Tips for overcoming age issues in job search

1. AGE DISCRIMINATION:
3 Ways To Beat It
Dorothy Tannahill-Moran
dorothy@nextchapternewlife.com
www.nextchapternewlife.com

2. The Truth About Ageism
■ It’s the only bias that people tend to
accept – the statistics tell the story
■ Average length of job search for 55+ =
52.4 weeks; younger = 37.4 weeks
■ “Discouraged” older job seekers in
August 2011 – 287,000 in Dec 2007-
53,000
■ Age related law suits: 2006 = 16,000
2010 = 23,000
Dorothy Tannahill-
2
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

3. Perceptions
■ Older workers cost more due to higher
salaries
■ Seen as less productive = slow
■ Seen as less healthy (although
statistically healthier than young
women)
■ Resistant to change
■ Not technologically up to date
Dorothy Tannahill-
3
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

4. More Perceptions
■ Close to retirement and kicked back
■ Close to retirement and have a nest egg (so not
a big issue without a job)
This isn’t true for most of this group yet as a
culture that loves youth – we all tend to believe
some of this
Dorothy Tannahill-
4
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

5. Tip #1: Brand Your Value
■ You have to “get it” about what you bring to a
future employer
 Vast wealth of skills
 More stability
 Wisdom and perspective
 Experience depth
If you don’t understand the value you possess, no one else
will.
Dorothy Tannahill-
5
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

6. You Wear Your Brand
■ How you talk about yourself to network and
employers
■ What’s reflected on your resume
■ Something to be proud of rather than
hidden
Dorothy Tannahill-
6
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

7. Tip #2:Wage A Good Offense
■ Use words and terms that counteract the
perceptions
 Slow: use energetic, action oriented, relentless
 No tech skills: learn new things and put on your
resume
 Resistant to change: did you change processes,
systems, organization, did you embrace learning
 Indicate short term AND long term career goals –
have a vision for the future
Dorothy Tannahill-
7
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

8. Tip #3: Pay Attention to Your
Appearance
■ Sorry, first impressions are visual
 You can only make 1 first impression
■ Keep your clothing & hair current – it’s a quick
way to age yourself
■ Carrying yourself with confidence and energy
■ Smile and know your brand value
■ Be upbeat
■ **DTM note: Talk about resistance to change, this issue almost
more than any other get’s push back – but it does matter
Dorothy Tannahill-
8
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

9. Cope the Right Attitude
Judging people is innate – you can’t stop it but you
can help people not classify you
Do your homework on a company – know if they have
known age bias – and avoid them
You don’t want to work for you people who “don’t
want your kind” – you’ll be miserable
Just know: With bias you are in a marathon, not a sprint.
You will have to work harder and longer – do whatever
is necessary to stay positive (it shows)
Dorothy Tannahill-
9
Moran, www.nextchapternewlife.com

10. Dorothy Tannahill-Moran
dorothy@nextchapternewlife.com
www.nextchapternewlife.com