Age discrimination is a major issue that affects job seekers in today’s workforce. This is particularly true for older workers who often face discrimination and prejudice from potential employers due to their age. You must know your rights, even before you become an employee.
What Causes Ageism?
Ageism is common and can take many forms. Some of the primary causes of ageism in the workplace include biased attitudes and assumptions about older workers, pressure from management to conform to certain standards or expectations, and discrimination against older workers by younger hiring managers.
Ageism can manifest itself through biased attitudes and assumptions by supervisors, managers, or other decision-makers. Older candidates may be perceived as less competent or skilled than their younger counterparts simply because of their greater life experience. This perception can lead to unfair treatment in hiring decisions, performance reviews, and promotions.
Ageism can also arise out of discrimination against older workers by younger colleagues. Younger employees may view their older coworkers as outdated or lacking the skills needed for success in today’s competitive business landscape. This dynamic can breed tension between different generations within an organization, mainly if insufficient support or communication channels exist for effective intergenerational collaboration.
To mitigate ageism in the workplace and create more inclusive environments for all employees regardless of age, organizations should promote awareness of common biases related to age and create opportunities for intergenerational collaboration. This might involve training programs that help managers recognize how unconscious biases might affect their interactions with older workers and initiatives that encourage younger employees to seek mentorship opportunities with more experienced colleagues. Additionally, organizations could also develop policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on age and provide formal channels for reporting incidents of bias or harassment related to ageism.
How Do Job Seekers Overcome Ageism?
Ageism is a pervasive issue that affects many job seekers, regardless of their age or experience. However, despite this societal prejudice, there are many ways that job seekers can overcome ageism and successfully land their dream job.
One strategy that can be particularly effective for older workers is emphasizing their skills, talents, and strengths in the job application process. This may involve highlighting relevant past experiences or showcasing the unique expertise they have developed over time. Additionally, staying current on current workplace trends and practices can help older workers stay competitive in today’s fast-paced job market.
Another effective strategy is to leverage your social connections and networks. Whether through online platforms like LinkedIn or more traditional networking opportunities like industry conferences or meetups, building relationships with people who work in your desired field is essential to get your foot in the door and grow your professional network.
Ultimately, if you are determined to overcome ageism and achieve your career goals, you must remain confident and resilient throughout the job search process.
Our Marlton Employment Lawyers at Burnham Douglass Will Protect Your Rights
Age discrimination in the workplace is more widespread than many employers want to admit. If you are facing age discrimination at work, speak with our Marlton employment lawyers at Burnham Douglass. Call us at 856-751-5505 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Located in Marlton and Northfield, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Evesham Township, Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, and Atlantic City.