sexual preference. In our country’s attempt to bring true diversify to the work place, we created another form of discrimination. Our generation, the people who are age 45 and above, are the ones who finally opened the door to equal rights and diversity only to have it shoved in our faces by the very people who we helped.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:29 am
I’m a strong beliver in the value of older, experienced workers, so much so that I and others have started a business to help older professionals find part time work in their field to help supplement their income. We plan on changing the way companies think about older workers and part time positions. Our approach offers the best of both worlds for older workers and companies that value experience. We plan on making a difference in this country for the “Boomer Generation” by giving older experienced people the option to semi-retire, travel and live in different parts of the country where ever they wish, while still working part time. It might not be full retirement, but is the next best thing.
April 21st, 2009 at 10:44 am
How many times can you hear that you are “over qualified” without wanting to jump out a window? That is the excuse for not hiring me that I have heard most often. I was laid off in March of 2008, because my company went bankrupt and closed. I turned 59 later that year. I have been told too many times that I was one of the top 2 or 3 candidates for the job, but that I was over qualified. The only thing that means is that they think I am too old, or they think they can’t afford me because of my wealth of experience. The phrase over qualified makes them immune to an age discrimination law suit. I don’t know about you, but I am not near being ready to retire. I will not be able to afford to retire, and expect to work until they have to roll me away from my desk in my coffin. Which, by the way, will be many, many years from now! Thanks for letting me vent!
April 21st, 2009 at 10:44 am
Silly me! I failed to point out that I will be unemployed on May 27! Just a heads up to the fortunate employer who is willing to take a calculated risk on this 58 year old washed up over the hill has been.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Companies are in trouble by letting experience walk out the door, the problem with companies is that younger inexperienced management controls them, and the same mentality follows. People laugh when I say things that are true about the young unproven management. Example: In my day when a company had low profits or lost a big account the president called in the management, and gave “each” of them an overview of their job description. Marketing did their part, sales went out and picked up new business, and purchasing got better deals. The new inexperienced management goes into the conference room and “with their skills” they come up with results like “less cut salary” or “less lay-off some people”. This is were people laugh at me because I say that I would let everyone of them go if that was the best solution they could come up with to run my company. Bottom line is that they can’t manage a company; they take the easy way out and are not willing to do the work to make it successful. One day we may have the chance to save the companies out there lead by this management. I see them needing us when they need a better idea.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
This is very useful information. Nice to have something motivational in these hard times.
April 21st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
WHAT MORE CAN I SAY OTHER THAN EVERY POINT IN HIRING “EXPERIENCED” MANAGERS IS VALID. THE MAJORITY OF TODAY’S CEO’S ARE OVER 55.
HIRE ME “TODAY’! I’M 60 AND HAVE A WORK ETHIC THAT IS SECOND TO NONE.
KEVIN
April 21st, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I have been reading the comments about older workers today. Unfortunately, all of them are true.
I had been employed in the same firm for nearly twelve years and was laid off. I then went to work for another firm, who, by the way, never asked my age, and my resume does not give my age away either. (I am 61 and I am told I look like I am in my early to mid-forties. I do not act my age either, whatever that means.)
Shortly after I was hired at this new firm, HR came to me to inform me how much it was costing the firm for my medical coverage (100% company paid), since I was 60 years old. He had no idea how old I was when I was hired. He kept repeating my age to me. I just agreed with him that I was indeed 60 years old. It was obvious he was not happy about my age.
Shortly after tax season ended I was called into the HR office and laid off. No reason was given. My severance package included two weeks vacation and two weeks salary, after working there for less than six months. I was told the partners felt I had earned the pay.
The next day 4 more people were laid off as well. With one exception, all of those laid off were over 50. I believe this was undoubtedly to quell the prospect of any potential age discrimination problems.
The most interesting thing about all of this is several months later I met a couple of the younger employees from that firm at a function, and they informed me all of the short-cuts I had designed to speed up processing of client work, which I had been told after-the fact at the firm not to use because “it was not the way they did things at that firm,” were all in use now at the firm.
