Job Searches and the Law

There are company meetings and memos up the wazoo to go over what you can and can't do as an employee. Sexual harassment and drug use are two of the most common fireable offenses. I even heard about one company this past week that would fire you on the spot for talking on your cell phone.

But many of these same companies routinely violate federal law when they search for new employees. The practice is illegal and yet I'll bet most companies do it. What am I talking about? Age discrimination.

Age discrimination complaints are at an all-time high but proving them is almost impossible. It is one thing if you get laid off and you think it's because of your age, but if you don't get hired and it's because you are older...are you really going to sue?

Those over 40 face longer periods of unemployment then younger job seekers. In addition to the age bias these individuals are 20+ years removed from the job search process and it probably shows during interviews.

What can you do? First accept that age discrimination exists and you cannot do a damn thing about it. Next, understand that you very well may not get a job through the traditional channels, i.e. sending in a resume and hoping for an interview with Human Resources. Instead start networking - http://tinyurl.com/b2nx3b - join Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com - and find a Toastmasters club to join - http://www.toastmasters.org

Even in the best of times the great jobs are rarely filled through help wanted advertisements. Network like crazy (putting Kevin Bacon to work and using Linkedin) and improve your presentation skills through Toastmasters, so when the father of your son's best friend tells you that his company is looking for someone you will be ready. The strategy I talk about in my book on landing your first sales job can easily be applied to any field. Check out Chapter 5 - http://www.thejobnobodydreamsof.com/downloadebook.htm

With age discrimination, the law is on your side but it doesn't matter. It's a battle you cannot win with traditional methods.

Happy Selling!