Advice for 'Older' workers

[BolshieBastard]

Never had my dob on my cv. But, agents can get an idea of how old you are by looking at your cv or by asking a few questions. For example, your work history may give an idea how old you are or if you left school within the last 10 - 15 years etc. Clients will clearly have an idea once you turn up for interview (unless like me, you look 10 years younger than you actual are! )

Have I been the subject of ageism when applying for roles? Yes, I think recently I was. The reason for me not getting the role was frankly ludicrous. The interviewers were two 'young' girls in their late 20's and looking around the office when I went in, I didnt see anyone who looked older than 40.

Still, there's little you can do and it would be very hard to prove age was the reason you were not getting a job.

[norrahe]

You'll be fine.
1. Don't put your age on your cv(and remove those 'O' levels from 1970)
2. Agents won't dare ask, clients won't care
3. Don't try and 'get down with the kids'. It's never a good look - even if you're a kid. Just be friendly and open minded.

All the best.

WZS

You shouldn't have your d.o.b or age on your CV, these days they are not allowed to ask under the age discrimination act.

Surprised about ageism, most people want experience in contracting, not some young clueless whippersnapper.

Good luck!

[Pogle]

Great advice from both Zippy and Social worker.

My CV only goes back to the previous 10 years and nobody is interested in it before that.

I don't consider my age to be a factor so neither does anyone else - in fact generally I consider myself to be fabulous and the client should think themselves fortunate that I'm deigning to think about working for them.

Ditto, never had a problem with ageism - sexism yes, but ageism no.

[socialworker]

I should have added, good luck with the hunt.

[cojak]

Advice for 'Older' workers

Great advice from both Zippy and Social worker.

My CV only goes back to the previous 10 years and nobody is interested in it before that.

I don't consider my age to be a factor so neither does anyone else - in fact generally I consider myself to be fabulous and the client should think themselves fortunate that I'm deigning to think about working for them.

[BlasterBates]

I don´t see age as a problem. Plenty of contractors around well into their 50´s even 60´s. I don´t think you need to hide it, in the end they are going to meet you for an interview so they will find out.

[radish2008]

You'll be fine.
1. Don't put your age on your cv(and remove those 'O' levels from 1970)
2. Agents won't dare ask, clients won't care
3. Don't try and 'get down with the kids'. It's never a good look - even if you're a kid. Just be friendly and open minded.

All the best.

Really good advice.

[Zippy]

You'll be fine.
1. Don't put your age on your cv(and remove those 'O' levels from 1970)
2. Agents won't dare ask, clients won't care
3. Don't try and 'get down with the kids'. It's never a good look - even if you're a kid. Just be friendly and open minded.

All the best.

[socialworker]

I left a local authority at 57 and was told by agents that I was unlikely to get contract work. One even said that clients might show some understanding for me as I would obviously take longer to get into a job ......I am on my third contract and have been offered extensions each time. At one place there were three of us, myself, a 20 something and a 30 something - I was the only one to be offered an extension and it was a v high pressure environment. You dont say how old you are but I would get a decent up to date haircut, be relaxed and show you are flexible and have confidence in yourself. I think a lot of the fear for employers on taking on the middle aged is getting lumbered with someone who goes off for months sick - they are't taking that risk with a contractor. If you assume there is ageism you will be anticipating failure.

[Old Greg]

My advice would be to concentrate on contracts where your experience is an excellent fit to the requirements. I think there is some ageism when it comes to contracts where you are trying to convince of your ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills or knowledge.

Make your years of experience an asset.

Having said that, if cojak hasn't experienced ageism, it must be a myth.

[cojak]

I've never experienced ageism - contracting seems to be blind to it, but if you find it in one client go to another one.

Clients are more interested in relevant experience rather than any experience, they can afford to be picky because there's so many wannabe newbies trying to get in.

[Elderlass]

Hi
I am a PRINCE2 qualified but have 'graduated' with loads of experience from PA/Executive assistant work into project support. As I can see from a previous post often it is the ppl with experience that solve the probs rather than those loaded with qualifications (I do not have a degree). Any suggestions on direction I should go?... Loads of experience in Local Authority work (change management) project support, Higher Education, Health Service on training programmes but feel there is agism out there?...