Beating the Age Barrier
Age is no barrier to ability - and that’s official as more and more companies join the campaign against age discrimination. With the Employers Forum on Age (EFA) and the Government’s own code of practice in place, the legislation opposing discrimination on the grounds of age is due to be introduced in 2006. In the meantime however, the reality is that many people are still being turned down for jobs because they are considered too old. That’s why leading recruitment organisation Kelly Services, an active member of the EFA, have put together different ways to beat the Age Barrier and succeed at work.
The facts
By the year 2005, there will be nearly 15 million people aged 45-65 in the UK making up 30% of the population. There is no legislation opposing discrimination on grounds of age in the UK. Whilst most companies deny an age barrier exists frequently ideal age profiles are specified and rigid policies are in place, so you need to be prepared.
Taking stock and looking around
If you aren’t sure about what type of work you want, take stock of your own situation and think about:
- your strengths and areas for further development
- what motivates you
- your interests
- your financial needs
- your flexibility in terms of hours/location
There are many different places for you to consider looking including:
- Job centres
- Recruitment agencies
- Newspapers, radio, teletext and the Internet
- Approaching employers direct
- Training and Enterprise Councils
‘Focus on your achievements. Be specific and give results. It’s all about ability not age’
Preparing your CV
You will either have to fill in a job application form or provide a CV which gives you the chance to sell yourself. If possible devise a standard CV and then tailor it for specific job vacancies – this can often mean the difference between an interview and rejection. Our factsheet "How to Prepare Your CV" gives more information.
Update your skills
Keeping your skills up to date is one of the most important aspects of beating the age barrier so that you can effectively compete with younger applicants. Whatever your line of business try to ensure that you are not passed over for company training and let it be known that you are keen to take advantage of any training opportunities. If you don’t have a working knowledge of computers, now may be the time to put that right. There are many different courses to choose from including day and evening, distance learning, full time and part time, run by your local education authority at Adult Education Centres or by private colleges. If you are registered for work with an employment agency such as Kelly you may well be eligible for free office technology training where you can learn at your own pace and in your own time.
Achievements
When applying for jobs, writing letters or attending interviews remember to focus on your achievements - you will probably have done much more than a younger applicant and this could well work in your favour. Be specific about what you have done and try to give results. For instance, if you regularly organise social functions give the salient details, the budget you worked to, the amount of people you organised, the publicity you generated or the money you raised. If you attend committee meetings again use this to demonstrate that you can be an effective member of a team. If you act as secretary and take the minutes say so. Life skills are something that cannot be learned - they come from experience. Your ability to handle more than one project at once, your negotiation skills, power of diplomacy and tact are all attributes which are refined with age and which are eagerly sought by many employers. The art of skilful communication comes with many years of practice!
Network
Around two thirds of the best opportunities for the over 45’s come through contacts so it’s important to keep in touch with business colleagues. If you have a professional magazine read it to keep in touch with what is happening and who is doing what. Don’t turn down opportunities to meet other professionals what ever their age and always be positive about your own career prospects. If you don’t believe in yourself you can’t expect others to do so.
Look the part
They say you are only as old as you look, so look the part. Don’t apologise or over-compensate for your age but make sure that you look smart and rofessional. You don’t have to put your age on your CV and there is now a Voluntary Code in place which has been taken up by 90% of recruitment agencies to banish age limits.
Be flexible
Whilst it may not sound ideal be prepared to consider temporary, part-time or even voluntary work if it means you can get a foot in the door of opportunity. Take a job at a lower grade if it means you can get in that way too. Once you are in an organisation you can quickly show them what you are made of and what your strengths are. Don’t limit your choice either – whilst you may feel that large international companies will offer you the best chance it is more likely that small businesses can offer better prospects for experienced workers.
Be positive
However intimidated you may feel remember all the positive factors that your time of life has going for you. Your experience both at work and at home means that you are less likely to panic in tricky situations and that you will know instinctively what to do. Loyalty and commitment are much in demand by employers today and once you have found the right job you are less likely than younger workers to be scanning the job ads for something better paid. Reliability is also in your favour - research shows that the 46-64 age group take fewer days off sick than their younger counterparts.
Succeeding at the interview
If you have got an interview then you have a good chance of getting the job so it’s worth spending time preparing for this important meeting. Don’t be worried if the interviewer appears to look much younger than you and don’t refer to your age. Remember the interviewer is on your side and is there to find out why you want the job, what particular skills you have for it and assess how you would fit into the company. Remember that the interviewer, in addition to learning about your experience to date, will also want to hear about your future aspirations. This will indicate that you want to succeed further, develop new skills and that you have the necessary drive and determination to succeed. Find out as much as you can about the company before the interview so that you can show your interest by asking one or two questions. Our factsheet "Interview Success" has more information about interview techniques.
Hope for the future
As the skills shortage becomes more acute and fewer young people enter the jobs arena, employers will be forced to re-examine the balance of their workforce. Many have already seen the light and have realised that age discrimination means that they are missing out on a lot of talent and that it is harming their business. The diversity of an employers human resources is what makes that team unique and often is the key to them meeting the needs of their customers successfully. Best practice in recruitment and promotion according to the Industrial Society depends on ‘relevant selection criteria, based on candidates’ skills, abilities and qualifications rather than age.’
The changing population
- For the first time ever there are more people over 60 than under 16.
- By 2006 there will be two million fewer people aged 25-34 than in 1996.
- A third of the UK workforce is over 45.
Essential know-how from Kelly Services
