Gray hairs not the issue for older workers

It’s hard to know if the interviewer just didn’t want to hire an older individual, or if he got the vibe from you that maybe your weren’t up to the job. We may never know the answer, unless you do pursue it, go above his head, or go to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lack of energy comment may not run afoul of the law on its own, “but it could be evidence an employer is stereotyping older workers, which they can’t do,” says Ray Peeler, an attorney with the EEOC.

But for many workers and job seekers, the last thing they want to do is rock the boat, and it sounds like you just want to find a job.

What you need to do is make sure you are bringing all the enthusiasm you can muster to the job interview.

There is a feeling out there that older workers are stuck in their ways and not as flexible, says Ellen Miller, executive director of the Center for Aging & Community, University of Indianapolis. So blow that perception out of the water, she advises, by showing them that you’re agile, resilient and able to change on a dime.

“You can’t just say, ‘I have 30 years of experience. Clearly I’m the better person for this job,’” she adds.

You need to keep your skills up and understand the latest technologies for your industry. You want to dispel the myth that older workers can’t adapt and make it clear you’re a team player willing to learn new things.

And if a lack of energy comment in some form comes up again, there is nothing wrong with pointing out that research shows older workers tend to have better judgment and attendance on the job, than the young'uns.

I am back to work at a rather late age 55. Now that I finally found a decent job, how can I get my co-workers to see me as anything but old? I don't feel old, but I feel I am perceived as not computer literate (not true) and resistant to change (completely wrong). I feel I have to overcome the younger employees' prejudice. What can I do?
-- Not Feeling Old Marsha

OK, Marsha, forget about overcoming a generation gap that goes back to prehistoric times. Concentrate on yourself and your job performance. That’s the only way to prove you’re not a dinosaur.

Show them you know your stuff and you can run circles around them. You landed the job so your managers obviously think you can handle the workload.

There’s no easier way to gain the respect of co-workers than letting them see how great you are, says Miller. You can try to connect with workers of all ages, offer advice, or take advice with open arms, and be willing to take on projects and learn new technologies whenever possible.

If you have to do something hip, you can buy an MP3 player, but don’t be afraid to turn up the Beatles or the Stones.

Bottom line, don’t get bogged down by what others think of you.

Also, make sure you’re not feeling a bit of bias toward younger co-workers yourself, advises Miller. Get over the I-could-be-their-grandmother attitude and focus on work.

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