Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m xx years old … and I look every day of it.” Nope, it’s always, “I’m xx years old … but I don’t look it!”
I am never sure how to reply when my clients (virtually all senior executives in in their 40s, 50s, and 60s) make that statement. I think what they’re trying to convey is their concern that their resume (which I’m writing for them) not make them appear “too old” and knock them out of the running before they get the chance for an interview – during which they’ll shine because of their youthful appearance!
While there’s no doubt that age discrimination does exist (and I know lots of techniques to disguise age on a resume), let’s take a step back for a minute and consider the issue from another angle:
If you’re interviewing for senior executive jobs, hiring authorities do not expect you to be in your 20s or 30s. They expect you to be mature and seasoned – in all the very positive aspects of those words that have taken on a bit of a stigma. If you are 50 and you look like you’re 30, you’ll probably have a hard time landing a job at the senior level! But let’s face it – how many 50-year-olds look 30?
In all reality, you do look roughly your age. And that age is the perfect age for the jobs you’re pursuing. So don’t worry too much about looking younger – on paper or in person – but for both, be sure to present the very best image that you possibly can. A great-looking suit, up-to-date haircut, trim physique, perfectly polished resume – all will help you create the image of a savvy, successful, up-to-date, high-energy professional. And isn’t that what companies are looking for … at any age?