Searching for a job is a trying experience at any age. But when you are middle-aged, normal job-search anxiety can be exaggerated by a fear, perhaps certainty, that you will confront age bias. But here's the catch-22: Anticipation of age discrimination may bias you against giving it--your job or job search--your all. Here's a quiz to examine your age bias belief level. Answer yes to any of these statements you agree with.
- The jobs always go to the young, good looking people
- The minute they looked at my gray hair, I knew I had no chance
- The promotions go to the young up-and-comers and experience is ignored
- I was laid off and within a month a young person was hired to do my job
- Whenever there is a layoff, the oldest go first
- Employers will say that I'm overqualified and become bored with the job
- I've heard comments about the "dinosaurs" and "old people" being in the way
- My application or resume is never acknowledged
- The interviewer was young enough to be my child - they don't value my experience
- I'm passed over for additional training that I need to stay current
Count your "yes" answers.
One to three - You're the CEO, you're not 40 yet, or you don't talk enough with co-workers
Four to six - You're on you're way to be convinced that you've been targeted for discrimination
Seven or more - You're a true believer and a pretty safe bet your behavior and outlook will be adversely affected by your age bias concerns
I'm not trying to make light of concerns about age bias. I am trying toget you to think the reality, or self-fulfilling perceptions, of age bias.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Learn what you can--and can't--do about age bias, see Is Age Holding You Back?
Learn more about age discrimination in the workplace, see Laying Down the Law.
Searching for a Job? Visit RetirementJobs.com, where you can find employment opportunities at age-friendly companies.
