11 Baby Boomer Tips For Recognizing and Fighting Workplace Ageism
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Workplace ageism occurs when workers over the age of 40, and usually older, are discriminated against or pushed out of jobs due to age. Ageism is a problem in American society; people think middle-aged and older people have nothing to offer after a certain age.
Workplace ageism is illegal. Unfortunately, employers get away with it almost all of the time. Here are 11 tips for Baby Boomers on how to recognize and fight ageism in the workplace.
1. Workplace Ageism Can Start In Online Job Listings
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A lot of workplace ageism is enabled by employers via the strategic use of codewords. Strategic codewords and phrases in a job ad can be used to screen out and discourage older workers from applying. If you ever come across an ad featuring phrases describing desired applicants like, “energetic,” “tech-savvy,” “fresh,” “digital native,” “recent graduate,” “flexible,” or “high-potential,” then that employer is probably not looking for older workers.
2. Update Resume Aesthetics Regularly
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If you have been working professionally for over 20 years, then you should update your resume often. You must do this to combat workplace ageism. Create different versions of your resume that feature data pertinent to the specific jobs that you are applying for. Research current resume aesthetics and templates online. To an employer, your 10 or 20-year-old resume’s aesthetics may look obsolete and ancient next to your competitors.
3. Omit or Add Resume Data to Prioritize Experience, Not Age
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Keep your resume under three pages in length. Omit or add data that prioritize and highlight skills, experiences, and certifications according to the jobs you apply for. Don’t include your high school dates of attendance. Don’t include photos in your resume unless it is specifically required for the position, not employer preference.
4. Edit Your Resume Text Regularly
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The words and phraseology in your resume could be used against you to enable workplace ageism. Don’t include Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office in the “Skills,” section. That was a big deal 30 years ago, but the average person knows it now. List your phone number without using “home,” “cell,” or “mobile phone,” as a precursor. Only list dates on your resume relative to higher education degree acquisitions, work history, and certifications.
5. Your Email Address Betrays Your Age
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Gmail is the most popular email for use in workplace and professional settings. You are free to use whatever email you want. However, some employers screen and reject applicants based on their email address. Some employers assume the applicant is too old or doesn’t update their social or technical skills as needed.
Using a Hotmail (now called Outlook), AOL, or Yahoo! email address might signal to ageist employers that you are out of touch. Don’t put your birth year in your email address. Applying for jobs with an email designed for the elderly, like Red Stamp Mail, Paw Paw Mail, or InTouchLink only encourages workplace ageism. Dedicate a Gmail address to use for professional purposes.
6. Employers Often Get Away With Ageism in Interviews
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You’ll most likely experience workplace ageism in an interview. If an employer asks if you will retire soon, about your ability to keep up with a fast-paced environment, or about chronic health issues, then they may be responding to the aesthetics of your age. Refuse to answer such bait questions. Steer the conversation and your answers towards the job description, your experiences, skills, and qualifications. Stay professional, dignified, and don’t lose your cool.
7. Ask If You Think You’re Ignored for Promotions
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Do you suspect you were passed over for a promotion due to workplace ageism? Request a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue. Bring professional receipts in your defense; make sure that you can justify your request with evidence of your workplace accomplishments.
While workplace ageism is a real thing, you aren’t entitled to a promotion just because you’ve been there a long time. Promotions can be granted based on work ethic, office politics, connections, and more. Stay professionally engaged at work and keep track of your accomplishments. Pick strategic moments to inquire about a promotion.
8. Update Your Skills and Certifications Often
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The world is not fair, so people usually judge a book by its cover. Take aesthetics out of the equation on your terms when it comes to workplace ageism. Update and acquire new work skills every year to stay competitive and make your work experiences more valuable. Even young employees have to upgrade their skills to compete in the workplace.
9. Volunteer to Become a Work Mentor (On Your Terms)
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If you are inclined to do so, volunteer to become a workplace mentor. Use your experiences to help management efficiently onboard new talent to keep the workplace operating smoothly. Still, keep your cards close to the vest; only train new hires according to what they need to know for their specific job description.
Don’t backstab, but don’t give away workplace knowledge earned over decades that could be used to instantly replace you. Strategically demonstrate how invaluable you are to your employer as someone who can train employees (without making yourself look obsolete). You may even be able to spin this situation into a job if you do it right.
10. Maintain Connections After Forced Retirement
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You may find yourself the victim of forced retirement due to workplace ageism. Always maintain your professional connections as you age. Don’t squander any connections you have since they could be the key to new work opportunities. Always consider volunteering or working part-time if needed. It may feel humbling, but volunteering or part-time work can lead to a full-time job.
11. File a Complaint With the E.E.O.C.
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal entity that can legally penalize employers who engage in workplace ageism. You may need a lawyer to file a complaint. A federal EEOC complaint might automatically trigger a complaint on the state level, but such laws vary by state.
Unfortunately, an EEOC complaint might not do much except officially chronicle the incident. Your boss might get in more trouble for retaliating against you for filing the complaint than for the incident that caused the complaint. Even then, your workplace might become passively hostile. Or you may find yourself out of work eventually.
Use Knowledge to Fight Workplace Ageism
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Like a fine wine, experiences become more valuable with age. Still, over 36 percent of workers have experienced ageism in the workplace. It’s an odd statistic because over 25 percent of American workers are 55 or older.
Update your skills regularly. Maintain professional connections and stay apprised of local laws against workplace ageism.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
