Job Tips for 50+ Workers

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Age Discrimination Fact Sheet

Your best defense against age discrimination is information. It’s worth your time to learn how the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects you against age bias in the workplace. You also need to learn about the limits of the law.

The ADEA is a federal law that protects workers age 40 and over from age-based discrimination in hiring and in every other aspect of employment.

What the ADEA Covers

• The ADEA makes it illegal for employers, employment agencies, and the federal government to discriminate against employees and job applicants who are age 40 and over and work for employers with at least 20 employees.

• The ADEA also prohibits age discrimination by local and state governments. In addition, it covers employment agencies and labor organizations, such as unions, that have at least 25 members.

• In addition, every state also has a law prohibiting age discrimination in employment. Most state laws apply to employers with fewer than 20 employees.

How the ADEA Protects You

The ADEA prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of age. This includes decisions about hiring, firing, layoffs, pay, benefits, promotions, demotions, performance reviews, or any other condition of employment.

Specifically, the ADEA says:

• Job ads or recruitment materials cannot mention age or say that a certain age is preferred.

• Employers cannot set age limits for training programs.

• Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file charges of age discrimination or who help the government investigate age-discrimination charges.

• Except for a few very narrow exceptions, employers cannot force employees to retire at a certain age.

An important note about firing: We have what’s called “employment at will” in this country. This means an employer can fire you for any reason, as long as it’s not based on a prohibited factor such as age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disabilityThere does not have to be a lawful reason; there simply must not be an unlawful reason.

JOB SEARCH EMPLOYERS’ TIPS FOR MATURE AGE JOB SEEKERS

If you are mature aged, looking for a job can present a range of unique challenges, even if you have a history of work experience. So how do you sell yourself for a particular job? The good news is that employers understand these challenges and have provided tips to help mature age job seekers enhance their job search skills.

1. Starting your Job Search 1. Identify your strengths (experience, skills and personal traits) 2. Match your strengths to the jobs you apply for 3. Do your skills, such as computer skills, need updating? 4. On your résumé demonstrate a good work history but keep it relevant and concise 5. Emphasise relevant experience and skills in your job application

“They need to go for jobs that complement their skills and experience.” 2. Expand your job search and approach employers 1. Many jobs are not advertised so approach employers directly and get yourself known 2. Present yourself well and confidently to employers 3. Always leave your résumé with current email and phone contacts 4. Follow up on your résumé and application

“It is good for people to approach a business face to face and introduce themselves.” 3. At job interviews 1. Don’t undersell your strengths 2. Demonstrate what you can bring to the job 3. Emphasise the transferability of your skills and experience 4. Don’t draw attention to potential negatives (such as long absences from the workforce)

“They need to have the confidence to know their skills are transferable.”

EM15 The Department of Employment, as part of its Surveys of Employers’ Recruitment Experiences, asked employers what 064 could be done to improve the employment prospects of mature age job seekers. A full report on the survey findings ‘Improving the Employment Prospects of Mature Age Job Seekers’ is available at: . http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/RecruitmentAnalysis. For further information contact the Australian Government Department of Employment at recruitmentsurveys@employment.gov.au.

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Apply online at www.PrincetonManagement.com or send your resume to HRGeneral@prinmgmt.com or fax 248.683.6093. Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Tips ƒ Make a list of your work-related information to take with you when you apply, including dates and positions held, employer addresses, salaries, skills and duties. ƒ Read the entire application before you begin and follow directions carefully.

Double-check your answers. ƒ Type or print neatly and avoid errors.

If possible, take the application home, so you can take your time filling it out and seek assistance if necessary. ƒ Avoid negative information, such as personal, legal or financial problems. Do not volunteer unnecessary information.

In Person

An interview lets you and your potential employer learn about each other. Prepare by learning as much as you can about the company and the position. Practice what you will say, so you feel comfortable and can make a positive impression. Illustrate that age is an asset by discussing your skills and experience in a way that targets the position for which you are applying and shows employers you are adaptable and willing to learn. Keep in mind that the overall goal of the interview is to describe your skills in a way to motivate this particular employer to want to hire you.

Interview Tips ƒ Anticipate questions; prepare answers for each one. Practice with a friend. ƒ Review your accomplishments.

Anticipate difficult questions about gaps in your employment history, career changes, and so on. ƒ Where possible, mention your willingness to learn new skills (such as technical skills) and to work with diverse co-workers and customers. ƒ During the interview, listen. Take your time responding. Don’t dwell on topics unrelated to the job. ƒ Ask questions about the job to show your interest, but avoid asking about benefits or salary until you are offered the job. ƒ By law, interviewers may not ask your age, marital or family status. Do not discuss race, religion, age, national origin or gender.