Make Your Age a Non-Issue | Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

[Tuesday, September 08, 2009 | View Comments ]

"Look the part and you get the part." Anon.
“Some smack of age in you, some relish the saltiness of time.” King Henry IV. Shakespeare

Ageism exits. It makes little sense since, with any luck, those who practice that form of discrimination will one day be over fifty and in the job force. Articles, books and tirades address the issue and many lament the passing of their career as a result. As real as it is, there is much a job seeker can do to overcome ageism.

A high energy person is thought to be ageless. As a general rule, a fit and trim appearance communicates youthfulness. The solution is apparent; get in shape. Stay in shape. Get trim, stay trim.

You wince thinking this is easier said than done, especially with the stress of a job search. So, how can you give the impression of youthful exuberance after which employers lust?

Paul, currently Vice President of Engineering for a fast growing electronics manufacturing company is over fifty. In fact, Paul is over sixty. But no one ever notices Paul’s age. Why? Because he is always impeccably dressed, well groomed and trim. After his last company downsized he took the time between jobs to loose 20 pounds and has kept it off. Paul demonstrates he is high energy yet calm, soft spoken, yet decisive. His posture is always ram-rod straight and he never slouches in a chair no matter how boring the meeting. His handshake is firm, his eyes are clear. He walks with long purposeful strides and never complains about being tired. He received two unsolicited job offers in the last six months. How can this happen?

Men: For starters, wear clothes that fit. Be certain the rise in your suit pants is short, the shoulders not beyond your shoulder or overly padded. The suit should be a contemporary yet conservative style. For those of you who are always dapper, leave the ultra stylish clothing for after you are employed. Ties, yes ties, should not call attention. Your shirt, crisp and clean, should be a light color. Even if you have worn the same sized shirt for fifteen years doesn’t mean it is the right size. Do the two fingers under the collar test. If they can move comfortably, it is the right fit. If not, move up or down a size. And double check the sleeve lengths. Just because the size says the right number for you doesn’t mean it extends beyond the jacket sleeve the desired length.

Consider the purchase of a new suit/ensemble part of the Job Search expense. Consider also the hidden advantage of raised self confidence because you look the part of a successful executive or technical professional.

For those violently apposed to the idea of a suit and tie, keep in mind you are positioning the interviewer to see you as the ultimate solution to problems the company is trying to solve, that your world view is an advantage for them. If you dress down as they do in the mistaken belief it makes you seem more youthful, you give away your advantage of experience and wisdom. Besides, a suit tends to hide body flaws accentuated by blue jeans or khaki’s. As a concession, assuming you will not be meeting with senior executives or board members on your second interview, you might consider a sports coat, slacks without pleats and loafers but not athletic shoes, ever.

Technical professionals who balk at the dress code advice saying they never see peers dress in a suit need to be reminded of the objective. Take age out of the equation and put both experience and competency in. You want immediately to be seen as the superhero solution to whatever the company sees as their problem…the reason they are hiring. Just because you haven’t seen candidates dress this way doesn’t mean it isn’t the right thing to do. In fact, that may be exactly the reason to do it.

At the very least, wearing a suit to the first interview demonstrates you have respect for the process and are serious about the opportunity. The suit precludes the interviewer from thinking of you as a tire kicker. Because the competition will no doubt be dressed down, you will be remembered, favorably.

If you are currently employed and wearing a suit to work will be looked upon with suspicion, leave enough time to change your clothes in route to the interview. Don’t use it as an excuse.

While executives tend to wear suits for important meetings, most technical professionals have never dressed in a suit and see no need to start now. Fact is, because of your age, your business life is changed. New behaviors are required. While you may never wear the suit for work again, it will have done its job if you land the position of authority you require. For that is exactly what the suit represents; a position of authority.

What should you do about hair? If your objective is to obtain a new job, it is important to put all vanity aside. If you look younger without facial hair, get rid of it. Don’t know? Ask people aged 15-25 for their opinion.

Even if you have had that mustache for years, this is the time to reconsider. While job offers are never withheld because of a mustache, they have been withheld because of the impression of age they leave. And a graying beard can only underscore your age. Difficult as it is, get rid of it.

