Ageism.

Ageism. I am 51 and finding it’s harder to find a job. What’s your experience with ageism in finding another job? Age friendly careers are often low pay. Unless I am missing something?

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  1. Anonymous

    Ageism is real. I just turned 50 and I have been feeling this way since 40. I am terrified of losing my job and conduct a job search in this market place as well.

  2. Anonymous

    I hear that. Two younger coworkers in their early 30s are being promoted while I am stuck in the same position, even though I have been at the company longer. Guess that makes no difference. . I would give my notice, but where am I going to find another job quickly? It’s so frustrating.

  3. Anonymous

    Seniority and tenure mean nothing now days.
    It's people who move companies and change jobs every 3-5 years that get offered better roles and make substantially more in compensation because it shows growth and experience in many environments and a perceived value by other companies. Staying in one place (especially with no promotions to illustrate career growth) is a death sentence . It screans stale and stagnation even when it's not. You don't want to appear like you got comfortable and decided to opt for safety over advancing your skills and experience.

    Consider new certifications and courses to show some sort of growth and current upscale value. You need to show recruiters that you are a cutting edge professional.

  4. Balanced372207

    I will be praying for you. The terror is real. My 46 year old daughter experienced it when she was taking care of her elderly father before he died from COVID (pre-vaccine).

  5. Reb562

    As someone who is 50, brown skin, plus size and a woman I can certainly say your worries are real.

    However, I know for me it can't be my focus or I try not to think about it much because then it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

    What I can focus on is brushing up on my skills. Learn new things and always putting myself out there as an expert because what I do have is experience and I need to leverage that as much as possible. Which means creating my own brand to be known in my field. I suggest trying to figure out how you can fit into the culture too regardless of age.

  6. Anonymous

    I'm almost 66 and continue to be offered very lucrative jobs by positioning myself as an expert.

    I don't want to get lost in the pile. There are plenty of people who can do what I do so I decided 20 years ago to kraft my resume, profiles and interview answers in the form of an expert. I focus only on the most valuable skills and experience. I leave out the routine day to day people management, project and admin reporting skills.....those are a given with my experience so I don't mention those except in passing. I only go for those jobs that require my skills at the top end because tgats where the $ is. My examples in interviews are top end deliverables and illicits the strongest response (read: she is exactly what we need).

    Leave off all dates on education and I only include work history going back 12 years. Work earlier than that is out of date (and therefore dates you) and not what anyone is really looking for unless you want to revisit those junior roles.

    This is a subtle shift in your mindset on how you position yourself.

  7. Anonymous

    Some companies require you to put the dates down, such as the federal government.

  8. Carol23

    Luckily, I graduated with my masters degree in 1994. I use that date as my graduation year from college. My state recently also recently passed a law stating it is illegal to ask (or require) graduation dates (or anything else) that will divulge the age of an applicant on job applications.

  9. Anonymous

    Entry level jobs. Yup.

  10. Anonymous

    Have you looked at the GenX Women group on here? Might be some good advice in there.

  11. Anonymous

    I want to validate your experience but I urge caution in treating 50+ in the workplace as a death sentence!
    Your post is difficult to comment on because it lacks so many data points like: your experience, education level, gaps in employment, how much you’ve done on your job search.

    I’ve not had your same experience. 30 days shy of my 50th birthday, I was hired by a Fortune 25 company, making the most I’ve ever earned. Two other women in the 50+ age range were hired in my department at the same time, both in high visibility leadership roles.

    I’ve also taken the approach of another poster on this page: I aggressively worked my job search and engaged with my network. At this point in my career, I am a SME and I’ve also positioned myself as a problem solver, someone who can see pain points and articulate what I’ll do to address them.

    I’m not familiar with the term age-friendly career. I don’t know if that means work from home, choose your own hours or a work-life balance. Help me understand, I’m curious to learn more.

    I think this board is sometimes quick to jump to ageism when the search doesn’t go their way or in the time frame the person had in mind.

    Best of luck to you.

  12. Diane Frances Lesley-Neuman

    Definitely.

  13. Anonymous

    I'm 65 and just accepted a new mid-management position at a global medical device company with zero medical device or related experience. I bring a whole other skill set with me. I start on Monday!!!!!!!!

  14. Anne R.

    That is awesome!! Congratulations!!!

  15. Carol23

    Congratulations!!!!

  16. Anonymous

    I was hired at 55 & 65 for my last & current employers. Hire a professional to revamp your resume, and ensure when you have an in person interview that you appear as energetic, youthful, and professional as possible. They will see you for the knowledgeable, seasoned potential employee that you are. You bring a wealth of experience and that counts to the right employers! My salary at my current job is almost 10/hr higher than my previous position too. And it is less stressful and demanding!!

  17. Anonymous

    I agree. I am in my 60s ( and yes we all look younger) and have been recruited steadily for the past 30 years. I've never been let go so I've gone from job to job without a break. I usually negotiate a nice 2 week vacation after starting each job in the first 3 months.This was not by accident. This was by design. I wanted flexibility and demand for my talent. I only hold a BS and Paralegal Certificate along with current additional work realized Certificates all paid for by my employers.I never stay longer than 3 to 5 years at a company and I've always been offered at least 10% more at each jump. I make six figures now and dictate my hybrid work schedule. I figured out the strategy of movement early on by watching my mentors and friends and copying their career moves. They all held MBAs but the same strategies work for all levels.

  18. Anonymous

    Be very careful when focusing on age as the single issue. Most of the time it's not. Many times you want the Level of the role and the compensation but you do not present as a good fit for the role regardless of age.

    Make sure you present yourself at your desired level with education, current certifications and experience at the given job description.

  19. Anonymous

    This is true UNLESS you are up against people of equal education and certification but 20 years younger and probably less experience (therefore available for less money). If you are obviously (by looks alone) above 50, you will be the odd person out. I had experienced this several times in the last two or three years, even when I was willing to accept the proposed compensation.

  20. Anonymous

    Caution caution caution, thinking age is an issue. This is an empowered time and I am not finding that as the norm at all. Without knowing from your note if you've always been in the workplace or returning to the workplace you may need to relook at your resume. You may need to role place in the interviews that are out there now. Your expectations may need to be adjusted, etc. Keep Going! You Got This!

  21. Anonymous

    WOW. Just wow.

  22. Anonymous

    It absolutely is a thing and is getting more and more pronounced. I’m seeing older people being laid off more frequently and not hired easily - sometimes taking a year or more to land anything. And getting a job just to pay the bills is impossible because you will be told you’re too overqualified or you’ll get bored and leave no matter how much you make the case to the contrary.

    I wish you the best of luck and know it’s not you and you are not alone in this unfortunate situation.

  23. Anonymous

    It IS a problem. The issue with low pay is also a problem.

    One area in which you would probably have a better chance is in the non-profit sector, as the pay scale is a deterrent to younger applicants but generally above the minimum-wage retail types of jobs that typically hire anybody.

  24. Anonymous

    It’s my opinion that although zoom interviews have been around prior to Covid now they’re being used to discriminate more. As a recruiter I used WebEx and Skype but it was because I was recruiting internationally and all over the US. I never required anyone to turn on their camera. The companies I worked for said that a zoom really shouldn’t take place until after a phone screen had taken place because you wanted to gather knowledge, skills and ability without judging a person by their appearance age etc. etc. unfortunately this isn’t the practice with most companies now just trying to weed out the over 50 crowd. I was invited the other day for a video interview for a part-time job I applied for and just came right out and said, unless you want to meet me in person I’m not interested.

    I refuse to invest my time , in any kind of deterrent that will not encourage an employer to meet with me. I also found having experience with zoom interviews as a recruiter Most people aren’t comfortable, including myself on camera

    I’m not a performing monkey in heels. Sadly, if you’re interested in a job and this is a requirement upfront to zoom video interview this little choice unless you can walk away I wish all the best and I wish everyone the best out there that’s looking for a position and being discriminated against it’s horrible. The world has an evolved into knowing that mature people will show up for work, and will do a good job and will share their experience and work on a team. .

  25. Balanced372207

    My 46 year old daughter feels the same as you do. She has done the phone screen, and then asked to do the Zoom interview. The story seems to "change" about her qualifications when she is shown to be a middle-age (but looks younger), African American female.

  26. surfnwrite

    I don't understand "unless you want to meet me in person I’m not interested." Couldn't they discriminate against you even more in person than on Zoom?

  27. Anonymous

    What? AARP? 51 is NOT old, shaking head. Do your research on the company you're interested in and prep for any interviews very well. Good luck.

  28. Anonymous

    AARP is for 50 and older people. Great videos for job interviewing coaching and are tied into many employers who hire mature people don’t dismiss it because you don’t know what it is.

  29. Anonymous

    I don't think they're dismissing it, I think the way it was presented as over 50 is a concern and to jump to AARP. Never safe to assume to think they don't know what it is.

  30. Anonymous

    AARP does not have an age requirement for membership. Many people younger than 50 are members that utilize it for many discounts that it affords. Therefore, it is disingenuous to think of AARP as being for "older people".

  31. Anonymous

    They market to the older generations. I don't know of a single 25 year old who got an envelope inviting them to join AARP. Just saying.

