Member Blogs

Fight Age Discrimination in the Workplace With Your Digital Footprint

If you haven’t looked for a job in a while and/or aren’t tuned in to

managing your “digital footprint” - what comes up when someone

“Googles” your name - it’s time for a quick lesson in social media.

The

long and the short of it is this: an online presence is key to how

people will perceive you. Especially if you are in a “young” industry

that discriminates against workers over 40, appearing connected to new

ways of presenting yourself (your brand, as it were), may help you open doors that seemed closed.

Take a look at Marci Alboher’s blog, Shifting Careers. It

tells the story of a 49-year old entertainment reporter who remade her

image by freshening up her appearance and wardrobe and creating a hip

online presence that made her seem younger than would belie her 20

years of industry experience. She hired people to help her, which is a

great idea, but Marci points out that asking fashion conscious friends

and teenagers (your children or others’) for advice and information

about trends and technology is another option.

The key factor is, no matter how much experience you have, it is

important to keep up with what is going on in today’s job market. Video resumes, Wikis, video conferencing, Second Life, podcasts…Job

seekers should be aware of these technologies and willing to use them!

Be resourceful and aware - you may be surprised to learn that Web 2.0 tools

can be a lot of fun and helpful beyond networking and job seeking. (Be

sure to let me know when you start using a Wiki to plan your next potluck!)

Facing discrimination in your job hunt? We can write your resume to

make you look younger. Need help navigating social media and online

networking? Keppie Careers is here for you!