After a recent LinkedIn post about common barriers in the interview process, I was struck by an unexpected response. Dozens of people commented, expressing frustration and feeling that age—not qualifications—was blocking their interviewing advancement. This overwhelming feedback underscored a critical issue: ageism is very real and continues to challenge experienced professionals in their job search.
If you’re over 45 and worried about competing with younger professionals, you’re not alone. Many seasoned candidates are frustrated by misconceptions that they lack adaptability, energy, or that they’ll leave for retirement soon.
According to the most recent AARP Survey (2023), about 64% of workers aged 45 and older believe that age discrimination impacts their job search.
Many employers associate certain ‘risks’ with older candidates—often based on outdated perceptions, not actual performance or capability. Despite these perceived risks, many older workers bring exceptional skills, experience, and reliability to the table, making them invaluable assets in the workplace.
How to Counter Age-Related Bias: Strategies for Your Job Search
Your job is to mitigate or remove the perceived risk at every stage of the sourcing and selection process. Here are specific strategies to apply in the resume, cover letter, and interview to divert the hiring manager away from your age and toward the reasons why you are a good fit for the job.
1. Tailor Your Presentation to Align with the Role
Downplay Job Titles: Use titles on your resume that align with the role you’re applying for. Tip: Ensure titles on LinkedIn and your resume match for consistency.
Focus on Impact, Not Tenure: Rather than listing “30 years of experience,” highlight recent achievements that demonstrate the positive outcomes you have achieved.
2. Address Potential Fit and Career Intentions
Clarify Your Motivation for the Role Level: If you’re applying for a mid-level role despite having executive experience, explain why. You could say, “I’ve reached a place in my career where I want to apply my expertise to help grow a high-potential startup.”
Assure of Long-Term Commitment: Employers may worry about your longevity. Speak directly to your excitement about the work and express your dedication to staying with the company. Example: “My passion for this field remains strong, and I’m excited to contribute for years to come.”
3. Showcase Adaptability and a Growth Mindset
Demonstrate Curiosity and Openness to Learning: Emphasize your willingness to learn, signaling adaptability and motivation to stay current. Mention recent training, certifications, or other learning efforts relevant to the role.
Stay Humble and Open-Minded: Communicate a willingness to learn from others, including younger team members. This can help disarm biases about older workers being “set in their ways.”
4. Communicate Your Team-Oriented, Collaborative Mindset
Highlight Collaborative Experiences: Describe projects where you worked in a supportive role, even if you held a leadership position. Emphasize that you’re comfortable in team settings and value collective success.
Express Interest in Learning from the Team: Share that you’re looking forward to learning from their top performers, showing that you’re open to diverse perspectives and team dynamics.
5. Reinforce Vitality, Passion, and Energy
Use Energizing Language: In your resume, cover letter, and interviews, use words like “agile,” “driven,” “passionate,” “flexible,” “innovative,” and “committed” to demonstrate energy and stamina.
6. Demonstrate Commitment to the Company’s Future
Ask for Equity in the Company: If relevant, expressing interest in equity shows a commitment to the company’s success over time. This signals a desire to be invested in the organization for the long term.
While ageism exists, you have the power to change how employers view you. Use these strategies to redirect attention from your age to your skills, experience, and value as a candidate. Remember, you bring unmatched insights, resilience, and expertise—qualities that today’s workplaces need more than ever. Let’s turn your experience into your greatest asset.