  32. Anonymous

    news to me. Used to be for 50+

  33. Anonymous

    I am 69 and have been an Executive Director for the past 9 years. Learning is lifelong and I still participate in on line and in person training Ali g with attending conferences and networks in my field. Keep your skills fresh and be active at work. Indeed and linked in are for you too.

  34. Balanced372207

    In today's job market, age discrimination in hiring starts around mid-40's.

  35. Anonymous

    I caution that as a general statement. In your experience but not in the job market as a whole. Been a recruiter for awhile and there's value added at every stage of one's career experience. Confident it's been out there, heard of direct issues, but overall no. Perceptions matter, sorry that this is a feeling.

  36. Anonymous

    So do you tell your female and POC candidates there’s no sexism or racism too? They’re just imagining it I suppose.

  37. Anonymous

    I don't think they're denying ageism is not out there, just not prevalent. Yes, those other 2 are out there, but I also see companies making strides to be better. Don't assume things, sadly it makes people stuck. Sorry you're feeling this way, I hope you see better from others.

  38. Anonymous

    Agreed. If I hear one more time, "racism is over, because we had a black President", I am going to projectile vomit on the person stating such.

  39. Anonymous

    And gets worse. Especially for women. Gen x has it the worst. So many of us lost our life savings and can’t get it back. Will have to die at a desk. That is, if anyone lets us have one.

  40. Balanced372207

    I know. My 46 year old daughter tells me about it.

  41. Barbara Moser

    Believe it or not, many of the tail-end baby boomers are living the same reality, and we still have 6-7 years before all of that generation is 65.

  42. Anonymous

    I do believe it - I’m 58 (wrote the genx comment above) and am a crossover boomer/genx. Technically our generation is called gen Jones. Older Jonesers are doing better. We got screwed.

  43. Wendi Barbosa

    What’s wrong with AARP? I’m going straight there. There are many positions of which I am qualified on LinkedIn, and nothing has proved productive thus far. I am 56 and have no issue with my age. I realize I do not want the same jobs I wanted 20 years ago, but have a good 20-30 years of productivity ahead of me. My kids are out of the house, and I have so much more time to devote to a career or any job.

  44. Anonymous

    Nothing is wrong with AARP, I don't believe they said that. I think the mindset of directing them to AARP is the point. Maybe they should have said to not limit yourself due to an age.

  45. Anonymous

    AARPs job board is horrible. Unless you want to be a greeter.

  46. Anonymous

    Nothing wrong with it, unless you are looking for a job that reflects you multiple degrees, certifications and strategic experience. I think most people on this site, or at least a lot of us, are looking to continue our careers until retirement, not find a greeter or data entry job to keep us busy - and that is pretty much all I’ve seen in aarp.

  47. Balanced372207

    Most of the AARP jobs are directed to low income people (mostly women) that pay minimum wage and are "training opportunities." Several years ago, my cousin (now deceased) was offered a part time AARP job at $7.25 an hour (minimum wage in my state) cleaning a very large Roman Catholic church in our town, where the priest was not every nice (to non-Catholics).

  48. Anonymous

    I'm about to turn 50 and feel like I'm getting a lot more reach outs from recruiters (now, granted, they don't know my age, but we are talking LinkedIn and they do see my experience). Where I am currently employed, we are looking for more experienced individuals, and often more experience equals older individuals.

  49. Anonymous

    The unfortunate truth is, there’s a lot of subconscious bias about age and race among other things.

    hiring managers that interview aren’t even aware they have it and that makes it very hard to change but it exists, so you have to keep working through it and keep on applying if you need to work, you really don’t have any other options, then to work through it.

  50. Balanced372207

    So true! Black woman here, age 69 (looks younger)...have gone through it.

  51. Anonymous

    https://jobs.aarp.org/

  52. Carol23

    Yeah... That job board is a joke. The one I looked at recently only had minimum wage positions for one company in a state over 100 miles away from me.

  53. Anonymous

    I live in Pennsylvania. In the southeast corner of Pennsylvania. I was contacted by a recruiter with a heavy accent who was offering me a job in the northwest corner of the state (Erie, PA). I tried to tell this recruiter that I was 8 hours away from Erie....she just didn't get it.....

  54. Anonymous

    Worst jobs imaginable. Good grief.

  55. Annetta Moses

    Seek out companies who value experience and who have older employees. My current company has a hire to retire perspective and wanted entry level employees to grow their careers with the company. As such there are employees with 20+ years of experience who are 50+ years old.

    It is important if you are a older employee to demonstrate that you are current in the skills required to do your job. For example SAS is a technology older people tend to use for statistics. The new technology is open source software like R and Python. If you are older and want to be current you must learn R and Python.

    Good luck.

  56. Lisa Cooper

    I use to be in software sales years ago, and want back in. So I guess I have to learn R and Python.

  57. Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez

    It really does happen. Especially in larger organizations where they already know you and possibly when you will retire. What you may missing is the need to put dates on a resume that indicate your age. All they need is the school and degree conferred not when it happened. Also, not giving a full history but the most recent and relevant. Maybe also have someone review your resume, a freshening of it may help too.

  58. Balanced372207

    You do know that on many job websites, one is asked the date of graduation, and if you don't provide it, one cannot go any further in the application process?

  59. Carol23

    In my state, its illegal to ask (or require) dates of graduation or anything else like that on an application.

  60. Mary Ann Donaghy

    As soon as they Google you they know.

  61. Balanced372207

    I know employers who use https://www.spokeo.com to find out where prospective hires live, their ages, and wo their relatives are.

  62. Sam Magwood

    I am 58 year old and have been looking for work for one year and four months. Ageism is real!

  63. GirlBossanova934974

    My recommendation? Do your homework on the companies you are applying to. If at all possible, go to LinkedIn and look over the profile pics of the employees of the companies you are applying to. Find out about the hiring manager, their direct reports, other managers, and look over those credentials ! If you see a mass concentration of people with 0-5,7 years of experience, you might want to look elsewhere. That probably did not happen out of no where. Ask yourself a simple question. IF the situation were reversed, would I consider hiring the person on the other end?

  64. Eva Sieupersad

    I am having the same issue. Even when I have a great interview, I am not chosen for the final interview. Lately I've been receiving heartfelt individualized rejection emails. I am at a loss.

  65. Anonymous

    I don’t believe in ageism. There are too many of us 40 and over looking younger and younger with more knowledge under our belts. You have to appear young and fresh faced. You have to keep up an appearance. I did a career pivot from Hollywood to Corporate America. Appearance is everything when it comes to landing that job over 50. Also, you need to be ahead of the game with your skill set. You need to network with the younger generations to see what they got going on. Yes, it’s exhausting but it can be done if you want it bad enough.

  66. Emily Phelan

    But this is.....ageism. "You have to appear young and fresh faced". This is the problem in a nutshell. Why should women constantly have to alter their appearances to try to look young, when men can go in wrinkled and grey and be seen as distinguished?

  67. Anonymous

    You don't believe in ageism yet you proceeded to advocate looking younger, that appearance is everything when it comes to landing a job over 50, and the necessity to network with younger generations. I don't necessarily disagree with your advice but the reason why you encourage doing these things is because ageism does indeed exist!

  68. Anonymous

    You don't believe in ageism? Hooray for you. You obviously haven't walked in the shoes of many of us, over 50, and struggling to find real full-time work. For the record, I am told I look 15 years younger than my approaching 60 years and am "ahead of the game" in skills. As a matter of fact, upon second read, I find your comments to be presumptuous and offensive to assume that we don't want work badly enough. (Also, it should correctly be "to see what they've got ..." not "they got")

  69. surfnwrite

    Oh it definitely exists. Due to the date of my law school graduation which appears on my resume, and my email address with a certain year which I just picked randomly but for some reason people think is my birth year, employers routinely assume I am ten years younger than I am. I was temping at a firm for a while and got high marks so was asked to apply for a permanent position. It required I send a copy of either my passport or drivers license, which I did (can't remember which). That showed my real date and I never heard from them again, after being their star employee.

  70. Geniene Pernotto

    Remove all graduation dates and choose a new email on gmail to help in your quest. I have an ancient aol account I use for shopping or healthcare sites. I use my gmail for job search and professional reasons.

  71. Balanced372207

    I agree about the email accounts.

  72. surfnwrite

    My disclosed graduation dates and email addresses actually make me appear younger than I am. It's when they ask for my driver's license or passport as a form of ID that they learn I'm older than they think.

  73. Lisa Hornung

    Yes, 100 percent. I'm also 51 and struggling. I keep getting to the final round and getting, "It was such a hard decision!" then they give it to the other guy. I'm getting tired of it. I think my gray hair makes it worse, though I have it in a cute, modern style. But I refuse to color it. I don't want to change careers because I don't want to start at the bottom again.

  74. Anonymous

    What do you mean by "age friendly career"?

  75. Anonymous

    Contract work is much easier to obtain for those of us over 50 and pays much better than permanent roles. I know people worry about the temporary nature of contract work, however, in my experience I have been laid off from more perm jobs than contract jobs. I’m currently 2 years into a contract role which is predicted to go another 5.

  76. Anonymous

    I have a similar experience. Would advise others to post to the job boards that cater to those in the industry or the job family where you would like to be employed.