I am glad I could be of help.
I have been unemployed for nearly one year now. I have done some consulting work, but it is not the same as full-time+ employment.
I send out resumes but the job market is flat. It seems the only companies posting jobs are either looking for entry-level workers or senior executive positions with 10 to 20 years experience doing CEO or CFO work, with a masters degree or a doctorate in something, anything, just to apply. That severly limits the field for those of us who have been long-term dedicated workers for most of our lives. Age discrimination is alive and well in the USA, of that I have no doubt.
Perhaps I should look into starting my own business. God knows, there are a lot of people looking for work. Perhaps then I could be in a position to hire seasoned individuals who have the same work ethic and drive I do. Who knows?
Marge
Connecticut
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 am
I’ve been on the job market since 7/31/2009. I have a technical degree and a BSBA, over 30 years in my field, broad experience, and a stellar work record. I have stayed current in my field and have dozens of training certificates, praise laden letters of recommendation, and more to make me a valuable asset to any employer. I’m 54 and out of over 350 jobs I have applied for have gotten 5 interviews, 3 of which I know I was denied because of my age. Previous to re-entering the job market I was told by a career counselor that “Being 50 or older will get more doors slammed in your face than being a recently released ex-felon.” This proved to be so true! I recently testified for the AARP with others before a State Congress Panel about age discrimination. It exists and is widespread and everybody know it but can’t or won’t do anything about it. Sorry, but all these feel good pieces about older workers are just so much fluff. According to stastics something like over 60% of workers over 50 never go back in the work force at anything resembling their old positions and income. In the manufacturing sector that percentage never re-enter the workforce at all. Department store greeter position anyone?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 am
oh yes, the new term is “fit” as in we want a better fit, you are not a good fit…
as far as not giving your age, dates when you were employed, school attendance dates, issuing dates for training and certificates, military history, all give an employer an idea of your age.
lastly, if you never even get a call for an interview, how can you prove you were discriminated against? this has been my experience for 98% of the positions i have applied for. the placement agencies and their ilk are just as bad as the individual companies. employers know this no call discrimination tactic works like a charm! those of us on the receiving end know this is happening, but what can we do to prove it? and it’s big name companies, Fortune 500 Companies, and ones that talk about how good and equitable they are.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
I agree with most of the comments above. It was very hard for me 26 years ago, female, at age 42, to re-enter the job market, after 17 years being a homemaker. However, after the death of my husband and with 3 children to support and raise, I had to return to work in order to support my family.
After sending out hundreds of resumes and going on numerous interviews, I finally landed a part-time job where I worked for 2 years. As I needed full-time employment (I couldn’t make it on $5.00 an hour), I worked at temporary positions until I landed an Administrative Assistant position for a V.P. at a bank,. I stayed there for 3 years (with excellent work performance). I went to work for a big corporation and was there for 12 1/2 years. Then as a result of the horrible treatment I received from several new supervisors (both of whom made Satan look like an Angel), I landed a position at a law firm, where I worked for a little over 7 years. Then out-of-the-blue a little over a month ago, I was called down to HR and told that my position (along with a number of others) was being eliminated and that I had to sign a Release in order to get my severance. It was a devastating time for me to say the least. Although the blessing is that at 67 I am collecting Social Security–even though with unemployment I am just about financially making it. If it had happened a year or so ago, I would have probably been in financial ruins. My philosophy has always been that my employer was paying me a wage to do a job but others feel they’re doing the company a favor being there! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get another job and, truthfully, right now I need a break. When I was suddenly called down to HR and told I no longer had a job, it was DEVASTATING! I understand that most companies handle terminations of good employees in this cruel manner. I can see if someone is being “fired” but when you’ve been such an outstanding employee, it doesn’t seem to be the best and fairest way to handle the situation (especially when it is due to the economy and downsizing and not because you’ve been a terrible employee).
I wonder if there are any companies out there that handle this kind of situation in a more caring and humane way. If there are, they need to train other companies in how to let employees go in a more compassionate way.
