Ageism in the workplace: 5 tips for adjusting your resume to fight it

Sustainable Development Goals and Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Introduction

A recent study released by the Society for HR Management (SHRM) revealed research detailing the prevalence of age discrimination in the workplace and its impact on the U.S. workforce.

The research noted that 30% of U.S. workers say they have felt unfairly treated due to their age at some point in their career.

Of these workers, 72 percent say it even made them feel like quitting their job, the study results reveal.

Age Discrimination and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Age discrimination in the workplace directly contradicts these goals by excluding individuals based on their age and limiting their opportunities for employment and career advancement.

The survey found that 26% of U.S. workers age 50 and older report they’ve been a target of age-related remarks in the workplace, and among U.S. workers age 50 and older, one in 10 say they’ve at some point felt less valuable at work compared to younger workers.

To combat age discrimination when applying for jobs, experts say it makes sense to review your resume so it doesn’t typecast you as an applicant of a certain age, or a stereotyped skill set.

Strategies to Combat Age Discrimination

1. You’re including too much experience

For most jobs, you should only include your past 15 years of experience, noted Marc Cenedella, founder, Leet Resumes (leet.co) in New York.

2. You’re using the wrong email address

If you’re using a Hotmail or AOL email address, Cenedella said you’re telling the hiring manager you haven’t bothered to keep up with trends for two decades. “Switch to a Gmail account or an email account connected to your own branded website,” he recommended.

3. Your formatting is outdated

If you’re still using two spaces after a period, it’s time to say goodbye to that old typewriter-based convention, he said. “While it may seem like a small thing to have an extra space, it’s like circling your age with a big red marker. It serves as a glaring indication that you haven’t kept up with writing and formatting expectations,” Cenedella told FOX Business.

4. You’re revealing graduation dates

Graduation dates, especially from early education, can quickly allow for age calculations. “The fix is to prioritize higher educational qualifications and achievements. Leave out the graduation dates, focusing instead on the institution and course of study,” said executive coach Jessica Hill Holm of Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting.

5. You’re overlooking modern tech skills

If your resume is missing recent technology or tools, this may make you seem out of touch. “Emphasize your adeptness with current software, tools and programs. This showcases your readiness to tackle modern challenges head-on,” advised Holm.

Conclusion

Age discrimination in the workplace is a significant issue that hinders progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. By implementing strategies to combat age discrimination, individuals can increase their chances of fair treatment and equal opportunities in the job market. Remember, the ultimate goal is to open doors to discussions so that authenticity and competence can truly show.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Under SDG 8, the specific target identified is Target 8.5: achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men. The article discusses age discrimination in the workplace, which can hinder older workers from accessing decent work opportunities.

Under SDG 10, the specific target identified is Target 10.2: empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age. The article highlights age-related remarks and feelings of being less valuable at work among older workers, indicating a lack of inclusion and equality.

The article mentions two indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

1. Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities. This indicator can help assess whether there is equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of age.
2. Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. This indicator can help measure the economic inclusion and inequality experienced by different age groups.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: foxbusiness.com

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