Just how common is age discrimination in a job search? Unfortunately, very. According to AARP in 2013, approximately two-thirds of older workers surveyed said they had seen or experienced age bias in the workplace and most say it’s common.

What’s more is that those who have seen or experienced bias said it typically begins in the 50s. In addition, over a third of older workers said they weren’t confident they could find another job quickly without a reduction in salary or having to move.

The numbers don’t look good. If you’re searching for a new position, how can keep age from being a factor in your success?

Fine-Tune Your Resume

Review your resume and look for areas you can modify. For instance, remove the years you graduated from college, as well as those early jobs you had in your career. Focus, instead, on recent positions that are most relevant to the opportunities you’re interested in.

Use Your Network

As a leading search firm in Sacramento, California, Pacific Staffing knows senior workers generally have more developed business, community and personal networks. Take advantage of yours when searching for new opportunities. Identify connections in your network that can refer you to job opportunities.

Also, get your profile onto LinkedIn if you haven’t already. In today’s day and age, most recruiters expect to find information about you online and when they don’t, it could make you look dated.

Upgrade Skills 

Depending on your background, you may need to enhance some of your skills to stay competitive on the job market. If you do, take a class, an online seminar or enroll in a continuing education program to ensure you have the skills potential employers value most.

Stay in the Know

Stay on top of current trends in your industry by following blogs and participating in LinkedIn industry groups. The more knowledgeable you are about the latest issues and hot topics in your industry, the better you will be able to combat stereotypes about your age.

Prepare for the Interview

If it’s been a while since you interviewed last, invest time and effort to prepare for interviews, which are going to be rigorous. While you can’t hide your age once in front of the panel, if you’re able to demonstrate you’re the strongest candidate for the position, potential employers will take notice.

To counter any age-related stereotypes, it’s also critically important that you project an image of innovation, energy and creativity, combined with industry experience and insight.

About Pacific Staffing 

Pacific Staffing has been helping people achieve professional success for more than 25 years. As a leading search firm in Sacramento, California, we can help you uncover opportunities no one else knows about and guide you toward achieving your career goals. Contact Pacific Staffing today to learn more.