Oh well, I shall use this time to get some much needed rest after all the years of working, raising 3 children, and the stress of working in corporate America!
Now it is time for my nap–as you know how much sleep us “old fogies” need!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Wow, this is great for me, I have been layed off since Jan. 1st and can not find another job. I am 52 and I was layed off because I was the oldest in the group where the layoff occurred. Of course they would never say that because…yeah. Anyway, I thought I was the only one going through this and am single and don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s very depressing and I’m worn out with it. But here is something, the jobs aren’t there for the younger people either these days. I know of younger people who have just graduated from college and can not find jobs today. Imagine trying to start your life in todays economy. At least we know what it can be like. One more point I have had a couple of interviews, at one job there were 40 job openings and 2500 applicants. Another I interviewed for (if you want to call it that) had one job opening and 230 applicants. In those odds they are going to hire the younger people we know if we are living in the real world.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I’m unemployed and turning 50 this year and I feel for those claiming age discrimination in the hiring process. However, when you used to being treated like a 2nd class citizen and having to be at least 2 times more qualified than the person who got hired because a friend or someone in their family played golf with Billy Bob — this squaking doesn’t really borther you. The reality is too many people have gotten
where they are on their backs or via that un-level playing field. Some of you are just reaping what you sowed! Don’t go home and shoot you family, or jump off a bridge.. be thankful for what you have and help someone else. I truly believe to whom much is given — much is required.
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:10 am
I can relate to everyone of the postings listed. My husband was laid off from his job of 28 years when he hit the magic age of 50. No reason was given, only that they were “downsizing” in his department. The company then turned around and brought in several (3, I believe) younger, less experienced employees to do his job!!
It took him nearly a year to find another position, which lasted only one year. The company, again, was having budgetary prolems and, since he was the last hired, he was permanently laid off.
It has been nearly three years since that time. He has tried to find work doing anything — even working as a bagger at the local grocery store — but is being told he is over qualified. Of course he is! He’s an engineer with tremendous experience in tool design and layout. I’ve watched a brilliant man suffer some of life’s biggest indignaties.
Because of his loss of income and insurance, I left a job I loved so that we could afford insurance. Low and behold, I have now been laid off because after 10 months “due to the economy.” Of course, people with less qualifications, skills, and education were kept. Those people were younger than me (15-20 years). There was a mass layoff of 148 people that day. All but one of us was over 50 years of age. The people that were kept were habitual slackers (e.g., left early, came in late, called in sick at least twice a month, etc., etc., etc.). The majority of the people had little to no skills, but fit the corporate image (young, young, young). Too bad corporations can’t see that the people that do the work are the people that shoul be working! I’ve already receivd phone calls from my old office mates, telling me that they don’t know how I ever got all of the work done during the day. Funny thing is, I was never swamped with work: I just worked while I was in the offie. Maybe if they spent less time on personal phone calls, spent less time rearranging they social lives, and actully came to work, they’d be able to perform.
There is no justice. This is an epidemic that is sweeping our nation, and it has to be dealt with. No wonder the US is no longer able to compete in a global market. The people that have replaced the real workers of our nation have no idea how to work.
Frustrated in Milwaukee ….
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’d also like to add that it doesn’t help that there’s so many people out there, that companies can pick and choose, and often not to the best of the lot, but who fits in “salary-wise”. Companies are hiring on the cheap right now, and if they think you cost too much, they won’t even touch you. Plus, if you do apply for something stopgap, they’re afraid you’ll leave once the economy recovers.
The ones who are not hurting right now are the ones controlling the salaries – the executives aren’t hurting, and they have the power to arrange finances so they can remain in business AND still grab a high paycheck. Those whose fates are controlled by these people are of no concern.
I’ve interviewed at four different places over the last 9 months, and I just completed one I hope I will snag.
A lot of financial advisor firms do not discriminate – Edward Jones is one that doesn’t particularly care if you’re 50 – you can work for them till you drop dead. No mandatory retirement there.
