How to Go beyond Age Stereotypes: from Prejudices to Strategies (Part I)

Helen was sitting in her office reading job applications. It was 11h30 and she was surprised how quickly time was flying. Helen looked curiously at the next application and started reading it. Suddenly the words “I am 55 years old but I am not without ambitions,” attracted her attention. The direct and sincere words impressed her. The 55 year old man had the right skills, mix, experience, and enormous self-confidence to write about his age and plans for the future. “I am a happy person… most of my applications went unanswered …,” Helen kept on reading. “Wow!” she exclaimed and wondered “he is so courageous to write about his aspirations and failures. How happy he should be to have kept his passion and motivation?” Helen loved Clive Staples Lewis’ words: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Interestingly, the candidate was not old – he was only 55 just like Bill Gates. However, Helen knew that some companies considered people of that age group as excess baggage. No wonder that a lot of job seekers had to hide their age and masquerade as young. Unfortunately, prejudice and age discrimination at the work place were still ruling at some companies. Helen knew that her company didn’t want to employ candidates over 50, or as they said, “people over-the-hill”. But in her opinion the candidate was employable and his experience would help to spark creativity and innovation in John’s team. Each time when Helen had doubts, she called someone. This time she called Ron because she believed he could give her some good advice. ”Are you crazy, Helen? Do I need to remind you that the guy is too old for us? Maybe you are kidding… I suppose you know that customers prefer looking at young and fresh faces …,” Ron growled. Helen didn’t feel like telling him how painful and unfair his words were. She quickly finished the conversation. Ron’s words troubled Helen a lot. She took a small mirror out of her bag and looked at her smooth face. “Strange… I can’t feel my age … Will I be accepted at the work place in 12 years when I am 55? Hmm…,” Helen thought and began slowly to realize that it was time to make a decision – her decision. She found the phone number of the candidate and called him, inviting him to a job interview. She could hear his excitement and gratitude which gave her a good feeling. She knew from her own experience that stereotyping of any kind should be avoided – she felt that the company should reassess their hiring policies and be prepared to employ the best person for the job, regardless of age. She knew that many of the 50+ age group brought years of practical experience, maturity and a motivation to the work place, because they often have to struggle to get back into work.