Peer to peer: How to beat ageism in the job market
Elizabeth Atcheson, MBA '86, offers advice to people over 50 looking for a career change
“I know ageism is real because I experience it side by side with my clients,” says Elizabeth Atcheson, MBA ’86, of Blue Bridge Career Coaching. While age discrimination is illegal, it still presents a serious obstacle to people over 50 looking for a new job.
“I think of career transition and job search as a bridge that you cross,” Atchesonopen in new window says. “What ageism means is that it will take you longer to get across the bridge.” Here’s some of her advice for getting there, as presented at a recent workshop sponsored by Alumni Career Services:
Know the Field
Take some time to reflect before you plunge into the job market. Do your homework to identify a growing field where you can provide the most differentiated value.Tap into Your Network
Here your experience is a real advantage. “Younger applicants do not have a big personal and professional network. You have something they don’t have, and it is probably your single most powerful asset,” Atcheson says.Upgrade Your Resume
Disprove the stereotype of older people not being tech-savvy by frontloading digital skills on your resume. And your email address shouldn’t evoke the first dot-com boom: “If you have an AOL, Yahoo, or Hotmail [account], it’s time to get a new one.”Last Updated :
March 13, 23 02:40:28 PM IST