April 24th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I am an environmental engineer with over 20 years experience and 10 years in the chemical industry. At my last job I had a boss that was 2/3 of my age. He had only a top down management policy. When when I had an operation and I was on light duty he was very indignent to me.
Conclusion: The younger bosses have zero respect for the older worker.
April 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
God Help Us All!
April 29th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
What’s funny about this is when I graduated from college there was a recession. I had been told I was geting into one of the fastest growing fields yet every time I applied for an entry level job I was told I needed at least 3 years experience–for an entry level job. I never did get a job in my field. My husband now faces the exact opposit problem. He has over 25 years in his field because he started when he was sixteen. He literally worked his way up from the bottom and not just for one company. He has done everything humanly possible to show his qualifications and loyalty and has been treated like crap from all the companies he worked for. He has been prey to sex discrimination, race discrimination, religious discrimination and now age discrimination. Fortunately, he’s still employed but his company is trying to make him so miserable that he will quit hoping to avoid those discrination issues. The sad part is that his company is going under and he could save them but they would rather stab him in the back and risk their own stability then admit he’s been right all along. He’s been trying for over a year to get away from this company. He’s actually had several phone interviews. It boils down to everyone wnts the experience but they don’t want to pay for it. Wait until everyone has to pay for it.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:20 am
I agree with Anne: (Anne April 20th, 2009 at 6:03 pm). “I have concluded that I may as well just go ahead and put my age in a cover letter on every application….” Why not just address the issue head on? State it in your cover letter and resume, along with the advantages older workers have over younger ones (without demeaning them) as suggested in Ms Walker’s article. Make it a part of your brand before stating all of your learned skills. If nothing else, it would be solid documentation for an age discrimination suit.
And I agree with Thomas (April 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm). Spelling and grammar are the first thing that will get your cover letter and resume thrown out. Not that mine is any better. Because it is so important, I have gotten into the habit of making myself slow down when writing anything that will be read by others and check for errors.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’m on the long, slow road to building a business after many years in IT. A couple of years ago I was hit with a second challenge, a toxic allergy to onions AND antihistamines. Maybe not such a big deal in some places, but in corporate environments where people are “strongly encouraged” to eat at their desks to get the job done it became a challenge to be alive at the end of the day. The “official” reason for my recent layoff, at age 59, was “all of our contractors now have to come from XXXX, a company in India”.
I’ve got commendations and international awards for innovative technology solutions our the ying-yang, but they won’t buy groceries.
I can certainly understand the frustration in these comments, but screw it. You’ve got to keep going. If you can’t claw your way into a place in somebody else’s world, use the stuff between your ears to create your own. It’s incredibly hard work, but in this day and age, LIFE is hard work. Secondary infections as a result of allergic reactions damaged my vocal chords, but I “endeavored to persevere…” and became president of a nationally recognized writers organization and spent two full days last week making presentations and teaching.
I know this sounds trite, but we’ve got to hang in… nobody else is going to do it for us.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Companies that want OLDER WORKERS and offer us better jobs than we had becuase some Older Workers were held back by a number of reasons.
You sent us to Outplacement .
We are continual life long learners .
Many have tons of skills and can work on new computer programs NO PROBLEM.
We can not and do not want to continue on the same dead end path.
We want and need JOBS DECENT JOBS
If someone makes a commitment to a College degree at 45 -50 Would you not see the motivation ??????
I gave up looking for a job.
Companies that want us have to find us.
Nothing but looked at like a job hopper I guess.
And some have been lied about ,run off and sabatouged
May 15th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Here I am in my 20’s and I soon realized that as I get older it would be hard for me to find a job if ever I were to lose mine in Corporate America. So now I run my own web development business. The best thing is that:
1) I am my own boss
2) I am in a field that is not likely
to be obsolete
3) I am in a field where my clients
will not care what my age is.
Just the work that I produce.
I encourage everyone no matter what age to start their own website business (or some other lucrative business) where you will be seen as an asset to EVERYONE that you are in contact with. Pas this info onto your younger children or friends.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I have read all the postings and as a 66 year old I agree that there is without a doubt a high degree of age discrimination in the work environment.
