agediscrimination3tips forbeating it

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

[email protected]

www.nextchapternewlife.com

AGE DISCRIMINATION:

3 Ways To Beat It

The Truth About Ageism

■ It’s the only bias that people tend to

accept – the statistics tell the story

■ Average length of job search for 55+ =

52.4 weeks; younger = 37.4 weeks

■ “Discouraged” older job seekers in

August 2011 – 287,000 in Dec 2007-

53,000

■ Age related law suits: 2006 = 16,000

2010 = 23,000

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

2

Perceptions

■ Older workers cost more due to higher

salaries

■ Seen as less productive = slow

■ Seen as less healthy (although

statistically healthier than young

women)

■ Resistant to change

■ Not technologically up to date


3

More Perceptions

■ Close to retirement and kicked back

■ Close to retirement and have a nest egg (so not

a big issue without a job)

This isn’t true for most of this group yet as a

culture that loves youth – we all tend to believe

some of this


4

Tip #1: Brand Your Value

■ You have to “get it” about what you bring to a

future employer

Vast wealth of skills

More stability

Wisdom and perspective

Experience depth

If you don’t understand the value you possess, no one else

will.


5

You Wear Your Brand

■ How you talk about yourself to network and

employers

■ What’s reflected on your resume

■ Something to be proud of rather than

hidden


6

Tip #2:Wage A Good Offense

■ Use words and terms that counteract the

perceptions

Slow: use energetic, action oriented, relentless

No tech skills: learn new things and put on your

resume

Resistant to change: did you change processes,

systems, organization, did you embrace learning

Indicate short term AND long term career goals –

have a vision for the future


7

Tip #3: Pay Attention to Your

Appearance

■ Sorry, first impressions are visual

You can only make 1 first impression

■ Keep your clothing & hair current – it’s a quick

way to age yourself

■ Carrying yourself with confidence and energy

■ Smile and know your brand value

■ Be upbeat

■ **DTM note: Talk about resistance to change, this issue almost

more than any other get’s push back – but it does matter


8

Cope the Right Attitude

Judging people is innate – you can’t stop it but you

can help people not classify you

Do your homework on a company – know if they have

known age bias – and avoid them

You don’t want to work for you people who “don’t

want your kind” – you’ll be miserable

Just know: With bias you are in a marathon, not a sprint.

You will have to work harder and longer – do whatever

is necessary to stay positive (it shows)


9

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

[email protected]

www.nextchapternewlife.com

agediscrimination3tips forbeating it

Documents