    Posting on job boards does bring out some cockroaches (scams - Beware of openings and research the recruiters on Linked In to see if they have a legitimate presence. Also call the company they supposedly represent to be sure they are legitimate.) Having said that, I obtained my current contract position, which pays really well, by posting on these boards and the recruiter found me. I was hired within three days of the initial contact, so there are jobs out there. I am fortunate that this job is 100% remote also, and the interview process was also remote.

    As you said, same with me - this contract position is probably more secure than many perm jobs.

    Bottom line: I am "really old" (72), but had current computer skills, and icing on the cake is that through this job, have acquired even boarder skills that would be in demand should I be laid off from this contract job.

    If you need benefits, this is an issue for those not on Social Security as I am. However, consider that a contract position where you have to pay your own benefits is much better than being out of work. Also, you would have a good excuse for leaving the contract position, should you interview meanwhile and be hired for a "perm" position with benefits. By having taken the contract position, you also would have more current work experience which possibly may have even added to your marketable skills.

    Just something to think about and I am rooting for all of you "young ones" in your 50s and 60s!

  77. Anonymous

    Absolutely - only work I will even look at now!

  78. Wendi Barbosa

    So, I’ve been out of the workforce to raise and caring for family for just over 20 years. I have had zero success thus far. I have two masters from an Ivy League school and recently got PMP certified. Hoping that’s going to help. I am super shocked!!

  79. Julie E

    See if you can find some contract work or volunteer positions to show recent work experience. That worked for me when I took a break to be a SHM. Good luck!

  80. Anonymous

    When I was laid off in 2020 because of the pandemic, an employee at the unemployment office told me that since I have grey hair I needed to make sure I told interviewers how I went to the gym 4-5 times a week and can keep up with almost anyone. I am now 62, still have grey hair, still go to the gym 4-5 times a week and still come up against ageism.

  81. Balanced372207

    My daughter is 46 and, like her father, is starting to gray early. Years ago her paternal grandmother used to dye her hair because she said it was the best way to keep a job -- cover that gray. I, the daughter in law, thought she was exaggerating. Her granddaughter is doing just what she did....covering the gray.

  82. DeBorah Walker

    Ageism is real and apparent. Unless you've been in a successful career and the next professional move is a natural expected position you will experience agism... a career change, is when you really fully experience ageism. I am trying to transition from a successful sales career into HR as an HR manager. And it's been nothing but hardship and roadblocks for me. However I do believe if I was a fresh face college grad or an intern my career Quest would be more transitional. I refuse to take a low pain position when I'm still a professional career working woman. I would take a low pain position after I retire and money is not an option and pursuing a career that I desire was also not an option.

  83. DeBorah Walker

    (low paying) are the words not (low pain). So much for my talk to text and spell checking lol.

  84. Gwendolyn Free

    Ageism is a real thing! Your resume tells your story. There are companies that are looking for good employees with good skills and solid work experience. Society is huge on looks! Just because we as women age, doesn’t mean you have to look old! Keep working toward your goals. The right company will hire you and it will be a good fit for you. It happened for me because I was determined and didn’t give up!

  85. Anonymous

    Ageism is very real. In my early 50s I decided to change direction in my career. I'm highly qualified and highly educated. I interview very well. Every single job I applied for was given to a newbie fresh out of college or at least someone 25 years younger. The irony is that I have followed some of these candidates and many left after just a year or two on the job. It floors me that employers want someone less educated, less qualified, less experienced and less likely to stay.

  86. Sandra

    ? been struggling 3 years since Covid layoff. I took a position far beneath me out of desperation that doesn’t even pay my rent. $19/hr for a very seasoned sales assistant. Was business development mgr at layoff.

  87. Colleen Murdock

    I am experiencing this as wel. I am 52. Heatbreaking.

  88. Anonymous

    If you think it’s bad now, wait till you get a job settling for a lot less pay and then they take advantage of all of your years of experience, education, and wisdom – and don’t ever pay you anything extra. Essentially they rented a Lamborghini and they’re paying for a Volkswagen.

  89. MARI S PHONASA, CPSM & CPSD

    Yes, ageism is VERY real. I will be 51 this year, when I was looking last year in 2022, I applied to over 200 jobs and only received call back and interviews to maybe a third of them. I bit the bullet early on and paid MyPerfectresume.com to help me with my resume. They helped me draft it so that it tells the story of my transferable skills, and before I had over 20+ years of experience listed in detail. Now, the companies are still listed, but I shortened the descriptions to show the accolades and skills that are transferable to the role I would be applying. Granted I needed to tailor it a bit each time, but it took minimal effort and I saved different versions of it so I could easily upload to their websites.

  90. Anonymous

    To some people, I don't look my age. However, my resume tells my age when I go on job interviews. I have learned to embrace my age because I have worked too hard to shorten my accomplishments to get a foot in the door. Yes, ageism is a thing. So, I visited the company's social media page, read reviews on the company, and researched to see if the company was open-minded to all cultures and ages. You can apply despite the odds and be a change agent or apply where the door is already welcoming and open. It also depends on a person's mindset and wanting to make a difference despite the odds because of ageism. I choose to make a difference. What do you choose? 

  91. Joan Marie Verba

    I am 69 years old and was laid off 5 years ago. Since then I've applied to over 750 jobs. I get interviews (2 interviews in Feb. and 1 in March), but still no success. I have had career coaching, resume reviews, LinkedIn reviews, training in how to handle an interview, etc. etc. etc. I realized that it would be difficult to get a job when over the age of 60, but I didn't know it would be nearly impossible.

  92. Balanced372207

    Look into working for an assisted living facility. Such facilities seem to be the only ones who will hire us "oldsters."

  93. Joan Marie Verba

    I cannot possibly work in an assisted living facility. I have disabilities and there are very few in-person jobs I can perform. I need remote work.

  94. Anonymous

    It’s been horrible for me to find work in my 50s. I get treated poorly and most of the time I don’t even get a rejection, just ignored. I came on here looking for advice, and was advised to go to AARP for help finding employment. That proved fruitless. In the 90s I was an Application Developer and then raised my two kids. Now I’m deemed dispensable. I’m beginning to realize the reason people hate aging is the way they get treated.

  95. Nick Kossovan

    How do you know for 100% certainty your age is the reason ytou are not able to land a job?

    What proof do you have this is the reason?

    Read my 4-part series on ageism, “Ageism: Does it Exist or Is It a Form of ‘I’m a Victim!’ Mentality?”

    Part 1: https://bit.ly/3vHAnJU

    Part 2: https://bit.ly/3d75h8h

    Part 3: https://bit.ly/3psuhKb

    Part 4: https://bit.ly/3QBP2ip

    Stop thinking you are a victim!

  96. Anonymous

    The fourth link doesn't work. It just goes back to Part 1.

  97. Geniene Pernotto

    You can find the proof if they are between you and one other person in the end. The person that gets the job is 20-30 years younger than you (check LinkedIn after a month and search the position). I've had that happen 3 times in Columbus, OH, pre-pandemic. We both asked for the same amount of $. The younger person lasted 1-2 years and left which tends to happen.

  98. Anonymous

    Yes! I was just talking about this with a friend that works in HR. She says it is such a struggle trying to get hiring managers to understand that for most of these roles, they are not hiring their succession person - they need a job done. Then, the 20-something leaves in 2 years - every time.

  99. Venise Vinegar

    Personally, the word ageism is not a part of my vocabulary, mindset or thought process. It is a debilitating, negative self-talk word that I replace with positive self-talk. Yes, ageism is out there, always has been, always will be, and it is no excuse for not pursuing our aspirations and dream. I do not give "ageism" power in my personal domain. I do not entertain or nurture a relationship with the word/label. It is not who I am. Age is a number that we are all born with. How we choose to move through life with our "number," how we choose to relate or respond to our age(ism) is our choice, our decision. I embrace and celebrate my age. Without age we do not live a meaningful life and I am grateful and thankful for each new day. I wear my age fearlessly, boldly, loud and proud. Age is what it is, a number. Age is the acknowledgement, recognition and honor of how long we have been on the planet and a measure of our accomplishments as well. The journey deserves respect and sometimes we have to demand it. Wisdom does not come without putting in the time. Our life experiences are valuable, they are what have molded and shaped us into the best version of who we are in this moment. If you are not happy with who you are in this moment, then we have the option to change it. I am way beyond 50plus. My age is my shield of power, strength and protection. I know who I am and the wisdom, gift, talents and expertise I bring to the table. Our job, no matter what age we are, is to do the deep work, the research and the hard work to seek out, find and create a realistic wish list of companies, cultures, communities, and individuals, organizations, who will best benefit from the knowledge, wisdom and talents we bring to the table. If the career opportunity you find is a mutually best fit match for your passion, purpose and personality, that fosters reciprocity, you may just be hired right on the spot, and if not - move on to the next career opportunity on your wish list. Ditch that obsessive thought process around that word. When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change." - Wayne Dyer. Happy Tuesday!

  100. Anonymous

    Horrid advice.

    Just because YOU don't acknowledge does not mean that it doesn't negatively impact older workers on a daily basis.