I read Jody’s post and I would like to get intouch to discuss the direction that he has taken to become self-employed. how can I make contact?
June 24th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Wow! As I was doing my daily job search on the various websites, I came across this site. I read every single comment posted. I don’t know if I should laugh or cry! What I have decided to do at this moment is to write my own comment and add to the many posted here. I guess you could say that the article on this site “inspired” me to do something which is better than nothing!
Age discrimination is definitely alive and well in corporate America. I love whenever I have this discussion with friends and family. They always say to me, “age discrimination is illegal you know” and, as if I didn’t know this at age 57, I laugh and reply as follows: So is the Mafia illegal …. but it too is alive and well in America (corporate America too)! Come on, I hope someone out there mustered up a little chuckle!
It is pathetic and there is no other way to describe what has happened to all of us “seasoned” workers looking for a job. I honestly believe that it will take “divine intervention” on a one-to-one basis for us to find a job. If it is “meant to be” it will happen that one finds a job eventually. Hopefully I am on the “good side” of my God and He will help me out. If you don’t have some faith in these circumstances you really do get discouraged beyond explanation to those that just don’t understand because they are not walking in your shoes.
What is difficult too for me is that when I tell all my friends and family members who do have a job that they had better be on their best behavior and be grateful to be working, they look at me as if to say “oh yeah, sure … it’s just that you are a looser so don’t even suggest that to me!” LOL Well, they too may someday find themselves unemployed and trying to make it in a very difficult economy but I will never be the one that says “I told you so” and then I will listen to them cry and say how unfair it was to be laid off, etc.
If anything, this site was an awesome opportunity to vent and to know that I am not alone. For that, I am grateful and reading all of these comments today actually made my day!
Hang in there everyone and know that better days will come. You like me, I am sure, have learned to try and be positive as you face these very uncertain and discouraging times. Keep your head up high and let humor keep you going and your faith. Keep busy doing what you can in trying to just live happily amongst your friends and family. God knows what we are going through!
I consider myself lucky in that at least my husband is working and we have benefits too. Although he was laid off for six weeks, he was then called back to work …. a miracle! I just look at others in my situation who have no spouse to help them through and realize I am blessed. And, I constantly pray while cutting back on every expense that I can. This site makes me feel very sad for so many but I will keep you in my prayers! Good Luck to all of us!
June 24th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Remember the old saying; “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself”
Well I’m convinced that is true and since there is definately a shoratge of jobs and age discrimination at work, one must consider self employment as an option.
Not the easiest thing to do, and definately not the pay,benefits or comfort of a cozy corporate office environment BUT it’s better than having no option at all to generate some income.
Seems someone should open a company for those 50 and over eh? Lots of talent out there looking for respectable work.
June 24th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
OK, everyone seems to be forgetting that no matter what you put on or leave off your resume, the job APPLICATION asks for dates. Leaving it blank only sends them a red flag. I’m also 66, and unemployed due the failure of my company. No one will even talk to me for a lousy job at Wal-Mart or McDonald’s!!! I’ve been an Executive Legal Assistant for over 40 years so I’m “overqualified” for a minimum wage part-time job. Yeah, right. Tell me again how fair they are toward us “experienced” workers!
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I’ve been downsized 3 times in two years.I’m 57, drawing UEC,job hunting again. After reading all your comments I was “comforted”–that I’m not alone in my anger and frustration, that many others know there is rampant age discrmination. I think the options are obvious–we either band together and create new businesses [less experienced new hires start as journeymen] OR re-invent ourselves by learning a new trade.My 67 year old husband, 25 years in financial planning,earned his health insurance license last month & took three days onsite training so he could sell individual coverage AND offer financial advice.[Chicago based company;agents in many states].Without the health sales we’d be on the street.Corporate America needs our experience!The young, ME focused workers are only concerned about NOW–not about moving us into prosperity.Take heart–you are valued by your peers!! We have to figure out HOW to better utilize our collective assets. Health insurance & financial planning is just one “marriage” that some of you may want to consider.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Here’s the law: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/age.html. I just learned it doesn’t prevent potential employers from asking our age. I’ve written to my senators and congressman about this issue. Please write to yours — there needs to be much more focus on this issue, especially for employees laid off from companies that accepted TARP funds (as was my case).
