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How To Beat Age Discrimination
Years of loyal service used to mean respect, security, and a nice pension. These days, however, many baby boomers find that after management changes, buyouts, mergers, and other events in the volatile corporate climate, loyal service gets them little other than a kick out the door. After diligently searching job boards, posting resumes, and mailing to dozens of companies with nothing to show for it, they’re left dumbfounded. What’s going on? Poor job search techniques, and, of course, age discrimination.
Baby boomers, now in their prime, are being shunned by many ompanies, who prefer to hire younger, cheaper workers. So, if you’re having a tough time, what do you do? This isn't rocket science. Some things may seem obvious, but they are often neglected.
Don't Throw in the Towel
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Realize you’re still in the game! Many companies have reevaluated their shunning of the experienced worker. Cheaper, inexperienced workers bring short-term savings, but their lack of savvy and industry knowledge often cause expensive blunders and missed opportunities. A business magazine quoted a manager who assessed his office some months after a purge of the older workers. He came to the horrifying conclusion that there was no one left who knew what they were doing.
Take Time to Assess Yourself
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Introspection is an important first step. Be fluent with your skills and how you contribute. What do you do that’s different than the competition? People who haven’t had to look for work in a long time often overlook this. Have a repertoire of accomplishment stories that show you at your best. Many people have been so busy accomplishing, they haven’t had time to think about articulating what they do.
Develop and Use Your Network
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If you don’t have a network, you need to intelligently develop and maintain one. Of course, everyone knows they should network, but few people do it well. Pathetically handing out resumes and getting others to feel sorry for you can be worse than no networking. Negative impressions are hard to repair, and can do severe damage to your search. Good networking means making a powerful impression on a number of people so that you gain visibility within your field and recognition for your talents.
Articulate Why Experience Matters
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Develop an effective sales pitch for your services. Stress the value of experience over youth, saying, “Today, most people stay in a job for only two or three years before moving on. At my age, I want stability and the opportunity to contribute to a company’s long-term future. I know this industry thoroughly. When it’s fourth down and a minute left, do you want to count on the rookie or the seasoned veteran?”
Determine Your Market Value
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Don’t overprice or under-price yourself. Study compensation ranges carefully and realistically assess your market value. These days, many people say you have to accept less to get hired. This isn’t necessarily true. Do your research, find your realistic value, and don’t settle for less than you’re worth.
It’s tough out there, but you can beat the odds if you are persistent, educate employers about the value of your experience, and play your cards intelligently.
THERE'S LOTS MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM!
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