How to Get a Job in an Ageist World
Ben Watkins
SaaS Recruiter / Helping SaaS firms hire senior talent from a network of 35k+ SaaS Execs
Ageism Sucks
Being rejected for a job for having too much experience or for being too old hurts.
It should never happen, but does.
We always walk away from such business.
Ageism can also impact younger candidates. Rejected for not having "enough years of experience," versus analysing their potential.
20 years ago I interviewed an incredible 26 year-old Sales Leader. He just had something incredible about him. I offered him to a number of Software firms who declined. "Sorry, he's too lightweight".
Fast forward 20 years - he is now running one of the World's most successful Technology firms as Vice President with 5,000 reports (direct and indirect).
When great talent comes your way, whatever the age, embrace it.
I was thrilled to be recently invited by Andy Wand to feature on his latest Podcast, "The Old Man and the CV".
Here, we discussed topics including:
Click the tile below to hear the Podcast.
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Passionate in creating value for my clients optimize processes on target to continuously secure success on their journey to desired digital transformation. Methodologies: MEDDICC,Solution,Value&Target Account Selling
1yWhat a true an nice article... Thanks Ben!
Head of Business Operations | B2B SaaS Gaming | Co-founder of Customer Success Nordics
1yAndy Andy Wand one thing, I listened to your last 2 podcasts, and I was thinking about future podcasts: 1. you discussed the importance of transferrable skills that stay with you, no matter the industry and your age - can we make a podcast and the real story with someone, mature, shift the industry? or somehow used transferrable skills and stories around it. and 2. I was thinking also about other entry points for Old Man and CV. One way to be employed in 40+, 50+, and so on, is to be a mentor, coach, or teacher. (you have podcasts about it already) What else can be the path? thinking outside of the box, one more path can be - to open your own business. What else can be? maybe other stories with real people who did something differently - would be very interesting to hear. Andy, thanks again for the podcast, you do an important thing!
Supporting inspirational leaders to transform revenue in any market conditions
1ySo true Ben. Sports story, Wayne Rooney played for England quickly after breaking into the Everton team I seem to recall at the age of circa 17? My advice is to not work with people that are closed or arrogant. There is something like 30% of people out there right now who would have taken that young sales leader on.
Thanks for doing this, Ben.