  101. Anonymous

    I have your attitude, with a strong dose of reality. Whether I think it or not, ageism exists - I’ve experienced it. Some other guy on here is talking about how we are making ourselves victims. There are different rules for women, for some reason, we are supposed to make the place look better for men.

  102. Anonymous

    I’m not having a problem with this at 61 because I am no longer applying for traditional jobs - I’ve moved over to contractor positions, and I love it!

    No more filling out applications, jumping through hoops, only to be ghosted once they figure out my age and decide they are looking for someone in a succession role. What a laugh - the folks they are hiring only stay 2-3 years. The way we hire should have changed to reflect this.

    No more 10 hour days, I work 8 hours - no one wants to pay overtime.

    No more feeling left out because no one cares to hear my opinion. It has become easy to adopt a benevolent “not my circus, not my monkeys” attitude in my daily work. I’m a contractor.

    And, the best part is that these jobs pay more! And in my field, the jobs are still mainly remote.

    It took about 2 months to change my mindset, and I have no intention of going back.

  103. Angie Martin

    What field are you in?

  104. Anonymous

    IT Change Management. Decided I wanted to change careers four years ago and researched verifications. Prosci ADKAR training g is remote, 3 days, and the certification is forever. Getting more expensive though - $1900 when I took it, now at $4800. I work in enterprise change management organizations, so they support other groups, not just IT, but the majority of work appears to be in IT. I don’t have an IT background, but I don’t really need it. In my role, I’m the voice of the customer, and I have good interview skills to pull out the info I need from the IT folks. I don’t create content, I pull it from the SMEs and I communicate so that the people using the change know about it and are fully trained by the time the change is in place.

    I have friends doing contract work in accounting, finance, and engineering.

  105. Susan Mazer

    You are self-employed, which comes with everything you described and more risk.

  106. Anonymous

    I am not self-employed. I’m a W2 employee, working for a contracting company, with an HR dept, etc - there are a lot of them. So, I have insurance through them, too. And, I’ve been doing this since I was 57, on my third gig, left when I wanted to, and have had a new job within five weeks.

    I understand what you are saying about the risk, but I worked in fortune 50 companies for most of my career, and every 5 years there was a threat of layoffs. And every new CEO brought its own paranoia. No company is loyal to you anymore, and these contracting companies have to follow the same employment laws.

  107. Anonymous

    who are some of the contracting companies if we'd want to check it out?

  108. Anonymous

    Depends on your industry. Spear Group, BHI, Planet Forward, GEM Technologies, Footbridge, Robert Half, Sparks Group, etc.

    If you are in IT go to Dice.com which should have postings from contract companies. Every industry has companies that cater to them specifically.

  109. Anonymous

    Yes to all mentioned above, plus some old stand-bys like Kelly, Adecco - all now have more than just the low level temp jobs available.

    Aquinas, Whitridge, Eliassen and Stiles are a few more I can think of off the top of my head. I have recruiters reaching out to me from multiple groups. Also, I have friends that get paid directly through the staffing company, as well as other friends that work in HR and manage Engineering candidates for a few of their larger clients - also paid by the staffing company. The roles I take are funded by the client, but the check is from the staffing company. All are well over 50, and not looking to go back.

    Btw - I have not filled out an online application since I started contract work 4 years ago. The recruiters reach out to me on LinkedIn with a job description, I send them my resume, the client says yes or no, I interview (usually once), and I get a start date. I still get stuck in workday, filling out HR and payroll stuff, but it’s not like the system is going to throw me out (like the application process).

    The vast majority of the recruiters I’ve talked with are great. I treat them with respect - very open about what I do, etc., and they appreciate that I know they are busy. A couple keep my resume now, and check in with me to see if I’m looking for a
    change.

    It’s still work, but I’m taken seriously and not continually feeling insulted and demotivated like I do through the “normal” application and interview process.

  110. Anonymous

    SAME!!!

  111. Anonymous

    Totally agree! I also have full benefits, holiday pay, 3 weeks vacation, 401k match. I no longer work 55-60 hour weeks because the client only authorizes 40 hours. I get paid much better as an individual contributor than I did as a manager in a Fortune 500. I have 10 years until retirement and I don’t plan to ever go back in house.

    I love your “not my circus, not my monkeys.” That’s it exactly. All I do is my job. I don’t have to fix what is broken and frankly the client doesn’t want me to. Wish I had gotten here years ago.

  112. Anonymous

    Me too! I shied away from contract positions, but now wish I’d jumped years earlier.

  113. Anonymous

    Maybe that is what is happening to me right now. I am now 47 years old, I haven't looked for a job since I was still in my 30s. Now it is a lot harder, I don't know if it's ageism or if it's just the level of position I am looking for. Since I do have many years of experience I am looking for a bit higher positions. So, that might be the reason. I don't know though. I've applied for many jobs - have only heard back from a couple of them for phone interviews and then don't hear back after that. I don't get it. Maybe this is why nobody at my company leaves. Our average tenure is pretty high, 75% of my department have been there 20+ years.

  114. Ayian

    I've been passed up for roles despite having nearly 20 years of experience and being more suited for a job in favor of older candidates who look closer to their age than I do to mine. Ageism cuts both ways. I keep on trucking and ensure that I discuss my experience in detail so the interviewer gets depth and breadth.

    Your issue will require a different approach. The biggest thing that causes interviewers to artificially age others or view age as an issue is visual style. Consider updating the way you apply makeup by watching some youtube tutorials of young women doing theirs. If you aren't wearing any makeup (totally valid), consider wearing some for interview purposes and if you need any support in updating your style or applying products you're not familiar with, pop down to Sephora, where they'll help you out free.

    A haircut may be in order. If you're open to that, visit a styling school where they're already learning the latest trends. Having a style that you love from 10 or 20 years ago is great, but it'll reinforce any signs of age.

    Update your jacket. If you're wearing a jacket to interviews and you've had it a while, chances are the fit isn't up to date. Consider going to a younger branded store for a new one. If you're not wearing a jacket, this is a great time to start, just be sure to pick up something that reads young.

    Accessories. Mind that your accessories are either classic or current, but not too obviously expensive. You want to look nice at interviews, but honestly, too nice and people can tell that you've been around a while and it will go back into any ageism bias they may have. This includes shoes - only current styles or ones so classic they're always around.

    Perfume is also a tell. If your favorite is one all of your contemporaries are wearing, it's time for something new during interview. Best practice right now is none at all, as drawing a big breath around someone new so you can get a whiff of their perfume or cologne is just asking for breathing in their germs. However, if you feel better to wear some, visit Sephora again. They'll send you home with samples even, so you don't have to purchase the perfume outright in order to try it out for a while - like on an interview. You're looking for fresh, citrusy, and/or floral. Avoid powdery or heavy smells, as these have an 'older' impression.

    Also, any references to when you graduated, if you have a degree, should be removed from your resume. They only need to know that you graduated, not when. Leave only the last 10 years of relevant experience on your resume and summarize the rest.

    These things can reduce resistance during the interview process. You may also want to consider fully remote positions where you're only interviewing over webcam, which isn't that crystal clear in the first place, so some of your signs of aging (if you're showing any) are blissfully blurred out or you can even use a face filter to give you a little update. They're quite good, actually.

    I don't know what industry you're in obviously, but consider working in nonprofit. Idealist.com has a lot of really great positions that pay well, good benefits, and require people to have experience in life and work.

    I hope some of this is helpful and applicable for you. I've interviewed a lot of people myself and been in even more interviews. What you're dealing with at interview level is first impressions and prejudices that you can't begin to guess at. If you can take away the impression of being in your 50's and maybe pass for 42 or even a slightly silvery 35, all that's left is stuff out of your control entirely. Best wishes and take care!

  115. Anonymous

    This was awful advice.

    Maybe we should work on punishment for age discrimination as opposed to minimizing who we are and what we bring to the table.

  116. Geniene Pernotto

    Good luck bringing any companies to task! I've spoken to a few lawyers and it is just about impossible.

  117. T MN

    Agree with you 100%. Horrible advice.

  118. Anonymous

    I don’t know if it’s horrible advice or just obvious. As with any first impression, you want to look your best. Having wrote this, however, we’ve all seen those candidates walking in like it is 1999, and this could be just what they need. Even for men, where the hiring focus is more on skills, a candidate could lose out by not looking somewhat current. There are so many women reporting the same issues - I doubt all of them lack personal presentation skills.

  119. DeBorah Walker

    Some of your advice makes sense but some of it is really not realistic or practical. No one should have to go through all that to show that they're younger; they should look decent and professional; and they should sell themselves on what they do. Their experience, and Education. I should not begrudge wearing my pearls because I may be perceived as this or that...(hog wash). Commonsense is in order, along with being savy about the culture you tend to pursue.

  120. Anonymous

    I was hired by a great company at 60+ with a highly competitive company. The job is 100% remote and I think that is a big equalizer. If a person has great computer skills and sells the interviewer on their talents ageism isn’t as much of a factor as it is when the position is onsite and the employer may perceive the more seasoned employee won’t fit in with the culture. Keep plugging along and stop seeing yourself as a number.