How about Grecian formula or other hair color preparations? Unless you are absolutely committed to maintaining it on a no roots showing schedule, don’t do it. It draws attention to the situation rather than masks it.

Be certain your hair is cut in a contemporary style. If there is too little to style, keep it well groomed and avoid a shiny pate. When men lose their hair it is important to keep what is left short and very well groomed to look youthful. Make sure the sides are short so they don't draw attention to the lack of hair on top. No comb overs. It draws attention and is unattractive. Schedule time in an upscale unisex salon and browse the books. Find a face shape similar to your own and ask if your hair can work with that style. After it is cut, learn how to maintain it.

Guidelines for Men:
New Suit in contemporary conservative style
No pleats on the pants, ever.
No bright colors
Shined shoes
Trimmed hair and finger nails
A new belt with no marks from size changes
No remarkable ties
Clothes must fit well even after hours of sitting
Do NOT remove your jacket
Black or blue socks depending on the suit color
Clean shaven

Women: Most women do not need a book on job search to tell them society responds positively to a trim and energetic woman. Women experience ageism more harshly than men in all areas of life and when overweight, the problem is exacerbated. Most women who are not trim know the various methods of weight loss tortures. It is simply true; if you could lose weight, you would. Let’s also assume this is no time for major changes to your lifestyle. Instead, dress for success.

Vera is fat and over fifty. No need to mince words. She is 75 pounds over weight and not on a diet. Yet, during her last job search, she was made competing offers as director of software quality assurance. How did this happen?

Are her weight and age potential handicaps? Absolutely. Will every overweight over 50 woman who dresses well get a job, of course not. But let’s review how Vera managed.

Vera has done a great job of career development. She has an excellent track record in the very tight community of Software Quality Assurance (QA). This did not happen by accident or overnight. Vera has worked hard over the years to maintain a high profile in her chosen field. She attends conferences when possible, teaches classes and has an online presence in QA e-zines and chat rooms. Vera has actively promoted herself within her former company by volunteering for responsibilities beyond QA which endeared her to the software development group, not an easy thing. She participates in local special interest groups and mentors those young in their career both formally and informally. In short, Vera is known within the Quality Assurance community.

Vera did all the right things to secure interviews with companies of interest. She interviewed with people who did not know her and where she had to communicate competence, energy and good fit for the company and overcome any distractions due to her weight and age. She researched the company, talked to former employees and reviewed how her competencies mirrored their needs. Her technical edge was clear and she knew how to communicate it. But even Vera had to get past ‘first impressions.’

Vera wisely chose interview clothes that had shape to them. She did not select a boxy jacket, knits or loose fitted slacks. No bulky sweaters or large prints. Instead she used the following guidelines:

Guidelines for weight-challenged women:
Structured jacket with small darts at the waist and no patch pockets or oversized buttons
White or pink blouse with small collar and buttons that lay flat with no gaps
No scarf at the neck
Long narrow scarf can be used under jacket collar
Just below the knee length skirt with slight flair at the bottom
If a dress under jacket, same guidelines as skirt
Spanx if you can
If pants straight legs (not flared or tapered) from hips down
Pants must be long enough to break at the shoe
Elastic waste band if possible
Hose and medium high heels in a neutral color
No open toes or heels
No purse or over the shoulder satchel, instead a small letter carrier or zippered notebook
Hair groomed and colored by a professional who will take the time to review hair styling books to find a similar face shape and hair texture
Excellent posture both walking and sitting

Will your attire signal to all that you are hirable? No. Will your attire and demeanor communicate your fitness for the job? Absolutely. Pay attention to this first impression and you increase your chances of making a second. Not all the time, but more often than if you capitulate to the alternative.

For more advice on job search for those over fifty, read the ongoing series "Over fifty and job hunting."

Guest Expert:

Rita Ashley, author of Job Search Debugged and Networking Debugged, is a technology recruiting veteran who not only worked closely with investors, executives and hiring authorities to staff senior positions, she came to the job as a former Silicon Valley executive.

Ms. Ashley became a job search coach because she observed many skilled executives and technology professionals did not have the proper job search techniques to land the jobs for which they were qualified. She coached these executives and perfected her job search coaching Tuesday, September 1, 2009resulting in a field-tested process. Today, her clients get the promotions they are after and the jobs they want. See what people say about Rita Ashley.

