A major media outlet’s recent video article sparked my latest Glassdoor post. A rather youthful interviewer held the microphone to several experienced career coaches and repeatedly suggested that older workers were technologically unsavvy. As well, she implied that boomers’ inexperience with computers, the Internet and social media harmed their job search efforts.
The career experts naturally and calmly debunked this assertion, affirming that technology and social media aptitude was NOT an issue for most boomer workers and job seekers. The interviewees even attempted to steer the conversation to the real issues faced by mature job seekers.
However, the interviewer was undeterred and determined to move her agenda along. She continued to assert her idea, inserting interrogatives that implied older job seekers, in fact, were behind the curve with technology, and “didn’t the interviewees agree?” [They repeatedly disagreed and calmly (but unsuccessfully) attempted to guide the interview elsewhere.]
I was a bit disappointed, but not all that surprised at the slant on this article, so I decided to make lemonade from the letdown lemons. The blog response articulates five characteristics that age and experience give you. To read my post, please visit: “How Age & Experience Can Help You Land a Job.” I hope you enjoy.
At the end of the day, the key is to be relevant and bring your value to the table.
I do think expressing an open mind, and often a “beginner’s mind” but with a flare of experience, helps connect with opportunities.
Well put, J.D.! Thank you for adding value to the conversation!
Good for you, Jacqui – knock down those stereotypes!
Oh, how I love your writing style, Jacqui!
Kudos to you for making the observation about the interviewer and her assertions that older workers are unable to thrive with the new technology.
It portrayed her lack of experience in working with older employees who have mastered technology. I wonder if she is basing her opinions on a frustrating experience she has had with some of the older employees she’s worked with.
A friend of mine, who holds a civic executive position, has often said that she wants her team to be peppered (and tempered) with older workers. They bring a different energy and work ethic to the workplace.
On a more personal note, I have friends of all ages. I benefit from them in countless ways. I believe these benefits extend to the workplace, as well. Each generation has something of value to add, if we are willing and open to receiving it.
Hello Marianna,
I love the idea of a team being ‘peppered (and tempered) with older workers’ based on their different energy and work ethic. Well put!
I think being intentional about ‘not’ jumping to conclusions regarding the talents and value of more mature workers is essential in today’s workplace.
Thanks for your energizing and insightful comment, as is your style!
~Jacqui