Had to laugh when I saw this August 3, 2009 New Yorker cartoon. It cuts dangerously close to the job interview truth many of us baby boomers are facing:
New Yorker Baby Boomer Cartoon
Do Baby Boomers Really Have a Steeper Climb?
In three words: yes and no. I’ll do my best to shed some light. But first…a story.
A few years back I watched my 40+ cousin go through a grueling, confidence-shattering period of unemployment – and that was pre-economic crisis. He is one of the most experienced people in his niche industry, but because of his career level and previous salaries, he had trouble convincing anyone he was willing to work for less (since jobs at his level are scarce). And yet he was more than willing.
Over the 18 months he was out of work, he wound up piecing together a few part-time consulting jobs here and there and networking like crazy until finally a great opportunity – albeit at a lower level – came his way. And even then, he had to be creative in addressing the lower salary and title issues. But he hung in and managed to get his foot back into a welcoming door and now has risen back to an executive level job – and salary.
I’m also in my baby boomer years and, while I think there was one interviewer who nixed me just for my age, many others are open to my experience and positive, solution-oriented attitude. I’m not saying there aren’t plenty of employers who prefer younger workers – there are. Younger workers are often less expensive and voraciously hungry to prove their worth; and many employers see that as a cheap way to get hard workers.
So what’s a baby boomer to do?
Fear not. There are plenty of employers who see the benefit of more experienced workers willing to work hard and who can often find solutions that save time and money in the long run. In education and technology where I work, I’ve found doors open to good workers of any age. And, in fact, I’ve gone out of my way at times to look for candidates in their boomer years, since I know they can add organizational texture as well as solid experience to a team.
But of course there are industries and individual companies where younger is better. I find it doesn’t pay to focus on what we can’t get. I just want to make it clear that there are full-time, part-time, and consulting jobs out there for baby boomers no matter what the perception may be. You just have to be creative and persistent – and willing to open up to new possibilities.
Speaking of perception and baby boomers, I found a great article on this subject on The Interviewing Edge you might want to check out:
Interview Obstacles Confronting Baby Boomers
The author Mark Ste. Marie talks about perceptions some employers have about the stereotypical baby boomer and what we as boomers can do about it. Here are some perceptions he says are out there:
- Overpriced
- Settling for the job (and therefore not going to stay long)
- Not as sharp or hungry as younger workers
- Lacking skills younger folks have
- Not flexible
- Over-qualified
- Wrong image for the company (ouch!)
Sounds pretty scary, no? Don’t let it throw you. Perceptions like these can often be overturned – especially if you don’t buy into them yourself.
One of my favorite things is to come into an interview with good energy, an alert and creative mind, and the ability to show what I bring to the company based on things I’ve accomplished in the real world and not just in a classroom. (Sorry recent grads. I can spin your advantages too, but for now let me talk to my fellow baby boomers. . 
) It also helps to show that you can listen and you do not think you have all the answers.
You may of course need to be extra creative when it comes to networking (and maybe just a little brave) so you can actually get yourself to that job interview. But once you get there, it’s all on you. And the perception that matters most at that point is your perception of yourself – since that’s what you project when you interview!
In his article, Mark Ste. Marie goes on to suggest some things that may help you surmount any job interview perception obstacles, including what advantages you bring (life experiences, loyalty, connections, etc.) and how you can be your own bff in getting past the baby boomer job interview blues (keep your skills current, keep active even while looking, etc.) And don’t forget social networking sites and other current technology that show you are not stuck in the dark ages!
While we can’t go back in time (as far as I know), we baby boomers have a lot going for us. Sure, you’ll hear lots of scare stories and find plenty of people who worship youth. But it only takes one job and, if you have patience and put your full energy and commitment into your job search, you’ll get yourself there – or somewhere else you might not expect that can also work well for you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
What perceptions do you have of baby boomers? Are you a boomer who had success selling yourself to an employer? Would love to hear your thoughts and advice to baby boomers everywhere.
A few related Work Coach Cafe posts:
How to Make the Most of Settling for a So-So Job in a Tight Economy
Make Your Job Search a Daily Job. Oh How It Pays Off!
