I've been away-dealing with a relapse of the flu, then, a fall-bruised my ribs (ouch!) & my dignity! (Double ouch!)
But, while recuperating, some clients & readers of both my blogs , this one & the one on Transitions, & my ezine had this recurring theme-so I wrote lots about it! I divided it up, so as not to cause eye strain!
Is There Such A Thing As Age Discrimination? (Part 1)
I’m not going to lie to you! Of course, there is…an interviewer has prejudgements, like every other human. He/she may see someone bald & recall a bad incident with a bald, former friend. Or a perfume might arouse memories of his late wife/sister & feel kindly towards that job-seeker…Or, she/he may look at a person’s ethnicity, skin color or a mention of a church committee &, unfortunately make judgements or link them to others he/she has known or read about… Some see a gray-haired candidate & think they’re “too old” to learn new things…& the interviewer makes/creates judgements around that…But, some job candidates may use their age as the ONLY reason the job wasn’t landed…But, that may just be an excuse…
What is your point? I do have one & it’s not intended to discourage anyone! You cannot be held responsible for any interviewer’s thoughts PRIOR to your interview! There just are some variables you cannot control!
Focus on what is in your control. Have a positive, can-do attitude…don’t think you’re too old to get a job! That kind of thinking and negative vibration will get you what you don’t want! Be 100% prepared-know the info on the company, their products or service and show you’ve done your research! I often tell my clients during Interview Coaching sessions to ask a question showing your knowledge about the industry or company. For example, I was reading in your In the News section of your site that you’re launching a new software program on…I’m wondering what will be the projected marketing strategy…Now, your questions should be appropriate to the interviewer. My example might be if the interviewer were an executive or in marketing, not the HR representative.
You’ve shown you’re interested enough to do the research, ask intelligent questions, are technology savvy & are a strategic thinker! All of this information gathered from one question. Not having up-to-date skills, particularly in information technology, is always a concern of all interviewers-whether it’s a computer company or not…Computers are a part of most people’s lives. Show you've kept up with the technology-are an asset, not a liability. More on ways to dispel the myth of being too old to land a job! Stay tuned!
What do you think? Have you felt like this? Please comment!
In Abundance!
