Posted under Career Management on April 19th, 2007
Probably not. Perri Capell’s column at CareerJournal.com discusses this often asked question. In recent surveys, age bias does not seem to be a factor. First Transitions, an outplacement firm in Oak Brook, IL, conducted a study between 2004 and 2005 of 434 male and female job seekers. The results suggest little difference in the average time to secure a new position with 35-40 year old participants securing an $83,000 job in five months, and 61+ year old participants securing an average $95,000 job in six months. The average across all 434 participants was 5.62 months.
A few caveats about the study participants: they all received professional assistance with their searches including a personalized résumé, interview coaching, and networking coaching. Also, half the participants were in the healthcare industry.
So what are the factors more likely to affect a search? Let me give you my top three:
1. The type of position. There are fewer positions at the top of the pyramid, thus there is greater competition.
2. The amount of time and effort put into the job search. The most successful searchers are dedicating several hours per week to their search. In addition, they are working a 360-degree search, which includes but doesn’t rely on Internet-advertised jobs. Instead, they are consistently generating and following up on good leads.
3. The decision to work with a career professional. Individuals that invest in a professionally prepared résumé, cover letter, and coaching in general get faster results and perform better in their interviews.
Posted by Michele Haffner
Print This Post
Mike Lynch on 23 Apr 2007 at 10:03 am #
Excellant ideas Michelle!
In addtion to your points, I would add two:
1. Where age may be a factor, keep in mind that for every situation that calls for a younger person, there are others where some “gray hair” is valued. Examples would include growing small to medium-sized businesses run by a young entrepreneur who may be looking for a seasoned veteran to balance his youth and creativity.
2. Attitude is key. If you think you are too old, you’re 90% defeated before you start.