Getting Past Ageism
I am 61, employed, and eager to get to a new position in a company with purpose where I feel connected to meaningful goals. I don't want to watch the clock tick until retirement in 10 years. I network, belong to associations in my field, am active, VERY healthy and youthful. When I get in front of people I make a good impression and impact. However, I think my age is now an issue for new hiring opportunities. I have it masked it on resumes and profiles as much as possible. If my age is not a gating issue for me, how can I get others to not make it a gating issue for them?
I'm sorry you're feeling this way and thank you for sharing. Our editorial team has written a number of articles about ageism that might help:
https://fairygodboss.com/search?term=ageism&type=editorial_content
And here's one in particular:
The Most Effective Way To Combat Age Discrimination At Work
https://fairygodboss.com/articles/age-discrimination-at-work
I think the only way around ageism is to cultivate your network as you are already doing so that they can engage you. Also, use social media to connect with hiring managers and routinely showcase your expertise so they have an awareness of who you are and what you can deliver. Also, you can come up with research projects that you later publish as white papers, where you interview hiring managers and then follow up with the results. Similarly, you can participate in panels and have your picture taken and brag about it on social media (the key is that the hiring managers are in your network so they can see that). For more ideas and accountability to pursue these strategies, join my group Spark Job Search Boot Camp.
I also try to keep up with social media, I love my LinkedIn page. Im going to take a social media marketing class. It’s amazing how far retail customer service has come on social media in just a few years.