Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired
Mar 14, 2024
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This podcast explores the challenges faced by older tech workers in a job market dominated by stereotypes and biased hiring practices, including instances of age discrimination in companies like IBM and a database startup. It delves into the importance of networking, differentiation, personal branding, and social media engagement for job seekers in the tech industry.
Establishing personal brands and networking are essential for older tech workers to navigate job market challenges.
Deep dives
Ageism in the Tech Industry
Ageism persists in the tech industry, affecting older workers' job prospects despite their experience. Companies like IBM have faced allegations of age discrimination, while stereotypes about older employees continue to prevail. This bias, whether overt or subtle, hinders the career advancement of older tech professionals. Networking and adapting to new hiring trends become crucial for older workers navigating this challenging landscape.
Challenges in Job Searching for Older Tech Workers
Older tech workers face hurdles in re-entering the job market due to changing dynamics and increased competition. The shift in power towards employers means that applicants must now actively engage in networking and showcasing their personal brands to stand out. Automated hiring processes pose challenges for experienced workers, emphasizing the importance of establishing human connections to bypass these obstacles.
Hundreds of thousands of tech workers have been laid off since 2022. Some who don’t fit the young coder archetype say being more experienced can feel like a disadvantage. Thanks for listening to WIRED. Talk to you next time for more stories from WIRED.com and read this story here.