  121. Anonymous

    It depends on the industry. For IT positions, there is more age discrimination than other industries like trade. I will be turning 52 this year and straddle both the IT and business side of companies (analytics) in my current role. I had to make changes to my career that would utilize my past experience more and become more well-rounded that is missing in the younger and inexperienced workforce. The common problem I have observed with people my age is that most of them worked at very few companies, stayed in one company and/or role for 30 years without thinking of taking on more challenges, update themselves with new and upcoming skills or change industry or companies often enough. They became "comfortable" with a steady paycheck and looking for "stability", which is an illusion. Human nature plays a role in that people avoid change at all costs because it is viewed as "hard". This made them very hard to hire because they siloed themselves. In my twenties and thirties, I traveled all over the country to many different cities and took on many different roles as a contractor in a wide variety of industries. This made me acquire a ton of experience that I use in my current job as a data consultant. I am now appreciated for my wide variety of skills and experience, which is not common in the job market. Also, in my later years, I worked on getting hard-to-get credentials to work in roles with the government, where this is less amount of age discrimination. This provided me with flexibility to work in Fortune 500 companies or government agencies. I am no looking into adding more skills now to use if I have to "retire" from my current roles and take on something new to continue earning income.

  122. Geniene Pernotto

    Beauty & fashion companies are extremely ageist too! Healthcare is a safer field.

  123. Anonymous

    I will be 60 in a month. For the past 9 years, I have worked as a professional consultant specializing in higher education. There have always been issues with the higher-ups not fully understanding our field and how heavily regulated it is, but the others in our area have always made it worthwhile. However, my boss retired last summer, and since that time, the head of our division has demonstrated just how little she understands my contributions. I have 37 years of experience in my field, 9 of which have been as a consultant. I have long-term client schools who rely heavily on my knowledge and expertise, and I can move easily from system to another and juggle multiple clients. However, even after I took on my retired boss's workload in addition to mine and asked several times about additional compensation and/or promotion, the company solidly ignored me. When it came time for raises and promotions earlier this year, I got 2% when others around me got much more. And the new hires are making a lot more than I am, even with a lot less experience and expertise than I have. I could plainly see that they do not value me, and I found a better position for a lot more money. I gave notice four week before leaving, and they were like deer in the headlights. They came back with a counter offer, but it was for the same salary I get with my new job AND it was made three days before my last day.

    It was painfully apparent to me on multiple occasions that my age and my sex caused them to devalue my contributions. They get to see just how valuable I am now that my former clients are upset that the new younger hires can't handle it.

  124. Anonymous

    Pay discrimination is illegal. The US Dept of Labor website spells it out. You are very fortunate to have found something new, good luck!

  125. Terri Smith

    My advice at 66 is to make sure your resume suggests that technology is your friend. And if it isn't your friend, make it your friend. Embrace your experiences, but don't put them all on your resume, which will age you. You can still land a good-paying job with the right company. The bias is there, even if the interviewer or recruiter is completely unaware of it. It's not their fault that our culture is driven by youth. So, Ayian is right. We have to reflect younger than we are, even after we're on the job.

  126. Anonymous

    Absolutely agree! You need to be someone who all ages can relate to. The best strategy to increase your odds of getting a job at any age is using your contacts via LinkedIn and personally to build relationships within a company you are interested in. Blasting out untargeted resumes to companies online application systems is not productive at any stage of your career.

  127. Balanced372207

    You are right about being able to "relate" to younger people. Read a few books that they read, listen to some of "their" music, learn about the current "young lady fashions", so that you can discuss these things with the young folks. They will appreciate it. Be the "cool grandma" on the job.

  128. Anonymous

    I’m having the same experience and I keep telling myself- hang in there! I do what I can to stay relevant, keep my resume current to the past 10-15 or so years (I’ve stayed long times at companies, and aim for showcasing loyalty.

    I’ve leverage LinkedIn learning and other courses (check out your local library- you may have online access to learning/development programs) and also find certifications on your chosen field that you can complete.

    Learning is what I’ve found keeps me in the game.

    Wishing us all a great search ?

  129. Jill Chapman

    I am 51 also and am finding exactly the same thing. One example was before pay transparency in CA I applied for a job in Dec where the salary wasn't listed. I had a friend send my resume to the hiring manager. When I talked to the recruiter she was impressed with my experience but told me the top end of the range was 25K below my bottom line. However she made it sound like she wanted me to talk with the hiring manager. A month later I find out they went with someone else and the recruiter's feedback was that "while my experience was impressive it was beyond what they were looking for in that role". I fit all the requirements but found out they ended up hiring someone who had only been out of college 6 years, so obviously they could pay less $.

    As others have said I keep my resume to the last 15 years and unfortunately since I am on month six since my layoff with my unemployment and severance running low, I have lowered my salary expectation from what I was making. I know I am worth more but with the way the economy is going I am concerned that if I don't land something by June/july that companies will start going into hiring freezes completely. Hang in there you are not alone!

  130. Anonymous

    I'm not sure what you mean by "age friendly careers". I do think ageism is real and unfortunately occurs. However I often see posts where people suggest ageism simply because someone younger was hired. When applying for jobs outside of your industry, outside the scope of your experience, or where your experience is not directly relevant, there may be candidates better suited to the role , and despite your age is where networking and carefully crafted cover letters are critical.

  131. Anonymous

    Many of the replies are focusing on the number of jobs they've applied to versus how many interviews they've been on as a basis for ageism. The fact that today's job industry is competitive is a universal truth, age aside.

  132. Anonymous

    51 is considered prime for men. Sadly as always women get the short end of the stick. Until we can get some equity in the boardroom. This is not going to change. having said that, I have been able to move upwards with new positions even into my 50s. So I think part of it is where your niche is.

  133. Anonymous

    I'm 55 and have been looking for work for 18 months. :-( Part of the problem for me, and this could be true for you, is that my resume isn't getting past the AI bots that do the first screen in many cases. I've had what I think is a pretty low ration of applications to interviews. But/and, for the positions I have interviewed for, I do think ageism played a part in me coming in "second best" more times than I can count. Best of luck with your search!

  134. Maureen B. Weisner

    Yes, ageism is real and affects women more than men. Yes, updating tech knowledge is very important. Yes, using current language references and maintaining an up-tp-date overall appearance is a confidence booster. Doing somersaults with the expectation that a company will realize your talent and worth is exhausting when you know that you're not the one running in circles with your hair on fire when the unexpected occurs. And, given the above, it's also one of the biggest drivers in the explosion of business ownership. While it isn't the solution for everyone, review your skills and talents and consider partnering with someone to add to your potential client appeal if going it alone is too challenging.

  135. Nancy Ransom

    I am 59 will be 60 this year. Ageism is alive and well. Ive experienced it over the last 10 years. I am tech savvy, have great experience. When I started my current job, we were sent hone due to Covid I learned my entire job working from home. I have found they want the experience but either a) due to experience they think you want more salary b) They want someone younger. When I was out of work for 2.5 years I could immediately tell they were not interested in me because of my age. They become disengaged etc.Just because I haven't done certain parts of the job, doesn't mean I am not capable. I hate the line, "we found someone who matches closer..." to me it is a cop out. Give me a chance and I will prove to you what I CAN do. It's annoying.

  136. Anonymous

    I can relate. Focus on ways to let your skills shine more

  137. Eboni Thomas

    I agree with many of the valid points in this discussion. As a "seasoned" resume writer and contract editor working remotely for 15+ years, I'm happy to assist those of you experiencing challenges in your job search. I can help you:
    (1) infuse potential keywords into your resume and remove those that invoke ageism (like "seasoned" :) to help increase your chances of being selected by the scanning software; (2) create cover letters in a customized, reader-friendly template format to clearly highlight what makes you a strong candidate; and (3) fortify your LinkedIn profile professionally, so it complements your polished resume and cover letter template.
    Let's connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonithomas/

    Also, sharing a few of my favorite resources for legit remote opps with reputable organizations:
    https://jobs.corpsteam.com/
    https://aquent.com/find-work/
    https://www.creativecircle.com/talent/
    If you find a posting that interests you, I'm happy to help customize your docs to apply!

  138. Danielle Gensler

    Thank you for posting ... I am experiencing this too! How do they expect a woman in her 50's should expect to be paid so low? Why do they assume that I am ready to retire, have a husband/partner, don't need a full time income, or want part time? Emotionally - it's draining and hard to reframe that my experience and worth are now considered less than ideal. Not to mention that our age group has more expenses and obligations. Of course this does not apply to those who have a specific niche in the industry. I am willing to go back to school and learn a new trade or skill. However, I am in the same boat because I will be starting off at a base level until I get more experience. Thanks for allowing me to vent, process. I am curious to read everyone's comments.

  139. Anonymous

    We all know there is a tremendous amount of ageism, especially with regards to women. With all the progress in inclusion in all areas of society, there hasn’t been enough progress with age inclusiveness and probably won’t be until the younger generations age. Try to find 100% remote roles because I have had major success landing a highly lucrative role at 63 where I am valued for my talents. Good luck everyone! Keep plugging along. Had interviews for other remote roles that went very far into the process.

