Are you worried about facing age discrimination in your job search? It’s a common fear among older job seekers, but what if I told you that the real threat might be coming from technology, not hiring managers? Most job seekers in their 50s and beyond are unaware that the very technology they rely on to apply for jobs could be filtering them out of consideration. This is a major reason why deserving candidates often miss out on the interviews they deserve.
Here’s the crucial insight you need to know. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers, recruiters, and job boards have the ability to estimate your level of experience from your resume or LinkedIn profile. If a recruiter is searching for candidates with 12-15 years of experience, the ATS will automatically screen out anyone who doesn’t fit that exact requirement. This means your application may never even be seen by a human, getting your foot in the door becomes nearly impossible.
While it’s not intentional, job boards, companies, and recruiters inadvertently discriminate based on age due to the technology they use. Every time you submit your resume to a job board or company website, you could be filtered out based on your experience level. The same goes for your LinkedIn profile when recruiters are searching for candidates with specific experience criteria. To navigate this age bias, it’s essential to make a few key changes to your documents to age-proof your application and increase your chances of securing interviews.
How Do You Age-Proof Your Resume And LinkedIn Profile?
- Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile Picture: Consider getting a professional headshot that conveys energy and vitality. Avoid any photos that emphasize age-related features and opt for a pose that exudes professionalism and approachability. Dress the part and use a full-face smile to exude confidence.
- Eliminate Dates From Your Education Listings: Remove dates from your education, training, and certifications sections to avoid disclosing your age. Most recruiters are only interested in the last 10-15 years of your experience, so focus on recent achievements.
-
Remove Pre-2000 Dates From Your Work History Sections: Separate your pre-2000 work experience into a separate section on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Omit specific dates and instead list the duration of your employment. On LinkedIn, briefly mention older roles in your summary or within your post-2000 work experience entries.
By following these steps, you can shield your application from age discrimination and increase your visibility to potential employers. Age-proofing your documents is crucial in today’s tech-driven job market where algorithms can unintentionally work against experienced job seekers. Stay competitive and relevant by ensuring your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect your skills and expertise, not your age. Remember, age is just a number, and your qualifications matter most in the job search process.
