Ageism in the Job Market & How to Push Back
At 50-plus, you’ve likely gathered decades of experience, weathered career highs and lows, adapted to change, and maybe even reinvented yourself once or twice. So why, when you're looking for a new job, does it suddenly feel like no one wants to hear from you?
That was at the heart of the conversation I had on RNZ’s Sunday Morning recently with Jim Mora, when we spoke about a growing issue: the difficulty of finding work after 50, and how ageism; often subtle but deeply felt, can stand in the way.
Let’s Talk About Ageism. Because It’s Real.
For many over 50, the hiring process can be where things get quietly uncomfortable. You're qualified, sometimes overqualified. You’ve applied to countless roles. You hear… nothing.
It’s not always about skill gaps. Often, it’s about perception. There’s often an underlying bias: that older applicants may be less adaptable, less “with it,” or too stuck in old ways. Employers may not even realise they’re making these assumptions, but for jobseekers, the silence is deafening. It’s also important to note, Ageism is a bias against your future self.
If this is sounding uncomfortably familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are some practical tips and hopeful advice that can shift the dial.
1. Update Your CV:
Your CV needs to show relevance, not just experience. Cut older roles pre 10 or 15 years ago, and particularly so if not directly tied to your current career goals. Instead, focus on achievements that demonstrate how you’ve worked with new systems, technologies, or adapted to change. Don’t date yourself unnecessarily. Leave off graduation years and use modern formatting.
2. Show (Don’t Just Say) You’re Adaptable:
It’s one thing to say you’re flexible and tech-savvy. It’s another to prove it. Talk about how you transitioned to new digital platforms and the software and systems you’re competent with. Mention any recent training or upskilling you’ve done. And if you haven’t done any, update your technical skills via courses on the likes of Udemy or Coursera.
3. It’s Not Just About You. It’s About Changing the Narrative
This isn't just a personal problem; it’s a systemic one. New Zealand’s ageing population means we can't afford to ignore this issue. We need older workers, their insight, their calm in a crisis, their breadth of experience. It’s important to note that the average age of S&P 500 CEOs is around 57. And in NZ CEOs of small to medium companies typically fall into the mid-40s to early 60s range, depending on the industry. This proves that Ageism is linked to thought, to unconscious or conscious bias, not fact.
If you're over 50 and job hunting, here’s the truth: you’re not ‘past it’. You’re in your prime. The 50’s has always been the power decade in someone’s career - when you can often dedicate yourself to your career. But the job market may not always reflect that back at you. What really matters is, can you add value to the team, the mission, and the company’s future? More often than not, the answer is yes.
If you are interested in hearing more on my conversation with Jim Mora, RNZ Sunday Morning on 3 August 2025, you can listen to the full interview here.