How to Overcome Ageism in a Digital world
Are you ever “too old” to be hired? According to a recent survey, many employers believe 58 is the age when candidates are seen as “too old.”
But ageism is more than just a number, and it’s affecting countless professionals who bring decades of experience, skills, and unique perspectives to the workforce.
Ageism is even trickier in the digital age. Hiring algorithms that scan CVs and LinkedIn profiles often prioritise younger candidates, assuming they’re more adaptable in digital settings. For some seasoned professionals, this means hiding age-related details online or carefully crafting profiles to align with youth-centric expectations.
And with remote hiring often relying on digital profiles, professionals feel even more pressure to appear ageless to match an assumed "remote work persona."
But instead of working against these biases, here’s how seasoned professionals can leverage their experience to thrive in the remote work world:
Monetise Your Knowledge: Use your expertise to create remote consulting, freelancing, or coaching opportunities. Unlike traditional employment, remote work are mostly project-based work, making it ideal for seasoned professionals with specialised skills.
Build a Digital Network: Connect with others in remote work-focused communities, Slack groups, and virtual industry meetups. Engage with remote work communities where your insights can elevate discussions and introduce fresh perspectives that only come with experience can help you stand out in the remote job market.
Stay Adaptable and Curious: Embrace new digital tools and remote work trends. Your adaptability will stand out, proving that while experience is invaluable, openness to learning and evolution keeps you just as agile as the younger workforce.
Remote work, more than any other type of work, benefits from diverse perspectives. Embracing seasoned professionals in remote roles strengthens teams, ensuring that experience, empathy, and adaptability are embedded into the company’s culture.
One of my Rebels was looking for remote work in his 60s. He told me, “I’m too old for remote work,” but I took it as a challenge to prove him wrong - and I’m proud to say, he, along with several of my clients in their 50s, successfully landed a fully remote job!
Remote work (or any type of work) is for anyone with the right skill set and the ability to bring value to a company. It’s time for all of us to rethink age and experience in the remote work world and recognise that every generation has something unique to bring to the table.
Are you hesitant to look for a remote job because of your age? I’d love to take on the challenge to prove you wrong 😉
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
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