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 am
I too, as many of you have noted, was offered a severance package but had to sign an agreement I would not pursue anything regarding age discrimination in order to recieve the funds. I am 59, applying to 20-30 jobs a week since February, bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the workplace and cannot get an interview.
I know in my heart my age is the door blocker but how can you prove it.
My background is in industrial/HVAC/plumbing & heating sales and management, having held regional sales managers positions in my last jobs.
It is very hard to hide your age in your resume. All one has to do is look at your work history and if they can add, they can calculate your age.
I also agree the internet has made it much harder to obtain a position in the current market. This is just another screening tool for the company to use, such as voice mail and caller ID.
I have given up on sending out hard copies of my resume. When I first started my search, I would send a hard copy as a follow up to my online application but this has proven fruitless and a waste of time and money.
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
The age discrimination starts at 40 not 50. Overqualified or completely ignored, is the feelings I get. No job in my field for at least 20 months but jobs are being filled..but not by me. Our best bet would be to use our combined experience and start our own companies. Would it not be irony when ours outperformed the previous employeres we had ??
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Wouldn’t it be great if all us older workers could start a business that allowed only people over 55 to work there. We could use the same tricks the younger folks do to not get blamed for age discrimination. Of course we would have to have some ‘product’ that was in demand and provide it at a better price so that we could compete with the younger crowd, but we could come up with something-couldn’t we? If anyone has some ideas of what to ‘produce’ please post them here.
Or maybe we could just stop buying products from companies that did not have a certain percentage of ‘older workers’. I’ve heard my whole life that us baby boomers are a force to be reckoned with because of our numbers. I think we have to start figuring out how to use this power in a way that will benefit us.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Thanks to all for the reader responses. Although these articles are good, I’ve learned more from, and can better relate to, the reader’s actual experiences.
Has anyone had any employment experience with the Federal Government? I read somewhere (perhaps a Bureau of Labor article) that the Feds are supposed to be among the most “senior-friendly” employers in the nation.
As others have noted, there are many ways for employers to age discriminate. Some are more subtle than others. Consider these:
~ Job postings that require official or “certified” copies of college transcripts.
~ Applications that have an EEO page requesting “optional” or “voluntary” data.
~ Applications that instruct “Include ALL employment. Begin with your current or last position and work back to your first.”
~ Resumes where (starting and ending) dates of employment are “required” for all listed jobs, otherwise your resume is rejected.
~ Hiring manager, interviewer, HR, etc., obtains information that you have “over 20 (25, 30) years of experience” in the field applied for.
~ During the application/interview process, you’re asked to account for “time gaps” in employment history.
The point is, the information obtained in each of the above examples enables the employer to reasonably estimate your age. Accordingly, some employment web sites and career sources are recommending older applicants omit (where possible) reporting such information.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I am over 50 and I was laid off in December’08. Many of the companies that advertise do so in response to rules or policy that public advertisement or public bids are required to fill the vacancy. In my experience, the majority of so called vacancies have been filled internally or a decision has been made as to who will be hired long before the ad is placed. It is who you know – not what you know. Makes you jaded. This practice is true in the private sector and in the Fed. gov’t.I have first hand knowledge. Since this is an employers’ market, unlawful questions abound, e.g., how old are you? do you have an illness? are you married or single? children? what do you say when you are desperate for work?
July 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Im over 40 and live in the south which is subject to the woes of the oil industry. I learned “after 26yrs”, That if you have a stable career out of the oil and gas loop, STAY THERE! The positions of these oil and gas opportunities look good; the money great, but for how long? Remake of the hit “ROCK the BOAT” seems appropriate. Which ROCK will submerge our boat and raise the ugly head of “petroleum, but not from here”?
