Getting a job for people over 40 is not an easy task.
Suddenly, an excellent professional must face the cruel reality that his years of experience is an impediment in the labor market. Not because of what is scarce but because of what is excessive.
People up to 35 years old
A person with 40 or more years of life will always be ruled out by younger candidates in job interviews. An unfair and very frequent situation.
Did you know: In the United States, there are questions that are considered acceptable and unacceptable on job application forms or in the job interview.
Those related to age considered unacceptable are:
1.- What is your date of birth?
2.- How old are you?
The rationale for this classification is that requesting age-related data may discourage older workers.
The Origin of Myth: The Race Line
According to references, the myth seems to have been born from a half-spread truth at Harvard University. The starting age of a future worker was associated with the career line that the organization should develop for that person.
The fact is that only a part of this premise reached ordinary mortals. Well, many organizations lack or do not know what a career line is, let alone how to manage it.
Human resources consultancies: enemies of the elderly
In addition, consultants often prepare the candidate's profile according to the client's instructions. And to the age question, they usually answer up to 35 years. A cliche that the consultants do not seek to change so as not to discuss with the client. In addition, who knows, another customer request can be made to build a career line in the organization.
busines is business »
Did you know: Most older workers, especially those who are not in jobs where physical strength is needed, perform just as well, compared to the same performance 20 or 30 years ago. This fact brings up a general principle, which HR specialists sometimes forget: People should be treated as individuals, not as members of a group or class.
And in your country: What does your government do against labor exclusion?
In Peru, there are regulations on the subject that make it illegal to limit access to employment for reasons of age. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor of Peru has an office that weekly reviews job announcements and in those where the age limit is placed, they proceed to locate the company so that for the logical reasons for their actions, otherwise they are sanctioned. His actions are limited, but… worse is nothing.
Did you know that: In the United States there is an Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967). It prohibits employment decisions from being made based on the person's age when the person is over 40 years old.
A crusader in the middle of »Mecca».
To assist you in this crusade, I give you some weapons with which you can fight this myth. I make it clear that they are only weapons, the way I use them will depend on whether or not they continue… Alive:
1.- Do you have experience in managing people
A primary factor for competitiveness in the labor market when you are over 40 is to gain experience in supervisory positions, in which the interaction with work groups allows you to achieve objectives. For example: Coordinate groups of young people who perform specific tasks.
Recommendation:
Demonstrate the ability to coordinate or supervise staff
Always have a positive attitude
Maintain a flawless appearance
2.- Culture Club: »Karma Camaleon»
Candidates who compete for a position with many other minors must show their ability to adapt to changes, as that is one of the reasons why young people are sought and also one of the most widespread myths against older people, because it is accepted that »they are not prone to change«, the custom…. you know.
Recommendation:
Be flexible with changes
3.- A second-choice businessman
The case of the founder of the McDonalds franchise and that of Kentocky Friend Chicken are well known. Age is no limit to start new projects.
Recommendation: Acquire training in the formation of micro-businesses or in self-employment.
In your country there must be government institutions that develop these skills and above all they are free. Find out.
4.- Only you know
Focus your job search on experience. This includes their high level of specialization, especially linked to technical areas.
Recommendation:
Exploit your experience or specialization levels.
Dedicate your efforts to find a position that is consistent with your experiences and that you really like and motivate you.
5.- "I know you from the hair to the balls of my feet."
Don't miss out on contacts that have been harvested over a lifetime of work
It is the people who know us who can normally speak well or poorly of our performance. Former colleagues, subordinates or bosses. Perhaps some of them require their »skills» for a certain project / problem that they cannot solve.
Recommendation:
Keep the network of contacts alive.
Finally: You are not Noah (the one in the Bible).
Be young, age is a number and the attitude towards life is what truly defines our personality before others.
Don't take any job just out of necessity. If you can wait and know options do it. Patience is a virtue of people with a lot of experience.
