Fear of hitting the gray ceiling looms large

Despite a steadily improving employment market, a recent survey conducted by ExecuNet, the executive job search and recruiting network, reveals that age discrimination continues to be a serious problem in corporate America.

According to the survey of 404 executives, 89% are concerned they may soon be discriminated against on the basis of their age and 63% believe age discrimination has become more widespread during the past 5 years. The majority (86%), blame the economy and recent business realignment for putting older executives at a greater risk of being discriminated against on the basis of age.

ìAge discrimination is as much a part of our countryís list of well-known biases as any of the others,î says Dave Opton, CEO and Founder of ExecuNet. ìWhile itís easy to throw your hands up in frustration when it surfaces, itís far more effective to focus your time and energy on what can be done to mitigate it - and there are steps that can be taken that donít involve making an appointment with the nearest attorney.î

Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) believe that age becomes a significant factor in a hiring decision at or below the age of 50, 35% say it starts between the ages of 51 and 55, and 17% report it becomes an issue after the age of 55.

Of those surveyed, 52% believe they have already encountered age discrimination in a job search, and the vast majority (77%) say they were unable to overcome the interviewerís concerns regarding age.

The survey also revealed that 35% of all executives are concerned age discrimination will force them into retirement.

ìAlthough there are laws designed to protect workers over forty, age discrimination is often subtle and very difficult to prove,î says Opton. ìIn many cases, the best defense is a proactive campaign designed to shift attention away from the fading color of your hair and to the value you offer an employer.î

To help executives overcome age bias in a job search, ExecuNet offers the following suggestions:

Be Aware
Acknowledge that age discrimination can begin when you are in your 40s and be prepared to counter stereotypes by demonstrating an ability to adapt to change, comfort with relevant technology, and enthusiasm for tackling the challenges that lie ahead.

Become a Solution In Search of a Problem
Research your target company to gain an understanding of the issues itís facing and initially present yourself on a problem-solving level - as opposed to on a candidate level. If you can demonstrate that you understand its challenges, the company will see you as an expert with a solution.

Make Networking a Priority
Contacts in your peer network are likely to be in the same generation and in a position to help you get your foot in the door. Half the battle of making a job change is getting that first interview. This opportunity is far more likely to come from expanding your network than answering ads, where youíre at greater risk of being screened out due to age because the person reviewing your resume has no additional information or motivation to speak with you.