How can you overcome ageism when changing careers?

Put your best foot forward regarding skillset and still be open to learning, als.o investing in soft skills makes the transition easier for you. You don't want to be boxed or overlooked

Show up as an asset , work with a professional if you need to but ageism is a problem only when you present yourself short .

Experience should be sought after and preferred, position your many years of hands on experience and accomplishments as a strength. Often employers who display ageism are just trying to get cheaper and more mailable workers, which is a great indicator that it’s not a good place to work anyway. It’s often just mindset and “marketing” - position yourself as a 1 of 1 asset and chase the right opportunities.

Your pivot to a new career isn't a gentle meander; it's a strategic conquest. First, audit your skillset like a hawk eyeing its prey. What do you bring to the table? Communication, leadership, problem-solving? These are your aces. But don't get cocky. Technology, industry knowledge, certifications - if these are your Achilles' heel, it's time to hit the books. List your skills, then play matchmaker with your target job's demands. Identify where you're lacking and craft a battle plan. This isn't about finding yourself; it's about building yourself. Go.

1. Evaluate your passion and what kind of work excites you, corresponding to your thus far acquired skills, certifications and interests. 2. Once you have zeroed in on the field you want to enter, chart out what it takes to be reasonably above average in that role 3. Do a SWOT basis the excellence meter that you have evaluated above 4. Upskill, bridge the gaps with updated knowledge, current and future market trends, just about sponging all that you can wrt the gap fulfillment 5. Jot down strong convincing responses as to why you should be chosen, what value you will bring to the table, how your previous learnings and experiences can contribute there particularly and how you will add incremental value with your delivered performance.

Looking for a job we are not even sure we can take on is more common than we believe and nevertheless destructive . We look for jobs for a key reason , to get paid . Then comes the need to practice what we learn, to be part of a bigger dynamic and to broaden our horizons etc When you learn more about yourself is when you know more about the job you want to land . Start with understanding what you can do and what can’t do but is part of that job responsibility , your best skills are the ones that you need to work on in order to get The Job not just a Job !

To overcome ageism when changing careers, emphasize transferable skills, continually update your skills, network effectively, create a modern resume, use a skills-based cover letter, showcase technology proficiency, maintain a positive mindset, be flexible about entry-level positions, target age-inclusive employers, engage in professional development, and consider entrepreneurial or consulting opportunities. Demonstrating adaptability, a commitment to learning, and the ability to contribute value to the new field will help counteract age-related biases and enhance your success in a career transition.

Assessing skills is initial step before application, next move. As next steps: - List skills to be improved and prioritize - Identify gaps in skills - Make learning plan for each step - Start with small, but continuous learning to gain it as atomic habit - Define rewards for success - Start and keep going also after making breaks

Assessment of skills and competencies can get the foot in the door. Being of a certain age may still be regarded as a point of contension compared to younger candidates with the same skills and competencies. A strategy would consist of highlighting unique abilities or interests that enhance value. Ex: volunteer where the organization is a stake holder, or civic activities that are high profile and aligned with the organization's target audience. This is an area that an older candidate may have more time to devote while benefiting from social opportunities. In turn a younger candidates may find it difficult to maneuver around family obligations and/or interests they may have. Agism becomes a plus.

Crack the code of job applications. It's not about your age or the dusty years on your diploma. It's about value. Craft a resume and cover letter that scream "I'm the solution you've been looking for." Tailor it with keywords from the job description. Show, don't tell. Highlight your skills, achievements, and how you'll tackle their specific challenges. Ditch anything that ages you - this isn't a history lesson. Remember, it's not the years, it's the mileage. Your goal? Make them think "This person gets it."

This really is the big one! It’s all about positioning yourself as a one of one with deep domain expertise and as someone the potential employer will benefit greatly by hiring.

The most important advice is to craft, tell and convey a good story. A story that is able to paint a picture of your past experiences and how they have culminated into wisdom that is invaluable and transferable. A great story combined with a rich career background can align with your passion and purpose, no matter what age. Be (Bolder), not Older!

Your resume is the window display that can potentially get the customer inside the shop. Create it accordingly. It will be worthwhile taking professional help from experts in resume creation, who charge a small fees and then tailor make a perfect resume for you post detailed discussion on your aspirational target. It's an investment worth considering.

Think outside the box, what could set you apart from others: - Create and circulate an ‘intro to me’ video - Share recommendations, quotes or feedback from colleagues past or present , teachers or mentors. It’s one thing for you to talk about how much value you can bring, it’s another level when others are saying it. - Know your strengths and lean into them, building and utilising your strengths enables these strengths to be what you become ‘known for’ Be your self! authenticity is incredibly important and it is easy to lose yourself trying to be what you think employers want.

This is a great one. Build a reputation of adding value, being consistent, not asking for too many favors etc that you can leverage when looking for new roles or a career change. Be known as the “(something) person” with a transferrable skill set.

Ageism? It's a harsh reality. But you're not done yet. Your greatest weapon? Your network. It's not just about schmoozing at events. It's strategic warfare. Join those professional clubs, sure, but be smart about it. Hit those alumni up – they owe you. And social media? It's your billboard. LinkedIn isn't just a platform; it's your stage. Showcase your smarts, your skills. Don't just connect with influencers; engage them. Make them notice you. This isn't just about finding a job; it's about carving your space in the industry, uncovering the goldmines that are hidden jobs. And remember, it's not who you know; it's who knows you. Let them know you're still in the game, and you're playing to win.

