Age discrimination can affect job seekers at both ends of the spectrum. Whether you’re a younger candidate struggling to prove your worth or an experienced professional facing outdated assumptions, overcoming these biases is key. With the right strategies, you can highlight your strengths, present yourself confidently, and secure the office support job in London that’s right for you.
1. Highlight Your Value, Not Your Age
Whether you’re an older candidate with years of experience or a younger job seeker trying to prove yourself, your value lies in your skills and achievements. Emphasise the impact you’ve had in previous roles, regardless of how long you’ve been in the workforce. Employers value results, so frame your experience in terms of measurable successes. This might be improving processes, increasing efficiency, or bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
2. Review Your CV and Online Presence
Your CV and LinkedIn profile should present you as a strong candidate, and ideally don’t stereotype you by age. Avoid outdated formatting or inappropriate social media use. If you’re older, focus on the last 10-15 years of experience, unless earlier roles are directly relevant. If you’re younger, highlight internships, part-time work, and transferable skills.
3. Stay Up to Date with Industry Trends
Demonstrating knowledge of current trends and technologies in your field helps counter assumptions that older candidates may be out of touch and younger candidates may lack depth. So, make sure you’re aware of industry developments. Attend relevant events and courses, and read sector-specific articles. Being informed and proactive shows employers that you’re adaptable and engaged.
4. Be Confident in Your Tech Skills
Technology is embedded in most office support jobs in London, so ensure you’re comfortable with the latest tools used in your industry. If your role involves finance, are you proficient with accounting software? If you’re in HR, are you familiar with applicant tracking systems? If you’re younger and lack extensive experience, emphasise your adaptability, quick learning, and digital fluency.
5. Tackle Age-Related Questions Head-On
If you sense hesitation about your age in an interview, reframe the conversation. Employers may be concerned about flexibility, adaptability, or experience - so address these directly. Younger candidates can highlight their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and fresh perspectives, while older candidates can showcase their wealth of knowledge, problem-solving skills, and reliability. A confident, positive approach will help shift the focus back to your strengths and away from any unconscious bias the interviewer is showing.
6. Use Recruitment Experts
Working with a specialist recruitment agency can also make a difference. If you’re searching for office support jobs in London, an agency like Love Success can match you with employers who value your skills and potential, regardless of age. Additionally, it’s possible to use ‘blind’ CVs at the screening stage, which removes a lot of the bias.
At Love Success we know that, unfortunately, discrimination can be a reality within job hunts. It’s one of the best reasons for getting a reputable recruitment agency in your corner.
Let us help you. Register as a candidate.