Is 40 The New 65? Part 2
How to Counteract Ageism in Today’s Job Market
There is a stigma surrounding age in the workforce. Current professionals face significant hurdles once they hit their 40s. What can professionals do to address this issue? It’s easy to feel defeated when faced with such discrimination, but there are ways to counteract these biases and change the narrative.
What to Do About It:
Embrace Lifelong Learning:
The workforce is changing, and so are the skills required to stay competitive. Continuing education, certifications, and keeping up with new technologies are essential for professionals in their 40s and beyond. Demonstrating that you are tech-savvy and constantly evolving is a key way to counter the narrative that older employees are “behind the times.”
Reframe Experience as an Asset:
Experience isn’t a liability—it’s a massive asset. It’s about communicating how your years in the workforce have given you a unique perspective, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills that younger workers may not have had time to develop yet. Reframe your experience as “seasoned expertise” that brings stability, mentorship, and strategic insight.
Personal Branding and Networking:
Building a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn can be a game-changer. Highlight your accomplishments, share thought leadership, and engage with industry conversations to showcase your expertise. Additionally, networking – both online and in-person – can lead to opportunities that bypass traditional recruiting channels where age bias is more prevalent.
Be an Advocate for Yourself and Others:
It’s essential to speak out against ageism—both for yourself and for others in your situation. Employers should be educated on the value of a diverse workforce, which includes age diversity. Form groups, write articles, or participate in forums that fight for equality in the workplace.
Target Companies with an Inclusive Culture:
There are companies out there that value the benefits of hiring a mix of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Do your research and apply to organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Companies that truly care about innovation and growth understand that diverse teams – including those of all ages – will bring the best results.
Focus on Your Resume:
The right resume is especially important to those over age 40. While you should still focus on your achievements and experiences, you must also speak to your adaptability and growth. Avoid highlighting years of experience if it leads to giving away your age. Here are some strategies that emphasize skills and experience while minimizing the risk of revealing your age too soon:
- Focus on achievements, not dates. Instead of detailing the specific years you worked at a job, focus on what you accomplished during your career.
- Omit dates on older roles. For positions older than 10-15 years, consider leaving off dates entirely.
- Create a skills-based or functional resume that focuses more on your skills, competencies, and achievements than your chronological work history. Although this may not work for everyone, it is an alternative that should be considered.
- Emphasize ongoing learning and professional development. Highlight certifications, training, and skills you’ve gained recently to demonstrate that you’re continuously evolving.
- Highlight transferable skills like leadership, strategic thinking, communication, problem-solving, and project management. These skills are valuable at any age.
- Use a professional summary to set the tone for the entire resume. Use it to emphasize your skills, expertise, and accomplishments without going into specifics about how long you’ve been working or how many companies you’ve worked for.
By following these resume strategies, you can effectively present your experience and value to potential employers while minimizing the risk of age bias. The key is to shift the focus to your skills, achievements, and growth, which have timeless value and demonstrate that you’re capable, adaptable, and forward-thinking.
“40 is the new 65” may describe today’s age bias, but it doesn’t define your future. With continuous learning, strong personal branding, and a focus on achievements, professionals can showcase the unique value that only experience provides. The key is to own your story, highlight your adaptability, and seek out organizations that recognize the strength of diverse teams. Age isn’t a weakness—it’s an advantage when you position it as the power behind your skills, perspective, and leadership. Take charge of your career today: update your skills, refresh your resume, and show employers the unique value you bring.
Stuart Weiner
About Stuart Weiner
Stuart is semi-retired and currently holds a fractional position as the compliance officer for an independent physician practice association in Brooklyn, New York. He also spends much of his time as an active member of PSGCNJ, helping others in their search for that next great job.
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