Betty Flasch, Career and Talent Management Professional, discussed ageism and the post-pandemic market, and how they are affecting job seekers, as well as tips on how to successfully job search through the lens of ageism!
HIGH PROFILE’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The 4th Industrial Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic have heavily impacted the workforce. The Industrial Revolution we are living through is tied heavily to technology, and Artificial Intelligence has exponentially changed the world. We were faced with a pandemic in 2020 that caused a loss of 255 million full-time jobs and a loss of $3.7 trillion in wages. The following factors, among others are:
- The “Good”: The global income is higher, new jobs are emerging, and there is more collaboration.
- The “Bad”: Higher unemployment rates due to an unprepared workforce and current jobs (and total industries) are vanishing.
- The “Ugly”: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about uncertainty and major changes in the workforce, and we are also facing social unrest and major job loss.
- Ageism is the prejudice, discrimination, or stereotyping of a person based on age. For the first time in history, there are five generations in the workforce. In fact, there are more people alive who are 65 and older than there are people under the age of 5. This means there is an increase of mature job seekers in the workforce. The Labor Force projects that by 2022 employees 55+ will dominate the workforce, which will also result in the extinction of the “traditional” retirement age.
- Reverse ageism is discrimination towards people because of their youth.
- Internalized ageism is one’s own attitude toward their own age.
- Institutionalized ageism refers to ageism that is systemic, such as “youth-oriented” work environments or healthcare delivery.
- Automation, “The Great Resignation,” and necessary skills will further impact the job search.
- Automation is causing a shift in labor between humans and machines; automation will cause job displacement and job creation. It’s important for job seekers to learn how to fit into these new roles and industries.
- There has been a mass wave of resignations. Many employees are unwilling to return to the office or want to quit the workforce entirely. This is due to a shift in mindset and people are embracing the “you only-live-once” (YOLO) mentality. This is causing people to reassess their options and redefine success.
- There will be a necessity for new and “soft” skills. Job seekers need to evaluate their skill set and determine if those skills will apply to today’s job market and the future. Soft skills such as critical-thinking and problem-solving are extremely important as they are not skills machines can replace.
- Tips on how to successfully job search through the lens of ageism:
- Understand the Gap Analysis of today’s market – ask yourself what the market needs today and how your skills will fit in with that need. Determine which skills are missing and fill the gap by developing those skills.
- Level the playing field – Be current: Know the market, industries, and companies and read a variety of sources, and maximize your LinkedIn profile. Upskill: Research trends and future needs and update your skills and certifications.
Network: Grow your network and ask questions.
Image: Be up to date on the newest styles and trends and present yourself in your best light.
Betty J. Flasch, GPHR is a Global Talent Management and Career Management Consultant (Betty Flasch Consulting) who brings unique value to clients through 25 years of corporate leadership development and coaching. Her combined experience in Corporate Talent Development, Human Resources, Career Management and Higher Education has taken her around the world, working with senior leaders, mid-career executives and newly minted professionals, across various industries, countries and cultures. Connect with her on LinkedIn today.