My point, clean up the corners of your resume, so that you seem real enough to work with whoever. Times are tight, put yourselves into the recruiters position.
md
July 24th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
OH I forgot, I have quintuplets!!!!!
And one has C.P..
woe is me,
md
July 25th, 2009 at 2:40 am
I am empathetic to all who have posted. I am 63 and have an MBA. I have some advice based on my experience in management, consulting, HR, etc.:
Don’t waste your time trying to figure out how to avoid age discrimination. Resume manipulating Boomers will be screened out at the interview, if age is a factor in hiring. (You should screen yourself out, if age is a factor.) A job in a youth oriented organization is not a good fit for Boomers. Don’t regret not getting a job as a round peg in a square hole. Celebrate avoiding the misery.
Racking up big student loans for a career change or to get the paper to prove what you knew before you paid for that paper typically does not stand up to a cost-benefit analysis.
Don’t spend much time feeling sorry for yourself; limit yourself to no more than a half hour a day total. Accept it: Being unemployed is not fair when you want/need to be earning an income. Being unemployed is unfair for any age, gender, work ethic, socio-economic level, educational and experience history, etc.
Spend your time appreciating what you have and researching the companies/agencies with job postings. Find out about the culture of the organization. If it is truly a fit, and only then, use your network and find someone in that organization with whom you can make a personal contact; get permission to use her/his name in your cover letter. If you get this permission, write the cover letter, fine-tune and send out your resume, and follow-up the following week with your contact and HR or the hiring authority. Anything less is typically a waste of time. And if you end up with a contact who is not well regarded among those doing the hiring, same is true; this is hard to predict, so don’t let this possibility hold you back.
If you have any discretionary time, volunteer and/or do something fun out in the community. Go for a walk. Don’t just sit at home waiting and replaying the ain’t-it-awful-story of your job history while getting more depressed. When you are volunteering and having fun out in the community, you will (should/make yourself) radiate with a sense of well being that will be attractive to others. Getting out of the house will improve your quality of life and may generate good-fit job leads and trigger unforseen opportunities.
What is obvious to most of you who are reading this: If you want a job, look at what people in your community need and maybe can’t get (despite the availability of government funding or other resources). Fill that need, either by starting a niche business or finding a division of government or a business that meets this need.
Around where I live, the need is for personal care for seniors and people with developmental and other disabilities, such as war-related injuries. The per person, per hour compensation is not great, unless you are an RN, but I can choose my clients (working conditions, etc). I can serve more than one client at a time to increase my per hour income. I also get great health care insurance for $17 per month by way of a union contract with the state, if I work more than 84 per person hours a month. I work only with young adults who are high functioning with disabilities. I “hang out” with them and take them places in the community, like swimming at the YMCA (I supervise pool side). I am turning down work. I am free to pick up higher paying consulting work that comes my way.
This type of work isn’t for everyone, but it is a good way to get health care insurance, enough income to get by, and, for some, social security income supplement. There are other benefits too: My work is stress free, my clients and their parents/guardians are openly grateful, I don’t have to put up with nasty/onerous/humiliating organizational politics that are worthy of litigation, if I had the money for an attorney
, I am doing something worthwhile, and I have choices. Age discrimination is not a factor. Being overqualified is not a factor. Being compassionate and having good judgment are essential; a reliable vehicle is also necessary in many communities.
BTW: I don’t think those severance packages conditioned on forfeiting your right to report or litigate discrimination are enforceable.
It is my understanding that your rights are coercion proof.
August 15th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Does anyone know if we can informally, and factually state our experience with companies with whom we suspect are discriminating, so we can boycott them? There is nothing like effecting changes with our dollars. Perhaps management will be motivated to make sure diversity is being enforced.
