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10 Ways for Baby Boomers To Beat Age Discrimination in the Job Market

Learn how to turn your age into an advantage and thrive in a youth-centric job market.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated May 28, 2024

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Baby boomers — born between 1946 and 1964 — often face unique challenges when hunting for work. One of the most prevalent obstacles is age discrimination.

Despite their wealth of experience and skills, some boomers struggle to secure employment because of a bias against their age.

However, by using the following strategies, baby boomers can increase their odds of overcoming age discrimination and finding a position that helps them get ahead financially.

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Revamp your resume

Your resume should highlight skills, achievements, and experience in a way that aligns with current hiring trends. That includes using the power of keywords and tailored content to make your resume stand out in a competitive job market.

By revamping your resume, you can showcase qualifications, competencies, and overall suitability for the positions you seek.

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Leverage your experience

Learn how to effectively communicate the value of your experience to potential employers by highlighting problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and industry knowledge.

Demonstrating how your experience aligns with employer needs allows you to break through age-related biases and position yourself as a valuable candidate.

Stay up to date

The modern workforce is ever-evolving. So, embrace new technologies, tools, and industry trends that show you remain relevant and competitive.

You can challenge age-related stereotypes and position yourself as a forward-thinking professional by showcasing your commitment to ongoing growth and innovation.

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Lean into your network

Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts who can vouch for your skills and experience. It’s also wise to join online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your digital presence and connect with potential employers.

You can access the hidden job market by tapping into your network, where many positions are filled through referrals.

Seek out age-friendly employers

Research companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion and have a track record of valuing experienced professionals. Many organizations actively seek the expertise and reliability that older workers bring.

Look for businesses that offer flexible work arrangements and foster a culture of respect. Also, explore industries where age diversity is celebrated, such as health care, education, and nonprofits.

Master digital skills

Invest time in learning essential industry-specific software. Familiarize yourself with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and online collaboration tools such as Slack.

Demonstrating your digital prowess not only counters age-related bias but also positions you as a valuable candidate in a tech-driven workforce.

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Develop soft skills

While experience is invaluable, honing interpersonal, communication, and adaptability skills is equally essential.

Showcase your ability to collaborate, empathize, and communicate effectively. These skills bridge generation gaps and foster a positive work environment.

Employers seek workers who excel at problem-solving and who are emotionally intelligent. Show that you are a well-rounded candidate who can thrive in diverse work settings.

Embrace a modern interview style

Traditional interviews might not highlight your full potential, so adapt to new formats such as behavioral or video interviews. Practice with mock interviews to gain confidence in these methods.

Showcase your tech-savviness by using video conferencing tools effectively. Additionally, develop a personal brand on professional networks such as LinkedIn so you can network and share your expertise.

Show enthusiasm for learning

Express your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to a changing workplace. Highlight instances in previous roles where you successfully grew your skills or embraced innovative approaches.

Also, mention any recent courses you have taken or certifications you have earned to underscore your commitment to staying current.

During interviews, share how your passion for learning drives your professional growth and benefits prospective employers.

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Consider remote or part-time work

Emphasize your adaptability by showcasing your willingness to explore flexible work arrangements, including part-time and remote work.

By showing that you're open to diverse work models, you position yourself as a valuable candidate with the skills and mindset needed for today's job market.

Bottom line

Age discrimination is a real challenge in today's job market, but it's not insurmountable.

By employing these strategies, you can navigate this obstacle and find fulfilling job opportunities that can build your wealth and career.

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