  140. Teresa

    I am going through the same situation, I am 64, however, don't feel it and told don't look it, however, I have been in interviews were I am told I am a great fit, I will help the company grow, however, they are still interviewing and will get back to me. They get back saying it was a really hard decision, this guy had just a bit more experience in a certain situation. First of all when they told me guy, it was a man and I can assure you he was much younger than I. I raised 3 children on my own, worked all my life, however, can't afford to retire, SS will only cover my rent, can't collect and work supposedly would make to much money. Thing is I love working, keeps my mind going and the people I meet. I am a buyer in manufacturing which is pretty much a male dominated world, but this has been my life for the last 40 years. It really is discouraging. I do hope the best for all of us,

  141. Christina Szeman

    I am almost 50 and I have gotten a job interview within a year. You are not missing anything. I've read that even ATS software can be discriminatory of not only age, but gender, sexuality, and race. But not many companies (Except Amazon) have done anything about it. I too don't want to work minimum wage jobs. I've even tried remote work and I am not getting anywhere with that. That's probably because I am Canadian. I am also trying to find Freelancing work, however, I am not getting any clients (I'm a copywriter who can't sell myself). If you have the drive, you can start your own business.

  142. Anonymous

    Thank you for bringing this up. I am also experiencing this and it's very disappointing. I have been applying for remote roles too. I don't think I look my age at all nor sound 'old'. I have been finding it difficult to find legitimate remote roles too. I'll keep persevering and I hope you do too.

  143. Eboni Thomas

    Sharing a few of my favorite resources for legit remote opps with reputable organizations:

    https://jobs.corpsteam.com/

    https://aquent.com/find-work/

    https://www.creativecircle.com/talent/

    If you find a posting that interests you, I'm happy to help customize your docs to apply!

  144. Sophie Rose

    Thanks Eboni!

  145. Anonymous

    I agree age discrimination is a real thing and it's very depressing. I am a young older person. What I mean by that is I have a lot of energy and I am in good shape and I am always innovating and learning new things. I stay up on trends and keep up and or beat a lot of the millennials on projects but I feel like when I am interviewed all they see is the crows feet around my eyes and nothing more.

  146. Bridget Harrington

    I'm 54 and am like you. I don't look my age, am current on the latest skills and practices, and put a lot of time into keeping healthy and in shape and being very involved in life in general. If you run into situations, the key is NOT ACCEPTING IT. Before I took my current job, I was interviewing and one interview in particular could have been demoralizing. My resume leaves off earlier experience, so if you just went by that and how I sound on the phone, you would assume that I was in my early to mid 30s. WELL. I walked into this group interview situation and every person in that room was, tops, early 30s. The LOOKS they gave me when I walked in! The interview was very tense and at a certain point I stood up and said, "It's obvious to me that you expected someone far younger than me, and I don't feel as if this environment is one that would respect me or what I have to offer. So, I will see myself out...thank you for your time today." The head interviewer later called me to apologize and see if I would come back, and I told her no, and explained that I can work with people of all ages, but it was obvious that they cannot, and I wasn't going to pursue a job where I would be "the token old lady." There was a long silence and she said, "I don't know what to say." I told her, "Counsel and train your team to work with all ages and to manage their poker faces a little better. Thank me for telling you this - because many won't and instead will trash your company behind your back."NEVER allow them to keep you down. You know your worth.

  147. Shannon Robertson

    Hell yes, own it! I LOVED how you handled that and that you gave it all back to them TENFOLD! YOU, my lady should be THEIR boss!

  148. Balanced372207

    I can relate to "the LOOKS they gave me when I walked in." Try being a woman of color who doesn't have a "black sounding" name.

  149. misskelleyp

    I think it's a two pronged issue. One, age discrimination is real. Two, as we get older and more experienced, we're looking for more senior, higher paying jobs, and there are fewer of those - ergo they are harder to find.

  150. Jody Laflen

    I’m 50 and graduating in June with a 2nd master’s to start a new career (though I have been freelancing for almost 3 years now). I’ve been able to work with career counselors in my program (it’s a tech field) and regarding my resume, there are rules women our age have to follow. Any education more than 10 years old or that isn’t directly related? Leave it off. (If you must keep it in, provide no date). My first master’s and bachelor’s are gone, but they can be interview topics. Job experience more than 12-15 years old if that isn’t relevant should be removed too. Keep resume 1-1,5 pages even if you’ve been working 35 years, like I have. Use a lot of dynamic action verbs and highlight achievements to show team leadership and expertise. Include your socials by embedding links with the URLs (even if it’s only LinkedIn) and do not include Facebook or Pinterest. Facebook is only okay if it’s your business account, in lieu of Pinterest you should have a URL to your portfolio. I have had 3 companies ask me to reapply once I have graduated. I work in tech and with layoff competition and the huge amount of twenty- and thirty-somethings applying for the same jobs, I have to balance appearing young, possessing experience and achievements, and showcase skills they need. It’ takes new iterations every time you apply, and it’s exhausting.

  151. Anonymous

    Absolutely agree. I was hired at my last 2 jobs at age 54 & 64 yrs of age.

    Definitely recommend hiring a professional in resume writing because companies use specific software to capture and screen specific verbiage as well. For interviews, be professional and as energetic & youthful but down to earth as possible. Show them your worth. RESEARCH THE COMPANY SO YOU KNOW HOW TO RESPOND.

  152. Anonymous

    Yes it is a real thing. You should not dumb down your experience instead look for companies where the population (check linkedin) is more mature and where you are less likely to have bias in the process. I think taking your years off resume and focus on experience and both strategic and tactical things you excel in will also help. It's a fairly tough market now in general and that too does not help. 3-6 months average for folks to find work.

  153. Bridget Harrington

    THIS. I can tell you that I am over 50. I was almost 50 when I took my current job. I keep myself current and in shape and dress like a much younger woman, but one thing I don't do is color my hair. To many people, that signals "old." That is a myth - people grey very young in my family and I was as grey as I am now under hair dye in my 20s. I do have a few lines, but people at my job have heard me say that I will not be getting plastic surgery to look younger because it is a waste of money to stop the inevitable and it comes with health risks that might hurt me in the long run....so it speaks to a greater goal (to live and work as long as possible). I do work in an office and not in the age-friendly remote realm because that is where the money and opportunities are. Anyway...

    My current company is an industry leader and the majority of the workforce here is over 40. A) Because the work requires a lot of on the job tech experience that you won't have if you are under 35 and B) because people are treated so well here that they usually retire with the company. The man I was hired to replace had been with the company for almost 40 years...almost since the beginning. I learned later that they were specifically looking for a slightly younger version of his skillset. Slightly younger, only because they didn't want to have to rehire anytime soon, but in the same general age group because of all the legacy programs and materials used in the job. Knowledge not taught in college or other training programs - you either have it or you don't. I have been very vocal about the fact that I also intend to retire from here, and that "retirement" for me will NOT be until I am 70. That gives the company almost 20 years of me (maybe more).

    Companies like mine do exist and are hiring. People need to do some sleuthing and find them.

  154. Anonymous

    Three to six months average for folks to find work? Sure if you want every other sentence in your workday to be, "will that be for here or to go?" I am well over 50 and have been looking for more than four years. I respect your opinion, but there is seriously no way to tell ahead of time if someone is likely to have bias.

  155. Jody Laflen

    This works in some industries. It doesn't work in mine.

  156. Anonymous

    I'm not sure what an "age-friendly career" is ... but yes, ageism is rampant. I have 30 years of experience in my field. My former company offered buyouts to people over a certain age and were harassing others to make them quit. I took a buyout never in my wildest dreams thinking I would go 5+ years without another full-time job in my field. I freelance six days a week but it is without health insurance and there is no time off (no work, no pay). I apply/send out resumes daily. I have had a half dozen actual interviews in the last 18 months. Thirty-somethings (or younger) interviewing do the math and experience flies out the window. They want cheap. They want young. It is so beyond demoralizing and depressing. I am also so sick of people telling me to "hang in there." Those people are not the ones struggling to pay the mortgage, taxes and put food on the table. I think FGB could do a better job addressing the ageism women face other than simply reading what we vent in these forums.

  157. Anonymous

    My former company did the same thing. Once you hit 50 there was a target on your back. At least if your years of service plus age hit their target number you could get offered a retirement package. For everyone else they just got a layoff with no severance at all.

  158. Balanced372207

    Yes.. I have heard of this. The PA legislature was thinking of instituting this practice, so I was told by former coworkers.

  159. Anonymous

    Ageism is a thing, but you can beat it. Yes there are some industries that hire the seasoned employees, but you can also fit into a younger environment. Upskilling , I think is the key.

  160. Anonymous 1

    It is definitely "a thing". I feel like I'm hitting my stride where management acumen, practical application of on the job core skills and people leadership are in a sweet spot where it's landing well... but alas the ageism is alive and well (albeit utterly incorrect in base assumptions/biases).

  161. Anonymous

    Yes. I have been told I have "gray hair" even though it's bleached blonde with purple streaks. It's especially a thing for women. Here are some thoughts:
    Choose a learning goal. Start working on your goal while job searching so you can share it with potential employers. Share it in your resume.
    While you're at it, if you haven't already, polish your resume and emphasize the wealth of knowledge you have at your age - with anything meaningful! People like to see that you are eager to learn.
    If you have more than 10 years of experience, round it up to 10 if you can. Anything more than that may be programmatically filtered. Don't lie, but chunk your experience in groups of no more than 10 years if you can. Best of luck to you. I know it's hard.

