Useful Tips for Older Jobseekers Facing Employment Discrimination

Generally, employment discrimination based on age is an ugly reality that older jobseekers face due to employers’ misconception that older job applicants are less active and that their skills and ability are deteriorating.

In a recent poll by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in Massachusetts, it showed that more than 25 percent of its golden aged residents that either they or someone they know has experienced age discrimination. Although it is unlawful, it is the reality nowadays.

Though an elderly worker cannot avoid employment discrimination based on age, they can, however, learn how to avoid such practice by differentiating themselves from the others.

Below are some tips on how older jobseekers could avoid age discrimination:

Keep up with the times

Do not be stuck in the past. Keep up-to-date with all the things in your field. Show off your previous training courses, certificates, and other credentials. For instance, since computers have become an integral part of the modern workplace, be sure that you already have enough knowledge with it since being illiterate with such modern equipments should not be ignored. Absolutely, you can’t go back and live in the past but you can continue to learn new things to adapt with the current time and the future.

Avoid mentioning years and age

Younger managers of HR may feel intimidated hiring people who are about as old as their parents. Therefore, in your resume, instead of putting something like “twenty eight years of experience doing this and that,” it is better to put it this way: “In my most recent role, I’ve been doing this and that. The difference between the two phrases is that the first one can be misinterpreted by the interviewer as you were saying that: “I’ve been doing this job since you were in a crib.”

Employers thought that older workers are deteriorating

Remain active. Make the personal interest portion in your resume as your advantage. It reflects your physical activity that keeps you energetic and in shape. Sports, community volunteerism, and participation are another way to show off that you can do more than just what is expected of you.

Note your achievements in the past 8 to 12 years

Take note that your Resume’s main purpose is to demonstrate your skills and relevant work experience. However, you do not need to list down every job from the start. It is okay to limit your Resume to positions dating back to 10 to 15 years. Simply include the line saying that, “details of prior professional experience available upon request.” This would reflect that you acknowledged a long history but recognizes that you aren’t relying on things you did way back in your early careers.

The main thought here is to get rid of the traditional resume that mainly focuses on skills rather than providing chronological description of your professional path.

In California, employment discrimination victims based on age are mostly at age 40 and above. Sometimes, the discrimination is obvious and severe, while there are also times when it is hidden or in a discreet manner. Nevertheless, regardless of its form, employment discrimination based on age is unlawful.