You‘ve updated your resume, removed outdated wording such as “references upon request” and the years of experience, which reflects your baby boomer generation. You've been successful in getting interviews making it to the second round, but for some reason you're not moving to the next level. On paper you're up to date, but have you also updated your professional appearance?
Look in your closet and ask yourself “does my wardrobe make me look older or youthful and up to date?” Your wardrobe could be a hindrance to you getting that next job offer or promotion.
Whether we want to admit it or not, age discrimination does exist and our appearance can be a dead ringer for how old we are.
During the interview process, the hiring manager determines if you will be motivated to do the work, offer new ideas, and overall evaluate the fit with their younger workforce. Do not under estimate that what you are wearing has an effect on the hiring decision. You don’t want to be dressing too young for your age, but giving yourself a more updated, in style, and fresh look that will help diminish age discrimination from happening to you.
Here are some tips to update your closet:
It is time to look at the clothes in your closet and ask yourself “do they make me look older” and if the answer is yes, then go on a shopping spree to refresh your look!
Jayne Mattson is a career consultant with Keystone Associates