  162. Chesay Colson

    As a Black woman, I'm more than familiar with the obstacles in the workplace. I was excited to see the headline on "ageism" and hoped it would be an active view on ageism with how to recognize its subtleties in the work world and how to overcome some of the obstacles mature women face. I appreciate reading about the real experiences of other women. I was looking for more ways to combat ageism from this topic on FGB.

  163. Anonymous

    Sadly, it doesn’t seem to improve, but there is some great advice on working around it in the comments!

  164. Jody Laflen

    I would love to go deeper on that topic for sure - I was going for a more immediate set of suggestions. How to combat this starts with ways to get society, especially U.S. society to recognize the value that A) women/women-identifying, B) older women/people, and C) women of color bring to any organization, without that being lip service for the media. That is a massive paradigm shift and requires more male active support (actions, not words). Society sees aging, for women/women-identifying people as an actual crime, and one worthy of ridicule or disregard. Tbh, I actually got work done on my face to look younger as I move into interviews, along with making a youthful resume and portfolio. It killed me to delete decades of work and degrees, when I don't think men have to do so. I can only imagine how much more difficult it is for Black women, and I am multiracial. I would love to continue this conversation.

  165. Anonymous

    When you find it let us know. Lol

  166. Balanced372207

    As a fellow "sister", I am much aware of double sword of racism and ageism that exists. When I find a way to combat it (other than a lawsuit if one has sufficient proof that will stand up in court), I will announce it to the world.

  167. Julie E

    Only include your last 10 years of experience on your resume and never add the dates you went to college, just list the school and degree. I also didn’t apply at companies whe required that information because I figured they would discriminate.

  168. Anonymous

    But doesn’t matter by the time they interview you and see you as their mom, not someone that will go party with the team.

  169. Balanced372207

    Yes. I once heard from much younger coworkers that they HATED working with older people, because they felt they were "judging" them. I was quick to say that I was not on a job to judge anyone; I was there to work and earn a paycheck. The youngsters didn't know how to take that. They seemed to see all older women as "mom" figures who had the potential to be critical of them.....not as coworkers.

  170. Anonymous

    Sorry I wholeheartedly disagree with that. By removing that experience you are leveling the playing field with inexperienced people. The people who originally made that suggestion - which has sadly gotten way too much traction - just HAD to be the ones trying to push us OUT of the job market.

  171. Anonymous

    After struggling with this issue I finally decided to follow my gut and not all the advice out there: I added a photo to my resume (gasp) that didn’t hide my age but perhaps made me come across a little less matronly; I added jobs back in from more than ten years ago; and I bought a template for resume from Etsy. It worked. Who knows, but this is a company I had applied to multiple times before and not even gotten interviews.

  172. Balanced372207

    I agree with the "what you see is what you get" attitude. I have found that potential employers often get "angry" when your looks don't match their idea of who you are. This is especially true of women who are black, but have "white sounding names". And when they are seen in person, often employers think that they were being "tricked."

  173. Anonymous

    ????, seriously???

  174. Anonymous

    This is about age not skin color.

  175. Anonymous

    No they don’t! Stop with the stories. Don’t be that person that looks for a way to insert black into everything. I am black and do not appreciate your comment.

  176. Balanced372207

    You don't know this black woman, or my experiences. I am almost 70 years old, and have been in the workforce for 52 years. I know of which I speak. It matters naught whether or not you "appreciate my comment."

  177. DeBorah Walker

    Are you saying they're disappointed because the person that showed up is black, this is unbelievable. I'm so disappointed to hear this; in this day and age so it's not only ageism but racism; which we know is going on, but I really can't believe someone would interview you and you would see the disappointment because you had a normal name and turned out to be white. Ha! Let me get a whiff of that and it's on. Because my name is normal, and I'm a successful black woman who is mature, and ready to claim my new spot...

  178. DeBorah Walker

    (Turned out to be white)...

  179. Anonymous

    Ageism is very real. I was recently laid off and at age 64, I'm finding it difficult to find another full time job. I love working and with the downturn in investment value, I could use another couple of years of income. Even though I removed a lot of dates from my resume and stated skills and responsibilities without years, it all adds up and people can do their own math. I'm tech savvy, stay contemporary with trends and I look 10 years younger than I am, but as other people have experienced, being over age 50 makes a person automatically irrelevant. As a result, I've decided to not focus my time looking for a full time position. Instead, I'll concentrate on pursuing consulting gigs with the hope that companies will find my extensive experience beneficial instead of branding me with ageist stereotypes. Regardless, a reminder to young women in this forum to think twice before making ageist remarks about their bosses or coworkers in their posts. One day, it could be you.

  180. DeBorah Walker

    Excellent idea about consulting! I may have to try your idea.

  181. Stephanie H. Wical

    i remember everyone was so angry with my boss at the University iof Eau Claire because she would not take an early retirement. Maybe I am just an old witch, but there are very good reasons why esoteric traditions aren’t open to less mature and seasoned people.

  182. Amy Ross

    I'm right there with you. I too have removed dates and early job experience in hopes is will help my cause. I will turn 52 soon and was laid off at the end of the year. Since then, I have not gotten anything but "thanks, but no thanks letters". It's very disappointing. I expected to stay in my last job and have it be the one I retired out of. I should have expected it once I realized that I was only 1 of 6 in a 200 person company that was over 45 years old.

    I have to believe in patience and the right job will come along.

  183. Jody Laflen

    It would be funny if 45+ women created an app of “thanks but no thanks” letters we receive after applying for jobs for which we’re well qualified. We could rank them - most supportive, most impersonal, most ageist, etc. It could be public, on social media. Ha.

  184. Anonymous

    I think it would be lovely to expose these companies and or the individuals. They know most people are in no position to take legal action so it would be nice to hit them from another angle. It’s slimy and unethical but it’s also fun to dream.

  185. Stephanie H. Wical

    I had the experience of someone younger than me telling me through unofficial channels that she was selected. I guess they are all made for each other because the university did not keep my job search confidential. I just hate that shit. If you want to warn me or give me a heads’ up do so on the astral plane or not at all.

  186. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    If you're not getting interviews, it's most probably either your resume or the positions your applying to.

  187. Colleen Murdock

    I have been told in writing that younger candidates were selected. I had the right skills and experience so that detail was the only factor that was different.

  188. Anonymous

    As someone who hires I’d say that hard skills are only one element of hiring, but I’m shocked to hear that they put it in writing that they hired someone younger. Sorry that happened to you.

  189. Balanced372207

    Some of the young ones aren't the brightest bulbs in the chandelier....but you can't tell them that.

  190. Jody Laflen

    I know how that feels. I was talking to a hiring manager for a team I was very interested in (and extremely qualified for). He’d been going on about how he was seeking people with diverse experience in a number of areas that realistically would take many years to develop (as is my case). Then he looked me in the eye and told me he was only seeking young, fresh candidates. Like… what? He wants tons of experience but only people too young to have it. (A.k.a. People to worship his own expertise). He works at the same huge tech company as my husband, who mentioned it to his supervisor, and the supervisor mentioned it to HR.

  191. Anonymous

    Hoping HR took immediate action on that blatant ageism!

  192. Bridget Harrington

    If they are admitting this in writing, that's great evidence for a discrimination lawsuit. I personally wouldn't pursue legal action for a position, since I would never want to work a company that is that dense and tone deaf. I would pursue one for damages and on principle. Because you know that if they did it to you, they are doing it to countless others. And most are afraid to bring a lawsuit, thus perpetrating the behavior without consequences. There is also a tiny outside chance that what they *really* want are candidates that are malleable, which you usually are on your first job or first job in the profession. You have no opinions or experience with which to assess the job, whereas when you've been around a while, even 5 years out of school, you do. Still, if they want trainable and malleable, there are different and less toxic ways to voice that than stepping into ageism. Plenty of "over 50s" are willing to be flexible, pivot, and adapt like brand-new kids out of school. That kind of admission excludes employers from the possibility of meeting these people. Thinking back to when I managed a staff, I was in my early 30s and had a man in his late 60s working for me. He, too, had been a manager and was at the stage I now am in my career (in a staff job because I want to produce instead of babysit staff). He was so innovative and fresh, yet very knowledgeable about our profession. He often offered to teach others and was generally up for anything I threw his way. I can admit now that having him on my staff taught me things and elevated the skill level of the entire department. Sadly, I had to battle VPs to "keep" him, since I was constantly under pressure to let him go and "retire," which he was not ready to do. And I fought for him the entire time I worked for that company, because he was so productive and indespensible.

  193. Anonymous

    It is real! When I was 48 my male manager said he was concerned about our company’s financial stability. He followed that with “since you’re getting older, you may want to look for another job now before you hit 50”. While I truly believe he meant it to be helpful, it was so disappointing. But I was hired (after age 50) when a former colleague recommended me to his employer. My suggestion for job searching in this stage of life… use your network.

  194. Anonymous

    It’s real. I was on a good track lots of positive feedback. Then I had two in person events and it’s been downhill since then. It’s easier to hide when you are remote.

    I have more knowledge and experience than I did in my 30s, but feel like a neophyte most days with how little my voice is valued.