20 Career Tips to Help You PromoteYourself
Job Search: The Simplest Job Networking Tip of All
How Baby Steps Can Get You Out of the Trenches and Into a Career You Love
How Can I Find a Job that Makes Me Happy?
Thinking of Changing Careers for that Dream Job? Be Creative!
Great article! Baby Boomers face many hurdles but as with all hurdles, they can be cleared.
Thanks for the mention!
Mark
My pleasure Mark. You have some really good resources over at your site. I appreciate the inspiration.
Ronnie Ann
As a fellow baby boomer, I sometimes find it unsettling to compete in today’s business world where new technology is more easily grasped by younger workers. I have to remind myself that although the younger minds and eyes can champion new aps quicker than I can, I still have a reservoir of experience that’s uniquely mine to offer. If I want to stay in the game, I have to work a little harder and collaborate with my younger colleagues to keep up in areas that are challenging for me. In return, I usually have insights to offer my younger cohorts in return. The collaboration makes it that much more fun!
Hi Susan!
Thanks for the great comment. Funny…I think of you as someone who has embraced the new tech rev 2.1 a lot more than many boomers I know. I understand it does take some work to get completely up to speed..but those insights of yours are priceless!
Great points, now if I could only get an interview to use them that would be great.
Nice post Ronnie! As a boomer myself, I find that people of our generation have the knowledge AND the wisdom of our years to make a difference in the workplace. In most cases, we know what needs to be done and we have the wisdom through our experiences to separate the important from the unimportant, and help establish workplace priorities.
Best,
Rick
Maybe I’m weird (well, I guess we’re way past the “maybe”) but I never could tolerate age discrimination even when it was to my advantage. About fzph years ago, when I was 22, I went to an employment agency to grace them with my presence on their rolls. I was told by the (relatively young) interviewer how great I was: “You’re talented, you have experience, you look smart, and YOU’RE YOUNG!
is never work for someone who is not delighted with you.
Bleh! {I thought but didn’t say}. I replied, deadpan, that I thought age discrimination was illegal, so what has my YOUTH got to do with it?!? I believed that then, and I believe that now. I can be quite snitty, I know, but I wouldn’t work for someone who hired me for my age, just as I wouldn’t work for someone who discriminated against someone else for theirs. I realize such ideals can sound hollow in lean times; many of us wouldn’t feel we could afford to turn down an opportunity; but I’ve never felt any detrimental effects from this. Age-worshiping culture = not for me!
On the other hand, I’ve been witness to MANY 60+ individuals who learn quickly—including things like computers and technology; I know because I’ve taught them—and, as you say, they can bring a wealth of experience and common sense to a position.
Bottom line; my advice (which you did ask for!)
Hah. Good point, Gerald! I certainly didn’t mean to imply jobs are right there for the picking any time any of us want them. I know it takes time and lots of creative networking. (Glad to see you’re a fellow member of LinkedIn.) And it also sometimes involves turning left to get you to go right eventually. Good luck finding some cool consulting work or even a try-and-then-by situation in the meantime!
Hi Rick! Nice to see you. Promise to drop by soon.
Muse, you always leave me smiling. I LOVE that bit of advice. It makes my day when my current boss shows delight over something I did. It’s a very cool thing. Now if we could only all find that!
I am also one of the baby boomers. I was working in the Nursing Home field as an Activity Director but was fired. As it turned out they had hired a younger male for the job and was working the day after I was fired. However, I needed to re-invent myself and am now in a technical computer class. If you look aroung my classroom, there has to be at least 80% that are baby boomers. We even talk about “The Good Old Days” with no cell phones or computers.
Our school’s Web Site has this particular site on our main screen.
I am so glad I found this site.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Susan! I’m actually taking a course now to help brush up on my understanding of Baby Boomer career issues, so I expect to post more on the subject in the coming months. Love that you’re “re-inventing” yourself.
Best of luck in your new field! As someone who’s worked a good deal in IT, there are lots of ways you can aim yourself. Hope you find something you really enjoy.
Ronnie Ann