In a world where age discrimination is a growing concern, especially for those over 50, some job seekers are turning to a controversial strategy: 'botoxing' their CVs. This involves altering one's resume to appear younger, often by omitting age and focusing on recent job experience. While this tactic may seem extreme, it's a reflection of the harsh reality many older workers face in today's job market. In this article, I'll delve into the story of Lidia Peto, a 52-year-old woman who lost her £63k-a-year job and turned to 'botoxing' her CV to combat ageism. I'll explore the broader implications of this trend, and offer insights into how older job seekers can navigate the 'wild west' of the job market. The 'Over 50s Jobpocalypse' is a real issue, with experts citing age as a primary reason for the struggles of older job hunters. The average age of someone who becomes undesirable to recruiters is 55, according to research from the Centre for Ageing Better. This raises a deeper question: why is age such a significant factor in hiring decisions? In my opinion, the answer lies in the perception of cost and adaptability. Employers often assume that older workers will cost more and be less adaptable, even though the evidence shows that experienced workers are often more reliable, loyal, and steady performers. This misunderstanding is a key barrier for older job seekers. Lidia's story is a stark example of this. After losing her job, she struggled to make ends meet and had to claim benefits. Her glittering CV, filled with years of experience, seemed like a surefire path to a new role, but after months of applying for jobs, she still hadn't been hired. It was only after she 'botoxed' her CV and focused on her recent skills and experience that she finally landed a job as a personal trainer. This raises a deeper question: what can older job seekers do to combat ageism and find success in the job market? The answer lies in a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, 'age-scrubbing' one's CV is a subtle way of disguising one's age by focusing on relevant experience and erasing years of history. This is a powerful strategy, as it allows older job seekers to showcase their current skills and abilities without drawing attention to their age. Secondly, leveraging LinkedIn is crucial. Only including the past 10-15 years on one's profile and leaving off graduation dates sends a powerful signal that one is still learning, curious, and adaptable. This is a key message for employers, as it shows that older job seekers are not winding down but rather staying in the game. Thirdly, building a network is essential. Pamela Langan, a career coach, emphasizes the importance of asking ex-colleagues if they have a role available at their company. Most senior roles are filled through relationships before they're ever advertised, so having a strong network can be a powerful asset. Finally, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. It's easy to panic in an interview and second-guess whether one's interviewer is thinking about one's age. However, as Pamela Langan advises, it's important to keep one's cool and believe in oneself. The right job with the right employer is out there, and showing up like one believes it is key to success. In conclusion, 'botoxing' one's CV may seem like a drastic measure, but it's a reflection of the harsh reality many older workers face in today's job market. By 'age-scrubbing' one's CV, leveraging LinkedIn, building a network, and maintaining a positive mindset, older job seekers can navigate the 'wild west' of the job market and find success. It's time for employers to recognize the value of experienced workers and for older job seekers to believe in themselves. Only then can we create a more equitable and inclusive job market for all.
