Using Your Age as an Advantage
- Frank Manfre
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
In his presidential debate with Walter Mondale in 1984, Ronald Reagan 73 at the time, was asked if he might be too old for the presidency. His replied, "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." The audience, the moderator, and even Mondale laughed. What a brilliant way to handle the age question!
If you're a certain age and an interviewer asks you a veiled, "dog whistle" question referencing your age and intimating you're too old for the job here some possible replies:
Having been in the workforce for 30 years some would say I'm a grizzled business veteran. Well, I am and I have the scars to prove it.
You know, I admire the vim and vigor of young folks. Bless their hearts, but they don't know what they don't know. Being green is only an advantage if you're a plant.
I haven't seen and done it all but I do have a good deal of experience in (fill in the field) and know how to get the job done. If you hire me I'll hit the ground running.
Unlike my parent's generation, folks today are living a lot longer and in better health. In fact, they say 55 is the new 45. Being blessed with good health plus the energy and drive to continue working I look forward to making a significant contribution in the right organization.
“Youth is wasted on the young” is one of my favorite quotes and absolutely true. If you’re over 50, I bet you agree. Generally, as we age we gain worldly experience; we become wiser, and more prepared to handle the challenges of everyday living. Our overall knowledge grows as we refine our social skills and adapt to “real life.” Wouldn’t it be fantastic to possess these adult qualities at the tender age of a 20-something? This simple adage is so straightforward, yet proves largely undeniable. Of course youth is wasted on the young.
Frank Manfre
Job Search Sherpa