Turning One's Age Into a Job-Market Asset

Richard Anton believes his age and experience are an advantage in looking for a job as a facilities manager. Yet he carefully cultivates an upbeat, energetic attitude -- and he did update his hair style recently to prepare for interviews.

Anton, who is in his 60s, knows that subtle age discrimination exists.

But he thinks he can use his broad experience to sell himself to an employer that wants a "a more mature person who can work up and down the ladder with all types of people and staff."

"So don't walk in looking old. Walk in looking young -- mentally and physically," said Anton, who lives in Arlington and has been job hunting since December He's prepared to compete in the toughest job market in a generation -- especially for those of a certain age group. Age discrimination complaints rose 29 percent last year, reaching record levels, according to the federal government.

It's important for any older job hunter to appear fresh, relevant and ready. "That first impression is critical in moving forward in the process," said Carol Rogers, vice president and lead consultant for human resources firm Right Management in Rockville. You want to look professional and enthusiastic, and show through your body language in an interview that you're excited and passionate about your career.

"They sit up straighter. They demonstrate passion as hand-talkers," she said. "Inject that energy and enthusiasm."

Make sure you're up on the latest cultural and political news. Develop your technology prowess, even if you take a class or persuade a teenager to clue you in, said Rogers, who has worked in human resources for 20-plus years. (And note that use of "plus" -- you don't have to give away your age by saying exactly how long you have been in your field.)

Gail Geary, an Atlanta career coach, added that people seem more intelligent if they talk more quickly and with energy. Avoid sounding cynical, stubborn or set in your ways.

Older candidates need to keep an open mind about a variety of job possibilities. "You have to be adaptable or you won't survive," said Geary, who runs seminars on using age as an advantage during job searches.

After a seminar in Baltimore, a younger administrative assistant passed on another hint to her: Don't tell anyone they remind you of your daughter or son. It just draws attention to your age difference, Geary said. "Treat all adults as if they're the same age," she said.

You may want to model yourself after a successful 30- or 35-year-old, she said, with a wardrobe and credentials that are current. She suggest people buy new glasses -- no aviators or oversize ones, please -- and consider coloring their hair if it's gray. "Ask your children or grandchildren what they think. . . . If they say it's hip, you know you're moving along," said Geary, who dumped her own clunky heels and turtle-neck shirts after meeting with an image consultant.

You may need to prune your résumé and reshape it so it's relevant, Rogers said. List the last 10 to 12 years of professional experience. Indicate if you speak a second language or are a member of professional organizations; both may give you an edge over other candidates, Rogers said.

Anton uses two résumés -- one that is chronological and goes back to 1989, when he was a facilities coordinator for a large travel company; and one that is "functional" and focuses on his two areas of strength, facilities management and office operations management. His experience includes working for a pharmaceutical company, government agencies and a nonprofit.

"It's a very, very tight job market," he said. Yet he's getting interviews -- by phone and in person -- almost every week. And he keeps applying for seven to 12 jobs a day. He's active too, bicycling, swimming and volunteering. "I can run circles around these younger ones," he said.