Age discrimination shouldn't exist, but it does. According to many Human Rights Codes, job applicants and employees have a right to freedom from discrimination with regard to employment. In other words, employers are not allowed to discriminate based on one's race, gender, color, handicap (real or perceived), ancestry, sexual orientation, place of birth, age, ethnic origin, marital status, citizenship, family status, religion, record of offenses, or receipt of public assistance. However, discrimination can be difficult to prove.
Steps to Defeat Age Discrimination
Listed below are some steps you can take to minimize the impact of your age and position yourself more youthfully when undertaking a career change or a job search.
- Research newer clothing styles so that you dress conservatively yet fashionably.
- Maintain your fitness levels through proper exercise and diet.
- Circulate among the younger staff to gain more familiarity with their world. Find out about the music they listen to, the TV programs they watch, and the movies they attend.
- Keep current on new technologies and get acquainted with social media.
- Socialize by attending industry-specific events and meetings. Younger employees often admire older colleagues who are active and energetic.
- Improve your knowledge by regularly taking courses, enrolling in seminars, and attending conferences. Replace older education with these newer offerings.
- Do NOT talk about "the good old days", your adult children, or a personal medical concern. Instead, chat about a destination you recently visited or a new movie you saw.