IMO: Networking is how you get a job past entry-level. If you're older, you'll have to prove you're up to it. You're subject to the same scrutiny as entry-level applicants, only you'll want to be paid more for your experience. This is where Networking comes in. Your value isn't just in who you know - it's who has (monetary) confidence in you. Teaching, peer reviewing, creating work-flows, doing active research: the hallmarks of someone that is still *active* in their field. If you want to consult based on "the way it used to be" that has its own, separate value and should be approached in that way. If you're abreast of the current tech, geopolitics around your industry, and have lucrative connections, you're bound to find a good position.

No es una, es la más y tal vez la única opción de conseguir un trabajo a la altura de un senior. El problema que yo veo, es que no han construido una red más que de contactos, de confianza y a tiempo. A tiempo, porque esperan ser despedidos y cuando se dan cuenta de su situación no hay quién les ayude. La construcción de redes toma tiempo y años de nutrir una bonita relación de confianza. El trabajo de redes es cuestión de tiempo y confianza. Puede que ahora no necesitas una red de contactos sólida, pero ¿que tal si en 20 años sí? ¿La estás construyendo para que en su momento te ayuden y te impulsen? O ¿esperarás a tener 50 años para recién construir una red que tarda años en edificarse? Para reflexionar.

As Steve Jobs said, he never lost out by asking relevant people, help on what he wanted. And most of the time he won on that count. So don't shy on asking... You cant possibly lose what you ain't got. However before that, a good homework & action plan on building relevant network is important. - Seek out successful people from the target segment you have chosen on LinkedIn and reach out to them for connection. - Make contact & seek small responses on the elements that worked for them, their success mantras, how they worked up their way to success etc. People love to share their success stories. - Enrich yourself & your capabilities with their experiences and chisel your skills to match the raw material of the average elements of success

There are few things more useful than building relationships and networking effectively. Getting to know people in your preferred industry, sharing your experience and challenges with peers, offering to help others using your expertise. When you build your network you will learn from them, gain ideas and suggestions, sharpen your sword, and who knows one of your network may well open a door for you in the future! Try not to be shy get yourself out there! I know it can be intimidating but growth happens outside of your comfort zone!

Ageism, a bitter reality, but there's a weapon - lifelong learning. It's not just about sprucing up the resume, it's a power move. Courses, webinars, the whole digital smorgasbord - it's not just learning, it's showing you're a relentless player in the game of adaptation. Books, podcasts, blogs – immerse yourself. It's not just about keeping pace, it's about leading the charge. Every new skill, every trend you master, is a step towards making ageism irrelevant. You're not just a candidate, you become the candidate. Learn, evolve, dominate. That's the playbook.

Overcoming age discrimination in career transitions can be challenging, yet it presents an exciting opportunity for personal growth. Embracing lifelong learning is key. By engaging in courses, workshops, webinars, or online programs, you can acquire new skills and stay abreast of industry trends. Reading books, following blogs, listening to podcasts, and subscribing to newsletters are great ways to keep informed and inspired. Lifelong learning doesn’t just update your skills—it boosts confidence, enhances your resume, and makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Let’s champion the power of continuous learning as a beacon of hope and a pathway to success, regardless of age.

These are perhaps the most fantastic times that a learner can ever have chosen to live in. Augment your knowledge using internet, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, YouTube, upGrad, Coursera etc., etc., etc.,all these instruments can make you a lethal contributor to the field you have chosen... And yes... age is a constraint only as long as you let it be... how you appear, behave and communicate and what kind of energy you exude, the confidence you ooze and the carefully crafted communication that is coming from the depths of understanding of the subject matter of your field can make you an irrestible choice. Go for it... empower yourself with the right knowledge, right skills and amplified right attitude and victory is awaiting to be achieved...

Embrace the power of networks. Ageism, a stubborn, ugly beast in the corporate jungle, can be tamed. How? Leverage the wisdom of those who've navigated these treacherous waters. Find a mentor, a sage who's seen it all, or a coach who sharpens your toolkit. Don't underestimate the camaraderie of peers in similar trenches. Forums, groups, digital or physical – these are your battlegrounds for shared experiences and collective wisdom. Here, feedback isn't just noise; it's gold. It refines your approach, helps vault over barriers, and turns small wins into celebrations. Remember, in the digital age, your network is your net worth. Don't go at it alone.

Professional Coaches can accelerate your learning process and guide you on paths that can help you achieve aspired outcomes. Seek out for them unabashedly. Attend seminars, conferences, webinars etc on the area of interest and seek guidance from people of your own category, as well as decision makers on what they look for and what can crack them.. Usually in such environs, they are not on so much guard as they are in their own cubicles and cabins... get my point ;)

Consider that Empathy is the corporate skillet of our times. If you are not able to see the reality of others how can you ever truly create inclusion. What we know is that when empathy is low, the "isms" (including ageism) increase. The gaps in understanding and inclusion are driven upwards. The first step to ensure you are embracing all areas of the workforce is to actively listen to them.

It's all about adding value. If one can convince the other party, then, the battle is half-won. Of course, in a crowded marketplace, the 1st thing to do is get noticed.

How can you overcome ageism when changing careers? Why we need to overcome ageism, LISTEN CAREFULLY, Age matters only for the weak, I mean it'll affect only the physical realm , your thought process need not be change. If you think you are weak you'll be.. "Turn your age into an asset by demonstrating the unique perspective, valuable experience and wisdom it brings to the table." Read that again 👆