  195. Tiffany Birch

    Perhaps, you are missing how to position yourself. LinkedIn also spoke about this and how advantageous it is to show off how good you are. Age is a number. Passionate, having a zest for accomplishment, being committed to the outcome, flexible, being creative with a good state of equilibrium have no age. What you think about yourself flows out to others. Know your worth. Much success.

  196. G-E. Runge/#opentowork

    If active on LinkedIn and haven't already tried. Adding a badge or more to your page through the platform can be a huge help.

  197. Anonymous

    I have found LinkedIn to be absolutely useless. I have tried to connect (with a personal note note just a "click") with recruiters/HR people at companies where I have applied and the majority ignore requests. There is a serious lack of professionalism all around.

  198. Anonymous

    Fixing mine above: "note not" ... not "note note." I hate typos.

  199. G-E. Runge/#opentowork

    No worries, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Overall it is believed resumes to be replaced by LinkedIn profiles eventually. Therefore having one is best. Despite how helpful or not.

  200. Anonymous

    LinkedIn will not replace industry standards for submitting a resume and applying for a job.

  201. Anonymous

    I've noticed a huge disconnect between LinkedIn and recruiters. In LI's blogs and tutorials, they promote job searchers connecting with recruiters via email or "in mails" and the importance of reaching out to them directly to stand out in a sea of candidates. Plus, if you upgrade to a premium account, they give you more/unlimited in mails as a "perk." But lately, I've been reading forums and threads where recruiters are (literally) venting about how they hate people contacting them about a job. Even calling them self-important and annoying. it's contradictory. Isn't that the whole point of LinkedIn?!! I just try to keep my profile strong and current so recruiters will notice me and reach out to me. I've tried Premium, but it has never provided value add. And it's expensive!! But I agree about the lack of professionalism all around!

  202. Anonymous

    I am there with you all the way. I’m 56 and after years of successfully freelancing, I just took a contract position at a large company for one of the lowest salaries I’ve had in years. I’m also working for someone who is checked out completely and slams me with forwarded emails and zero direction. Luckily I can still do freelance jobs on the side, but having to dumb down and zip the lip is a big learning curve.

  203. Anonymous

    It is 100% real. my story is not related to a job search but to internal growth. My manager is around 34 we have two team members that are the same age (give or take a year) as her and four of us that are 47+. My manager is only focused on the two that are close in age to her. The other 4 of us that have extensive knowledge and backgrounds she ignores as if we are not there regardless of how vocal we are. She only includes the two in projects and anything that would look good for growth.

  204. Anonymous

    This is exactly why I won’t even look for “regular” employment again. I’m happy being a w2 contracted employee through a staffing company. I get paid more, no longer have that left out feeling, and work my 40 hours.

  205. Anonymous

    Ageism is real, but what makes it more difficult is that consulting/contractor jobs are easier to find, but they do not always offer health benefits. I wish this country had better and cheaper offerings for health insurance for people over 50. I would gladly accept part time or contractor positions then.

  206. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    You should be able to get health benefits through your state exchange if you work as a contractor.

  207. Anonymous

    Most of the contracting positions I see are strictly w2 with benefits through the staffing company or you have the option of selecting 1099.

  208. Balanced372207

    Some of those benefits are extremely costly, and cover little, depending upon the state one is in.

  209. Terri Hall

    Hi there, late to the party of comments. I know EXACTLY what you are going through. Since Covid I lost 3 jobs no fault of my own. I was told to remove the school attended dates on my degrees no it would show my age. I've found jobs to apply for on Linkedin but you have to be careful of fake ones. I hear similar stories to other ones posted here about being ignored by managers who only want to talk to others their age. I never thought I would experience something like this, especially in the tech sector. I finally found a really good job with benefits and its a remote job with a company 3 states away. Keep trying to apply for jobs. Something will pan out soon. Your not alone in this!

  210. Stephanie H. Wical

    Ageism is real. Many people who benefitted from age discrimination 20 years ago can now sue for age discrimination. If you were one of those people who profited off someone losing his/her/their career, DO NOT EVEN think of suing. Just grow up instead and maybe try to find your soul.

  211. Stephanie H. Wical

    And go with God, as people like to say.

  212. Anonymous

    ?

  213. Anonymous

    Boo!!!!!!!

  214. Anonymous

    My question is, how would anyone know they benefited from age discrimination?

  215. Eva Sieupersad

    This isn’t helpful or supportive. Best wishes to you.

  216. Balanced372207

    About 23 years ago, there was an HR person where I worked who mocked an older woman and said he hoped she "would get out of the way." Now his wife is in her 50's.....I wonder how he feels about pushing older people "out of the way" now? Especially since they have a young daughter in college, and he has traded in his HR job to become. of all things, "a man of the cloth."

  217. Anonymous

    Ageism is absolutely real and has been around forever! But the job market is very weird right now. Other things are going on, like the economy, layoffs, and the massive amounts of college graduates flooding the job market. I could go on and on.

    About 10 years ago, I rediscovered my passion for the written word and decided to leave upper management/leadership to become a full-time copywriter/writer. But when you lose the title, you also lose the respect and protection that title gives you. Coworkers are nice to titles, not people. I was also dealing with managers who didn't have the experience, training, soft skills, or maturity to manage people, much less know how to "manage up" when someone 20 years older than them is on their team.

    I was also tired of the stressful, time-consuming, and expensive commute! After my last corporate layoff at the beginning of COVID, I spent the "lockdown" reevaluating my career – as many of us did. I was 55 years old and decided to leave the toxic corporate grind and jump on the contracting-freelance-gig-economy bandwagon that was booming at the time. I got back-to-back contracts with high rates, no problem, and fully remote. One interview and an offer on the same day. Seriously fast! But lately, it has dramatically slowed down, and rates have dropped. And don’t get me started on the writing assessments/exercises!!

    When a recruiter submits you for a job, they usually ask for your month and day of birth ONLY (no year) to use as your ID. The other day a recruiter also asked for the year I graduated from college! He said it was mandatory to submit me for the role. I couldn't believe it!! I told him that's age discrimination, and he cannot ask me that! Besides, how is my college graduation date relevant to my ability to do the job? Ageism. Plain and simple.

    Suffice it to say that I didn't get an interview. Ghosted. Then there’s the common response: You’re overqualified. Really? I agree to accept the same (low-ball) rate as the other candidates, and they are getting my vast experience, knowledge, wisdom, poise, maturity, and LOYALTY for a steal! Do they really think the younger candidates will stay longer than 1-2 years max? If that? Research and statistics prove otherwise.

    It's been two months since my last contract, and I'm still looking. I am now 57 years old, with plenty of years left in me to produce great work!! BTW, my resumes are ATS-friendly, and semi-age-proof (haha), and my LinkedIn profile is current and in great shape. I love taking courses to stay current and learn new skills. Plus, I’ve been collaborating with several employment agencies and recruiters who are working hard to find my next contract. But the struggle is VERY real!! Good luck to all of you fellow Gen Xers! Power on!

  218. Anonymous

    Agree wholeheartedly with this. Thankfully 67 yo employed, and on my 3rd long term FT position since age 54. The resume revival is a lifesaver along with being able to secure an in person interview. I think my years of experience at each employer was a plus (18 yrs, 10 yrs, and now currently 3 yrs - hoping to last many more and retire from here).

    Here's hoping you land something great for your next project!

  219. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    There's no such thing as an ATS friendly resume.

  220. Anonymous

    Well, as ATS-friendly as it can get unless it's a plain ugly text-only CV. But unfortunately, you have a point.

  221. Anonymous

    Boo!!!

  222. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Please share how much experience you have working with an ATS and which systems you have used.

  223. Anonymous

    I have a lot of experience. I believe you can't fight the system and have to succumb to it.

  224. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    How much experience you have working with an ATS and which systems you have used.

  225. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Ageism is absolutely a for real thing but no one should know how old you are from your resume.

    There are a lot of people who have been laid off so it's a very competitive market right now. You didn't say what you do.

    What have you done so far in your job search? Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?

    Is your LinkedIn profile filled out and up to snuff? Do you have the green “open to work” banner on your LI profile and the other “open to work” indicator that recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license can see?

    Are there specialty job sites you could be using? Do you have a degree? If so, are you utilizing the University's job site or alumni network?

    Are you getting interviews? Making it to final rounds?

  226. Diane Frances Lesley-Neuman

    Get your profile on Careerbuilder and be receptive to tbe Indian receruiters who call you. With time and experience, you can suss out who has more experience in Talemt Acquisition in the US a d let them help you land a position.

  227. Eva Sieupersad

    That's good advice. Thank you.

  228. Ann Gibson

    Agree with everything Joan ? says. I'm 53 and re-entering workforce so I worry about the same. AARP and other sources have fantastic ideas about how not to age your resume.

  229. Farah Bajwa

    There are also ways you can vamp up your resume such as only displaying the last 10 years of experience or rearranging it altogether to to display only relevant experience to the job you're applying for, removing the exact dates you held roles and maybe only displaying the year. Around January, FairyGodboss sent out a good article with suggestions and I used it to help my uncle with his resume. I cant seem to find that particular article but this may be helpful: https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/how-far-back-should-a-resume-go

    Just do a Google search and I'm sure something will come up that resonates with you.

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