3 answers
Updated
779 views
Is there still age discrimination in the workforce?
I have read that for people over 50 it is hard to find a job. What are the chances of me finding a good job after graduation based on my age?
#discrimination, #experiencevsyouth #experience #workforce #environment
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
E. C’s Answer
Hi Claudette,
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Claudette,
As someone hitting 50, this question strikes home for me. While age discrimination does exist, I've been excited to see more and more companies embracing diversity as a selling point, and recognizing the value that people with different experiences and backgrounds can bring to how they tackle hard problems.
If the company publishes their values on their website , it's usually a good sign that they're at least trying to overcome unconscious bias and exclusion. My own recommendation is to lead with a growth mindset in your interviews - present both your experience, but also your openness and demonstrated ability to learn, adapt, and bring your whole self to the role. Leverage networking, build relevant work or volunteer examples that you can share, and practice interviewing with someone who is critical. Focus on how to tell your story crisply, and articulate the benefit you bring to their role and your demonstrated skills in their domain. And if one interview didn't work, reflect on what you could do even better, and do something different for the next time!
As someone hitting 50, this question strikes home for me. While age discrimination does exist, I've been excited to see more and more companies embracing diversity as a selling point, and recognizing the value that people with different experiences and backgrounds can bring to how they tackle hard problems.
If the company publishes their values on their website , it's usually a good sign that they're at least trying to overcome unconscious bias and exclusion. My own recommendation is to lead with a growth mindset in your interviews - present both your experience, but also your openness and demonstrated ability to learn, adapt, and bring your whole self to the role. Leverage networking, build relevant work or volunteer examples that you can share, and practice interviewing with someone who is critical. Focus on how to tell your story crisply, and articulate the benefit you bring to their role and your demonstrated skills in their domain. And if one interview didn't work, reflect on what you could do even better, and do something different for the next time!
Updated
Yana’s Answer
Hi Claudette,
I personally have not experienced age discrimination in my career. There are advantages to being fresh out of school - you are excited, you have new ideas, you bring something new and fresh to the team. Even if you do not have much experience, remember that any project you worked on at school, volunteered or organized before, even that part time job, you always learn and grow- so you bring that with you to the table.
So I'd say, if you are not aiming for managerial or senior position right off the bat, and are looking for entry level positions, you should be able to find something that fits your skills and your interests.
Any job, small or big - will teach you something new as long as you are open and willing. Any experience is always a valuable experience.
Do not be afraid to try and change until you find something that is for you.
Good luck
I personally have not experienced age discrimination in my career. There are advantages to being fresh out of school - you are excited, you have new ideas, you bring something new and fresh to the team. Even if you do not have much experience, remember that any project you worked on at school, volunteered or organized before, even that part time job, you always learn and grow- so you bring that with you to the table.
So I'd say, if you are not aiming for managerial or senior position right off the bat, and are looking for entry level positions, you should be able to find something that fits your skills and your interests.
Any job, small or big - will teach you something new as long as you are open and willing. Any experience is always a valuable experience.
Do not be afraid to try and change until you find something that is for you.
Good luck