Absolutely, ageism is real, and it’s lurking in the shadows of hiring decisions. 32% of HR professionals openly admit that age plays a role in who gets hired. But don’t worry; your resume can be your superhero cape in this battle!
Acceptance?
Ageism is just another flavor of stereotyping, and like most stereotypes, it’s often rooted in misconceptions. Are you unintentionally adding to the narrative? Do you find yourself chuckling about having a “senior moment”? Have you stopped pushing your boundaries to learn something new?
Take my dad, for example. He was an incredible father and a brilliant engineer who had a passion for tinkering with old cars. His muscle memory from years of building engines for drag racing was nothing short of impressive. However, he wasn’t interested in the latest advancements—modern cars, computer chip programming, or even electric vehicles were simply off his radar. He left me his cherished 1927 Model T roadster, which stands as a poignant reminder of how our choices can sometimes trap us in the past.
Ageism is a serious issue in the workplace, and I often hear from individuals feeling stuck in uninspiring jobs, too anxious to leave because they worry about finding new opportunities. It’s time to break that cycle! Embrace your age as an asset, and don’t shy away from showcasing your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
Modern Recruitment
Let’s face it! Sometimes we unwittingly fuel the fire of age bias in the job market. As a seasoned resume writer, I have seen my fair share of red flags that scream, “I’m not keeping up with the times!” Here are some telltale signs of a candidate stuck in the past:
An email address that ends in @aol.com
Listing the entire street address on the resume
Listing a second phone number, clearly a landline
One of the most subtle signs is a resume with two spaces at the end of each sentence (a clear sign of learning to type on an IBM typewriter).
Dreary LinkedIn profiles with only a handful of connections and outdated photos.
The good news? All of this is fixable! It’s easy to point fingers, but let’s start with ourselves.
Get a Fresh Perspective on Your Resume
Ever considered having your resume evaluated by an expert? It might just be the best investment you make. (Feel free to shoot me an email at Dee@MissFitChicago.com for a free review.)
Keep Your Skills Sharp
Platforms like Udemy are a treasure trove for keeping your skills up to date. With over 57 million users and 213,000 courses available, you can learn everything from Python to Data Analytics—all from the comfort of your couch in your favorite pajamas. Talk about a win-win!
3.Challenge the Bias
It’s time to nudge others to question their assumptions. Try these thought-provoking statements:
“Are you sure I won’t grasp the latest tech?”
“Do you really think I can’t keep up with the pace of a SaaS company?”
“Is managing someone my age going to be awkward for you?”
I love sparking conversations that shake people out of their comfort zones. These discussions can help everyone examine their biases and encourage both personal and professional growth.
You’ve got this!
Warmly,
Dee@Missfitchicago.com
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