Age discrimination is illegal per the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. That said, any worker over 40 faces some real challenges in today’s job market. If you have been downsized, laid off, or otherwise involuntarily forced into the job market here are a few of the serious realities you are facing. The salary and benefits you have built over your career are gone. Unless you are in a high demand field with marketable skills, you are probably starting over. This means competing with younger workers who will accept less pay, work longer hours, and put up with treatment and conditions more seasoned workers wouldn’t. It is what it is. Time to realistically evaluate your situation, strengths and advantages. Experienced workers can require less training and supervision, get up to speed faster and work more efficiently than entry level workers. Highlight your experience, training and willingness to do the job.
Don’t turn yourself in. Highlight your most recent experience and leave off that stuff from 20 or 30 years ago. Don’t include obsolete software under computer skills. Leave dates off your education. Include training and certifications that show your current in your field. If you’re not current, figure out what it will take to improve your skills to make yourself more marketable. Create a resume that shows your capabilities without making you look like a dinosaur. Employers can’t legally ask, so keep your age a surprise until the interview. Then dazzle them with your experience.