"Look the part and you get the part." Anon.
“Some smack of age in you, some relish the saltiness of time.” King Henry IV. Shakespeare

Ageism exits. It makes little sense since, with any luck, those who practice that form of discrimination will one day be over fifty and in the job force. Articles, books and tirades address the issue and many lament the passing of their career as a result. As real as it is, there is much a job seeker can do to overcome ageism.

A high energy person is thought to be ageless. As a general rule, a fit and trim appearance communicates youthfulness. The solution is apparent; get in shape. Stay in shape. Get trim, stay trim.

You wince thinking this is easier said than done, especially with the stress of a job search. So, how can you give the impression of youthful exuberance after which employers lust?

Paul, currently Vice President of Engineering for a fast growing electronics manufacturing company is over fifty. In fact, Paul is over sixty. But no one ever notices Paul’s age. Why? Because he is always impeccably dressed, well groomed and trim. After his last company downsized he took the time between jobs to loose 20 pounds and has kept it off. Paul demonstrates he is high energy yet calm, soft spoken, yet decisive. His posture is always ram-rod straight and he never slouches in a chair no matter how boring the meeting. His handshake is firm, his eyes are clear. He walks with long purposeful strides and never complains about being tired. He received two unsolicited job offers in the last six months. How can this happen?

Men: For starters, wear clothes that fit. Be certain the rise in your suit pants is short, the shoulders not beyond your shoulder or overly padded. The suit should be a contemporary yet conservative style. For those of you who are always dapper, leave the ultra stylish clothing for after you are employed. Ties, yes ties, should not call attention. Your shirt, crisp and clean, should be a light color. Even if you have worn the same sized shirt for fifteen years doesn’t mean it is the right size. Do the two fingers under the collar test. If they can move comfortably, it is the right fit. If not, move up or down a size. And double check the sleeve lengths. Just because the size says the right number for you doesn’t mean it extends beyond the jacket sleeve the desired length.

Consider the purchase of a new suit/ensemble part of the Job Search expense. Consider also the hidden advantage of raised self confidence because you look the part of a successful executive or technical professional.

For those violently apposed to the idea of a suit and tie, keep in mind you are positioning the interviewer to see you as the ultimate solution to problems the company is trying to solve, that your world view is an advantage for them. If you dress down as they do in the mistaken belief it makes you seem more youthful, you give away your advantage of experience and wisdom. Besides, a suit tends to hide body flaws accentuated by blue jeans or khaki’s. As a concession, assuming you will not be meeting with senior executives or board members on your second interview, you might consider a sports coat, slacks without pleats and loafers but not athletic shoes, ever.

Technical professionals who balk at the dress code advice saying they never see peers dress in a suit need to be reminded of the objective. Take age out of the equation and put both experience and competency in. You want immediately to be seen as the superhero solution to whatever the company sees as their problem…the reason they are hiring. Just because you haven’t seen candidates dress this way doesn’t mean it isn’t the right thing to do. In fact, that may be exactly the reason to do it.

At the very least, wearing a suit to the first interview demonstrates you have respect for the process and are serious about the opportunity. The suit precludes the interviewer from thinking of you as a tire kicker. Because the competition will no doubt be dressed down, you will be remembered, favorably.

If you are currently employed and wearing a suit to work will be looked upon with suspicion, leave enough time to change your clothes in route to the interview. Don’t use it as an excuse.

While executives tend to wear suits for important meetings, most technical professionals have never dressed in a suit and see no need to start now. Fact is, because of your age, your business life is changed. New behaviors are required. While you may never wear the suit for work again, it will have done its job if you land the position of authority you require. For that is exactly what the suit represents; a position of authority.

What should you do about hair? If your objective is to obtain a new job, it is important to put all vanity aside. If you look younger without facial hair, get rid of it. Don’t know? Ask people aged 15-25 for their opinion.

Even if you have had that mustache for years, this is the time to reconsider. While job offers are never withheld because of a mustache, they have been withheld because of the impression of age they leave. And a graying beard can only underscore your age. Difficult as it is, get rid of it.

How about Grecian formula or other hair color preparations? Unless you are absolutely committed to maintaining it on a no roots showing schedule, don’t do it. It draws attention to the situation rather than masks it.

