© Gayle Howard 2002 The Issue of Age Many of us fear the day we need to compete against younger,...

© Gayle Howard 2002

The Issue of Age

Many of us fear the day we need to compete against younger, equally qualified candidates who display so much youthful vitality we begin to feel like “Mother and Father Time!” Let’s look at ways you can make a positive, long lasting impression on decision-makers so that all candidates can be equitably assessed by the only real criteria that matters and that is: “who is the best candidate for the job?”

in today’s workplace

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Present a new image


• Try to steer the conversation back to work related achievements, as it is in this forum that you are on firmer ground.

• At interview, avoid providing information that “dates” you—your graduation year, your grandchildren, the ’60s.

• If asked about your hobbies and activities, reinforce the positives, highlighting energetic pursuits – perhaps jogging, squash, skiing vacations, or community work. If you are not actively involved in sporting pursuits, speak of your interest in football, tennis, or basketball; show up to date knowledge and then move on.


Change your approach

• Steer clear of showing outdated attitudes. – Don’t raise eyebrows by

talking of “young people today” or refer to women as “girls,” “sweetie,” or “dear”

– Never make any negative comment on race, religion or nationality


Watch the messageyou are delivering.

The world is not thesame as it was,

and peopledo not know you

yet.


Eliminate Outdated Phrases

• Years ago…

• When I was starting out…

• When I was your age

• When you get to be my age

• When I was younger

• Back then of course…

• The girls in the office

• In the good old days

• Young hotshots now…Press space bar to continue


• Never say:– I’m 57 but my friends

say I look years younger

– I suppose you may be looking for someone younger, but…

Be Confident, Eliminate Self-Defeating Talk

Why apologize?“Older” meansyou’ve just had

longer to acquire more experience and

maturity.



• Don’t carry one of those “new fangled” mobile phones?

• Can’t find the ‘on’ button on a laptop?

• Can’t get “into” the internet?• Don’t understand SMS,

messaging, networks, and ecommerce?

It’s time to learn!

Be technologically savvy

Learning is not restrictedto age. It is a lifelong process. Go online, sign-up for a new trainingcourse, learn new methodsor new innovations in yourfield. A receptionist who isunfamiliar with computers,or a manufacturing managerwho doesn’t understand JIT,will not make the grade.



Reflect the world

• You only have one chance to make a first impression. Clothes must be current, but conservative.

• Solid navy or grey well-cut business attire is a professional look for men and women.

• Accessorize with style. Limit jewellery, strong scents; dry-clean clothes before interview if you smoke.

• Review your hairstyle. Have you had the same style for years? Time to look for something current. Avoid unflattering dyes, poor quality wigs/toupees, and badly executed attempts to disguise thinning hair.



• View your résumé critically. Remove old graduation dates, delete dates prior to mid ’70s.

• Remove job titles that no longer exist – such as “stenographer,” and “key punch operator”

• Has the format moved with the times? Check out modern samples and books on the subject. Seek the services of a professional to present you in today’s world

• Does your résumé emphasize your accomplishments?

Update your résumé


People will see yourrésumé long before they meet you. Yourpresentation needs tobe slick and modern


Look to the future

• Look to the future with anticipation, energy and excitement.

• Shake off the negative thoughts, get back in the race, and make the most of opportunities as only a person with wisdom, maturity and strength can do!

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© Gayle Howard 2002 The Issue of Age Many of us fear the day we need to compete against younger,...

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