Getting a Job as a Non-traditional Student or New Grad

You’re older. You’re graduating or just have. Ageism exists.  What can you do about it?

The first thing is to understand why older people are discriminated against.
The myths include: older people are inflexible, expect more money, are not up-to-date, won't work hard and resent working for someone younger.  

The next is to address it in your job search. Here’s how.

Stress your dependability, reliability, and interest in continual learning and new experiences

• Network to find a job. Flexibility can be easier to show than to tell
• Join and attend events and meetings for IT associations such as UMSA or MHTA or the MNITWFC, do informational interviews, attend IT job clubs
• Use social media. Join Linked In, the Twin Cities IT Alumni Association, special-interest groups such as Drupal users

Emphasize that working with a interesting team or on challenging problems are what you find rewarding

• Indicate you are a team player able to work with multiple-ages, genders, diverse work styles
• Mention long range plans for being with the company
• Talk about your business and personal effectiveness skills

Tweak your wardrobe, hair style, and eyeglasses

• Get y our hair cut and styled – looking out-of-date can be interpreted as a lack of ability to change. Also make sure your wardrobe and eyeglasses reflect current styles

Speak to the actions you’ve taken in prior jobs and their benefit to the company

• Be enthusiastic but not arrogant

Don’t make the hiring manger feel insecure. Find the balance between looking proficient and productive versus threatening.

• Talk about an age-diverse team you worked in that had superior results and which you enjoyed.
• Keep your interview answers short (don’t take over the interview)

Sharon Boerbon Hanson