‘Is my age holding me back from landing a job?’
DEAR J.T. & DALE: Until 2008, I had been an executive assistant. I held that position for almost 10 years. After the recession hit, I moved into sales because that is where jobs were available. I would now like to get back into administrative work. My problem is that I am an introvert, and in the last two jobs I had, I was told that I was not a good fit and was let go. I do not work well if micromanaged. I am in my mid-50s, and I think that plays a part.
— Lonnie
DALE: There are some narrow-minded employers who might pass you over because you’re in your 50s. However, that would happen at the résumé or interview stage. If it happens after starting a new job, it could be that your workplace persona comes across as inflexible or know-it-all. That’s when they might start to think you’re too old. There are plenty of employees in their 30s who are that kind of old. Old mind, not old body.
J.T.: That’s how your introverted nature could be hurting you — being misperceived as angry or frustrated, which comes across as inflexible. When I work with introverts, I teach them to go on the offensive and share the fact that they are quiet because they are shy.
DALE: I like the notion of being assertively shy. You don’t have to pretend that you are the life of the party — just be honest. It would be quite winning to say: “I am shy and quiet. I wish I weren’t. [Shrug] On the other hand, it does make me very productive.”
Bang, you have repositioned shyness as an advantage. That will help in interviews. However, what worries me is that you have twice been let go and both times blamed “micromanagement.” Wise employees confronted with micromanagement do not get fired — they find ways to build enough trust to be left alone, or they fake it until they have another job.
J.T.: You probably feel, perhaps subconsciously, that your extensive work experience has earned you the right to be trusted. Many seasoned professionals feel they are being discriminated against because of their age; however, in reality, they’re being discriminated against for how they react to being managed. Employers expect you to not only deliver high value, but also be positive and flexible.
DALE: Start by being “coachable.” Instead of avoiding management, seek advice and ask, “How
am I doing?” You’ll suddenly be seen as positive and flexible.
DEAR J.T. & DALE: I am a recent college graduate who majored in chemical engineering. It’s been a real struggle looking for jobs; most require experience. One thing that hinders me from getting interviews is being asked about my GPA. My final GPA was a 2.397. My sophomore year, my GPA was as low as 2.083, but I slowly improved it afterward.
— Aaron
J.T.: I think a couple of things are working against you. First, the majority of companies will put you in the “no” pile because you don’t have the exact background they are looking for. Second, GPA is an issue — most firms want a 3.0 or higher. I would guess that the way you are addressing this issue in interviews is not working in your favor.
DALE: GPA? Come on. Who cares? Hey, you got the degree, and that proves you can (A) learn and (B) put up with bureaucracy. However, if you’re asked, just say: “I didn’t get serious about college until my junior year. However, by my senior year, my GPA was a 3.2.” Or, “just under a 3.0” or whatever is true. If that’s not good enough, be glad you don’t work there.
J.T.: It will be easier if you build your network so that when jobs get posted, you can find someone to give you the email address of the hiring manager. This way, you can circumvent the online application process and leverage your personality and aptitude to offset your grades and lack of experience. Making connections is the best way to earn trust, get referrals and have your best chance of sliding around some job requirements.