If you are an older person and thinking of applying for almost any kind of job, you may find yourself up against more prejudice and ignorance than you bargained for. Fore-armed is forewarned, as the saying goes. Here are some problem attitudes you may run into.
1. Older workers are resistant to change and technology.
This simply is not so even though many older workers may not be familiar with some of the more recent technological advances in their respective fields. The fact that they might not have kept up does not mean they are not willing to learn. Stress your experience and flexibility.
2. Older workers are less likely to be innovators.
Once again, this simply isn’t so. The pervasive thinking is that you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” but the truth is it is only a dead dog you have to worry about. Your mind is probably as clear as it was years ago (maybe even clearer). Don’t let a prospective employer believe that about you. Stress your achievements.
3. Older employees cost a company more in health benefits.
There is some truth to this, but it is still an unfair assessment of an older worker’s credentials. The increase in health care costs is offset by the increase in productivity and customer satisfaction that often accompanies the hiring of an older employee. In the long run, this is just as important to the financial success of a company as any other factor. Health care insurance is only one small piece in a much larger puzzle.
So hold your graying head up and be proud. You are just as good as any other less graying head competing for a job, except maybe an acrobat. There you might have a problem.
Think big, soar, stand up and be counted and hired!
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