Overcome age discrimination during COVID

The Coronavirus pandemic came as a devastating blow to our economy, sending the unemployment rate to historic highs. Workers from all industries, backgrounds, and experience levels were impacted, but older workers in particular are facing a tough time in their job search. While it’s no secret that companies who have greater diversity evolve more rapidly and successfully, age discrimination (or ageism) is a real hardship that many of those in the workforce struggle with. If this sounds familiar, let’s take a look at some ways you can overcome this situation and fight back against potential ageism.
Update your resume
Your application acts as your first impression to a potential employer, so you want to make sure your resume shines! Eliminate experience more than a 10 years old from your resume or any online form, as well as the dates you attended high school/college. Instead, use this tool to emphasize your current skills with tangible examples, and provide examples of how they match the needs of the job you’re applying for. Think about what is important to the specific role at hand to determine what you should highlight on your resume. You'll also want to make sure that your resume is ATS-friendly. Click here to learn more!
Sharpen your tech skills
Now more than ever, being able to navigate technology tools is crucial. Before applying to to a large number of organizations, take some time to become comfortable with various video softwares including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc. as many employers are conducting virtual interviews as the first step of the hiring process.
Consider taking some online courses to brush up on existing skills and learn new things to add to your repertoire. Show potential employers that you’re just as knowledgeable as any other worker! Demonstrating that continued learning is a priority of yours makes you more competitive in the market.
Here are some great resources for expanding your skillset + staying up to date with current trends:
Build up your network
Having a strong professional network can help you find new opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues and friends and ask if you can set up a quick call. Talk to them about what you are looking for in your next role. Though their company may not be hiring right now, they may know someone who is! Invite your network to join Jobcase and give you a praise - they're a great way to help you stand out against the competition and land a job! They give potential employers a glimpse into your work ethic and character beyond your resume and cover letter. You can ask your friends, family members, co-workers, and fellow Jobcasers to praise you.
Consider flexible work
Gig work and flexible work options can be worthwhile to consider. While it may not be a permanent solution, it's a wonderful opportunity to earn income while building up your resume experience! Consider applying for positions at companies such as Doordash, Postmates, Uber, Uber Eats, and Handy. These jobs usually have a much shorter on-boarding period than traditional employment options, and some may not even require an interview meaning you can get to work fast.
Have you ever faced ageism? How did you handle it? Comment below!
For more tips and tricks, check out our #ageism topic!
Comments

Ageism discrimination is alive and thriving. Employers cannot ask about your age or dates when you graduated or other dates. But if employers are smart they can just search you name on the internet and find everything about you including your age. Can never prove this is happening but I know it has happened to me especially in high tech.

Yah..... In my case he actually asked me how long I intended to be working. ( I have seen many companies repost 3 to 6 months later....for the same position that I applied for, and he has the nerve to ask me?)

Age discrimination is alive and well. If your birthday is June 6, 1957, be sure to post it as 6/6/1957 otherwise hiring managers tend to think you mean 6/6/1857.

Hi a im looking for a visa to work

The problem is.....some online job applications - for the dates of your college years - have those fields as required fields. They can do the math pretty quickly then. Even on a phone interview I was asked when I went to college. Do consider lessening the amount of gray colored hair that you have as well - for the zoom interviews.

I've sent off 50 applications and never hear back from anyone. Going to redo my resume. It is a real think.

I wish there was a way to prove it. I think this is happening to me.
I know for a fact it happens. The companies are just slick in coming up with excuses on why they cannot hire or retain you. I have seen this with my own eyes. I find it sad that they would rather have inexperienced people than someone that will actually come to work and treat others with respect. I had a boyfriend that worked in the tech field, when he reached 50,he started getting laid off, etc. He was told that the company was downsizing, but shortly after he was gone, the company hired a younger person for less money.