“I recently turned 45. During a hiring process, I faced ageism — the hiring manager (who was around 40 himself) implied that I hadn’t achieved enough for my age. I didn’t get the job. What should I do?”
Sadly, this is not uncommon. Here’s what we’d say:
- This is not about you — it’s about them. If someone questions your worth based on age rather than skills, that reveals more about their biases than your capabilities.
- Reclaim your narrative. Maybe you’ve built a career that’s steady, meaningful, and balanced. Maybe you’ve grown through challenges that don’t show up in flashy metrics. Make your story visible and powerful — especially in interviews.
- Look for age-inclusive environments. Seek companies where diverse experience is valued. Clues include mixed-age teams, public representation, and a culture of learning at any stage.
- Invest in your professional visibility. A strong LinkedIn presence, public speaking, mentoring, or even writing about your domain expertise can help break stereotypes and position you as a leader in your space.
- Optional but impactful: respond. If you feel up to it, you can call out the inappropriate comment in your reply to the rejection. You’re not just doing it for yourself — you’re advocating for better hiring practices.
You’re not “too old.” You’re experienced. You’re still growing. And the right company will see that as a huge asset.
Want help assessing a job opportunity? Our team is always happy to take a look. Just reach out — talent@valuesvalue.com.
