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Ageism: quick guide

Ageism is one of the most common forms of discrimination experienced in the workplace. Although age discrimination laws came into force in the UK in 2006 to protect older workers, you might still feel singled out. The good news is age really isn't a barrier when it comes to furthering or even changing your career.

A new direction
If you want to change your job but you haven't made it past the interview stage, try focussing more on your skills and less on your age.

Bags of enthusiasm and interest will see you hold your own against "younger" candidates. Go in to your prospective employer prepared to demonstrate how you would do the job given the chance. For example, research the role and perhaps suggest a new initiative or an idea that could benefit the company.

Take a look at our interview advice for useful tips.

Experience comes with age
Experience in your chosen field of work is invaluable when applying for a new position. So if you've tons of know-how but you're not getting shortlisted for interviews, try a few simple changes.

It's not necessarily your age that's stopping you from getting picked for positions well within your employment reach. Your aim should be to make it as easy as possible for a recruiter to see that you are suitable for the role you're applying for. And remember, there is no requirement to include your age or date of birth on your CV.

Deal with specific roles on a case-by-case basis when applying and mention just three or four relevant work histories (which should focus on one achievement only). If you get stuck, we have downloadable CV templates available and you will also find tips on highlighting your many transferable skills.

Mid-career crisis
If you've reached a certain level in your career and need a change, but you're not sure what you want to do, focus on your transferable skills. High on many employers "wanted" lists, strong people skills and reliability, for example, can open many new doors to different careers.

Work out what's important to you, what motivates you and what sort of environments you enjoy working in. Identify the job opportunities relevant to what you're looking for. Find inspiration and search totaljobs.com to research vacancies and employer histories or read job descriptions in our Careers in section. You can then match the information and conclusions you have gathered about yourself against the needs of employers to see what your next step could be.

Spotlight on skills
A lack of success with job applications isn't necessarily down to your age. It is likely that skills are the real problem. If an employer is looking for someone with a university degree that you don't hold, but you have many years experience on the job, the main thing to focus on is demonstrating that you have the skills they require.

Identify where your skills have been successful and show employers where they have been used with good results. Interviewers want to see proof and examples of success. Show these on your CV.

Skills gaps are changing so quickly that we all need to work hard to stay on top of our game. Older applicants can increase their employability by brushing up on things like computer skills.

Search for jobs relevant to your experience with an open mind. If you focus on what you're good at the rewards will soon follow.

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