Is Age A Factor When Looking For A Job In Kenya?

By Perminus Wainaina

I have had a series of short contract engagements in NGO. In my CV, I have listed four different employers. The longest engagement I had locally was with a local tier 1 bank, still on contract in a NGO role. All the other jobs I have had have been in foreign organizations.

My last job came to an end and I actively started looking for jobs. I have had numerous interviews so far, but I am yet to get a job. I get the impression panelists feel I am too old and that I may be overqualified. My question is, could my age, I am 42, be a factor?

I recently received this email from Josephat (not his real name). He had been called for numerous interviews, but was unable to secure the jobs. He didn’t understand why. And for him, his age seemed to be the only hindrance.

Although there are legal protections that ensure that candidates cannot be discriminated against by things like race, gender, or even age, employers still have expectations for who their employees are, and how they will benefit their company.

When hiring for entry-level positions, for example, employers are looking for a recent graduate. The same applies to when they are hiring for a senior manager, they are usually looking for someone with solid experience.

Often times, these expectations from employers, play a role in the hiring process, even if they are not doing it consciously.

While it may seem unfair for you, these expectations and concerns reflect a reality – employers generally do want a younger person in a role that requires less experience, and an older person in a role with more authority, because younger people have more room to grow and older workers tend to have transferrable skills and expertise.

With all these factors in mind, as a job seeker, how do you ensure that you get the job you qualify for, despite being older or younger?

1. Reinforce your skills and experience to the employer

Regardless of your age, express enthusiasm for your work.

During the interview, take the time to highlight your greatest accomplishments in your career as a professional.

If you are older, you need to reinforce the skills and experience you bring to an employer and the fact that you want to keep using those skills and perhaps mentor younger people to teach them some of the things you know.

Keep in mind that the more recent the accomplishments, the more interested an employer will be.

2. Make sure you’re up to speed with the trends in your industry

It’s important that you’re current in your industry in regards to the technology that is in use and the latest trends.

This however, does not mean that you should be fluent in every platform. At the very least, list any technology or software you are good at in your CV. It could be as simple as having knowledge in Project Management. This way, an employer can see that you’re comfortable with the technology. If there are other platforms, or programs that are used in your field, be proficient in those as well.

3. Customize your CV

There are a variety of things you can do with your CV to help employers see past your age.

One of the ways is to stay current with your CV format. Some formats can come across as too modern, while others, too traditional. Seek the help of a professional CV writer to know what format not only suits you and your industry, but will appeal to your potential employer.

Also, how you write your CV will pass a message to your potential employers. For example, if you decide to include a career summary, it will enable you to showcase some of your past achievements while highlighting your current technical skills.

Certain soft skills that you choose to include on your CV may for example, signal to your potential employer that though quite young, you are not afraid of learning and acquiring new knowledge.

You can also avoid breaking down the first few jobs that you had, especially if they were low-level and entry-type positions. This way, your potential employer will be able to focus on your main jobs. Also, you will avoid taking too much space on your CV.

In Conclusion,

Age doesn’t matter. It should therefore not be a hindrance to you further progressing in your career. Take note of these tips and don’t hesitate to ask for help from a career coach or mentor to help you in a more efficient way. All the best!

Perminus Wainaina is the C.E.O and Managing Partner at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR consultancy firm based in Westlands. Through personalized career coaching he assists mid-level and senior professionals get solutions to complex and challenging career issues that they are facing. Click here for more on career coaching.