Also I wonder if health care reform will assist in removing the incentive to discriminate. I applied to a large temp agency in Oak Park, Il. After at least 6 months I got a call saying that they would like to forward my resume to a prospective employer. That my background looked good. Later that day the recruiter called back and asked my age saying that they needed to complete the background investigation. Curiously, I never heard back.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
To “Consider this”-thank you for your positive feedback.I lost my teaching job in May.Since then, I have been trying to put a positive spin on it.It is very difficult, however, I am not going to blame someone or something else. If I find somewhere to put the blame, then that, alone, is going to hold me back from getting my next position.
I plan to return to school, get a Masters and create a networking plan for my next career move.By the way, I am 59 years old.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I have been unemployed for 1 1/2 years except when I worked 2 temp jobs–5 months and 5 hours/ I agree this all sounds good but the bottom line is someone younger gets the job that I have interviewed for. Employers have their own way of hiring people younger to avoid the discrimination factor. Experience and longevity does not matter. It is all so wrong and unfair.. what are we suppose to do? SOmeone please tell me.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I recommend that older people stay busy while out of a career. Stay employed in some type of part-time work while waiting for the economy to bounce back. Don’t give up and think you are too old. That is hogwash. Try to stay physically active. You will look much younger and feel like you can conquer the world. A lot of older people don’t take care of themselves. They gain weight, don’t exercise, and let their physical appearance go to the dogs. In other words..if you want people to look at you as someone who could keep up at work and not cost them a ton of medical benefits, then do what it takes to reinvent yourself. Wear young looking clothes and don’t say you can’t afford new clothes. There are many consignment shops, and mark-downs at major dept. stores. I know I shop like that when I get a chance. Stay away from alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. If you smell like an ashtray on a job interview you might not get hired due to your age, but because you smell like you bathed in cigarettes. Last but not least..stay educated and learn new technologies. Read positive books and books on the subject area you want to work in. Don’t spend your time “eating worms.” Do something every day to work towards your goal and you will succeed!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Thanks for the article. Interesting responses and agreement from those of us over 50. The thing is we need to do something about this situation. We need to show the world that at 50 your brain does not die, you have very valuable experience and do not and should not be forced out of a business environment we had a big hand in building into success by our hard work over the last decades. The 100th comment above is a start. My recommendation is to get groups of over 50 people together and brain storm on good ideas that can turn into opportunities that have not been
established as yet. Our generation has money to spend and brains that work. Let’s not waste our time feeling sorry for ourselves about the rampant discrimination and come up with solutions. These companies that hit us hard may not be able to succeed without our support as the 20 somethings do not have the dedication and the 40 somethings do not have the people experience to succeed. Our generation has accomplished a lot already and we’re not finished yet.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Hi; Thanks for the info although it sounded quite interesting but the reality is that at the end of the day the truth shall make you free and that is that most companies failed and are continuing to fail because present employees are not interesting in the Companies Operational Cost. Their only concern is getting paid whether they perform or not. I have work experience
covering probable all of the Alfabets A-Z and solely believe in “Putting in the amount of work into the hours and not putting hours into the work.”Older Workers are more flexable when dealing with wage reduction but younger employees will retaliate.Remember one day we will also become old and if it was not for a Father then their it would no son.
October 15th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I retired from a major company;no degree but was a computer operator for a very large corporation. That was 10 years ago. I worked for a government contract company until June; contract ended. A friend of mine got me an application for the contract company she is working for. I start 10/19/2009. There most certainly age discrimination out there, and it is horrible. The same jobs are out there day after day. I have applied for some many, many times. I know I am qualified. These silly little hr people feel threatened by more mature people. Shame on them. They might learn something.
November 19th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I am confused by Joseito’s comments….. say what??
November 19th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
My best comment to the question regarding age posed as: “Do you think that I am too young to be your manager?”: “Of course not, you’re not that young!”
November 19th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
My favorite comment to an age question posed of “Do you think that I’m too young to be your manager” is: “Of course not, you’re not that young!”
November 19th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I wish it were true that Employeers were really looking for experience and job knowledge. I find that we seasoned people are passed over almost always. I speak from experience has I have missed several jobs that I was absolutely a perfect fit for. The only answer could be AGE. Of course HR has a plausible reason the job is no longer which avoids the age discrimination issue.