Age-Proof Your Job Search: 5 Essential Tips

Becca Mulloy
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There is no age limit on the desire to change careers, but unfortunately, some job seekers may face bias and discrimination due to their age, despite the extensive industry experience they offer. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 2 people are ageist against older individuals. What’s also important to note is that reverse age discrimination occurs and is experienced by younger professionals more frequently. It’s critical for job seekers to understand that while some discrimination may be unavoidable, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of being counted out for a role due to age.

  1. Update your resume format. The standard formatting for resumes is 2 pages maximum in 11- or 12-point text, with normal spacing and a simple font such as Garamond. Resumes should only cover 10 years of experience in most instances, and dates of education should be removed unless the education is a certification with an expiration date. There’s no need to list “with 30 years of experience…” in the professional summary of a resume: consider stating “over 10 years of experience.” Another tip: use a Gmail address. Email addresses at other sites such as Hotmail, Ymail, AOL, etc. are no longer standard and can date you as an applicant.

  2. Leverage your network. The best way to avoid ageism in the traditional application process is to bypass it by way of referrals. Dig deep into your network of colleagues and friends and consider looking to LinkedIn to identify more contacts in your field. According to the Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success, over 80% of job opportunities are secured through networking. Check out The Hire Heroes USA Networking Success Guide for networking tips and tools. 

  3. Ensure you are current on industry trends. This can be done by obtaining certifications, becoming actively involved in industry-specific organizations, and speaking with a mentor. Consider seeking out a mentor who is junior to you, so you are up to date on the latest best practices and industry standards. There is also value in mentorship with senior professionals as they may be in a position to advocate and share useful strategies if you are feeling challenged. 

  4. Seek out inclusive employers. Research companies that are committed to diversity and have a track record of hiring employees of all ages. Good places to start with this research are LinkedIn and websites such as Age-Friendly Institute.

  5. Audit your social media accounts. According to a 2023 survey, 91% of employers incorporate social media into their hiring process. Additionally, 55% of recruiters have found content on an applicant's social media profile that led them to not pursue that candidate further​. (StandOut CV). Your best bet is to make every social media account you have extremely private, and always remember to not post anything you wouldn’t want a hiring manager to see. While it is advisable to leave your LinkedIn account public, ensure that your profile is filled out correctly and will not deter hiring managers.

Facing age discrimination in the workforce is a common concern among job seekers. These steps can increase your confidence and effectively challenge negative stereotypes about employees at any life stage, presenting you as a skilled and adaptable candidate capable of thriving in today’s dynamic job market.

Becca Mulloy is a Transition Specialist at Hire Heroes USA.  If you would like more information or need assistance getting in contact with your Transition Specialist, log into your MyTrak or register at www.hireheroesusa.org to be assigned a Transition Specialist.