Age Bias in the Job Interview

It happens. Despite laws against age discrimination, employers may be biased against the older worker—“older” starting anywhere from about 40 on up. (In some parts of technology, the late 30s put a job prospect on the “old” side!)   Some of you may have run up against ageism in your job hunt. For example, a prospective employer sounded enthusiastic about you over the phone but seemed less interested when you showed up wearing your well deserved wrinkles or gray hair.

1. Consider fields and jobs where your age can be an asset. Education and many training jobs are looking for credentials and plenty of experience, along with “big picture” thinking. More health organizations are looking for employees who reflect their aging patients. Customer service work and jobs requiring public interaction can be a good match for someone who has life experience and the skill with a variety of people. (Check AARP’s list of best employers for people over 50.)
2. Come better prepared for the interview than any of your competitors! Research the company or organization extensively as well as the people interviewing you. What did you learn from the annual reports, press releases, website, and contacts? What are some challenges calling for your talent and commitment? Considering how easy it is to find this information, most job seekers are under-prepared in talking about a prospective company. The more you know beforehand, the more confident you are, the more questions you can address, the more you can dive into the needs of the employer. Imagine the interviewer’s reaction when you say, “I notice that you have started a new customer rewards program. What outcome are you expecting from this change?”
3. Demonstrate “contained energy.” I am not suggesting that you pretend you are an extravert if you are a born introvert, but do keep a straight posture, lean forward a bit as you talk, have an energetic pace to your speaking, and smile. This kind of energy mitigates the stereotype of “too old.”
4. Show you are a learner and current with trends and skills. Where possible mention a class you have taken in technology, a language, or social networking. If the employer mentions a new accounting software, strategic plans for the year, inventory practices,  training new employees, or student retention, mention an article you have read (maybe just preparing for the interview) that is relevant to the discussion.
5. Emphasize your ability to problem solve and work in a team. Employers tell me that older workers can be fantastic problem solvers and know how to work in a team…things that may be lacking in younger workers.   Real world solutions and a calm, consistent approach translate doing working more efficiently.
6. Find out what the employer’s needs and concerns are. Younger job seekers may be focused on their own needs to the exclusion of the employer. When you ask the interviewer, “What are the biggest challenges for you?” or “What are the most important attributes for the person in this job? “you show your interest in the employer’s goals and needs. And you shift energy back to the interviewer.