Be certain your hair is cut in a contemporary style. If there is too little to style, keep it well groomed and avoid a shiny pate. When men lose their hair it is important to keep what is left short and very well groomed to look youthful. Make sure the sides are short so they don't draw attention to the lack of hair on top. No comb overs. It draws attention and is unattractive. Schedule time in an upscale unisex salon and browse the books. Find a face shape similar to your own and ask if your hair can work with that style. After it is cut, learn how to maintain it.

Guidelines for Men:
New Suit in contemporary conservative style
No pleats on the pants, ever.
No bright colors
Shined shoes
Trimmed hair and finger nails
A new belt with no marks from size changes
No remarkable ties
Clothes must fit well even after hours of sitting
Do NOT remove your jacket
Black or blue socks depending on the suit color
Clean shaven

Women: Most women do not need a book on job search to tell them society responds positively to a trim and energetic woman. Women experience ageism more harshly than men in all areas of life and when overweight, the problem is exacerbated. Most women who are not trim know the various methods of weight loss tortures. It is simply true; if you could lose weight, you would. Let’s also assume this is no time for major changes to your lifestyle. Instead, dress for success.

Vera is fat and over fifty. No need to mince words. She is 75 pounds over weight and not on a diet. Yet, during her last job search, she was made competing offers as director of software quality assurance. How did this happen?

Are her weight and age potential handicaps? Absolutely. Will every overweight over 50 woman who dresses well get a job, of course not. But let’s review how Vera managed.

Vera has done a great job of career development. She has an excellent track record in the very tight community of Software Quality Assurance (QA). This did not happen by accident or overnight. Vera has worked hard over the years to maintain a high profile in her chosen field. She attends conferences when possible, teaches classes and has an online presence in QA e-zines and chat rooms. Vera has actively promoted herself within her former company by volunteering for responsibilities beyond QA which endeared her to the software development group, not an easy thing. She participates in local special interest groups and mentors those young in their career both formally and informally. In short, Vera is known within the Quality Assurance community.

Vera did all the right things to secure interviews with companies of interest. She interviewed with people who did not know her and where she had to communicate competence, energy and good fit for the company and overcome any distractions due to her weight and age. She researched the company, talked to former employees and reviewed how her competencies mirrored their needs. Her technical edge was clear and she knew how to communicate it. But even Vera had to get past ‘first impressions.’

Vera wisely chose interview clothes that had shape to them. She did not select a boxy jacket, knits or loose fitted slacks. No bulky sweaters or large prints. Instead she used the following guidelines:

Guidelines for weight-challenged women:
Structured jacket with small darts at the waist and no patch pockets or oversized buttons
White or pink blouse with small collar and buttons that lay flat with no gaps
No scarf at the neck
Long narrow scarf can be used under jacket collar
Just below the knee length skirt with slight flair at the bottom
If a dress under jacket, same guidelines as skirt
Spanx if you can
If pants straight legs (not flared or tapered) from hips down
Pants must be long enough to break at the shoe
Elastic waste band if possible
Hose and medium high heels in a neutral color
No open toes or heels
No purse or over the shoulder satchel, instead a small letter carrier or zippered notebook
Hair groomed and colored by a professional who will take the time to review hair styling books to find a similar face shape and hair texture
Excellent posture both walking and sitting

Will your attire signal to all that you are hirable? No. Will your attire and demeanor communicate your fitness for the job? Absolutely. Pay attention to this first impression and you increase your chances of making a second. Not all the time, but more often than if you capitulate to the alternative.

For more advice on job search for those over fifty, read the ongoing series "Over fifty and job hunting."

Guest Expert:

Rita Ashley, author of Job Search Debugged and Networking Debugged, is a technology recruiting veteran who not only worked closely with investors, executives and hiring authorities to staff senior positions, she came to the job as a former Silicon Valley executive.

Ms. Ashley became a job search coach because she observed many skilled executives and technology professionals did not have the proper job search techniques to land the jobs for which they were qualified. She coached these executives and perfected her job search coaching Tuesday, September 1, 2009resulting in a field-tested process. Today, her clients get the promotions they are after and the jobs they want. See what people say about Rita Ashley.

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