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Interim Management – The Age Old Question
Interim Management – Experience Wanted
It’s a high profile news story – ageism in the workplace. But although older employees going for interim management roles can often be stereotyped in a negative way, older candidates often have an important role to play in interim management positions.
Worried about Ageism
New legislation combating ageism in the workplace should help balance out negative stereotypes eventually. The fact that it’s expected that many of us will be working well past the traditional retirement age in the future means things will have to change. But if you are concerned about approaching an interim management vacancy because you are worried about your age, there is advice available that you can follow.
Fight against the Stereotype
If you are aware that there is a stereotype about older employees than you should challenge the negative aspects of that stereotype. According to reports on Employment Discrimination, it’s assumed that older people going for interim management roles don’t have the energy or physical health and are perhaps not as adept in using new technology. The idea that they will only have a few years left before wanting to retire can be another block for interim management roles.
Interim Management – A lot to Offer
A study in America conducted by Marc Bendick reveals that it’s better to address the negative assumptions rather then emphasize the positive attributes associated with age. The positives – experience, maturity, reliability and loyalty – are all assumed to be in place, so there’s no need to emphasise them if you’re applying for an interim management job. The best strategy, the study shows, is to emphasize the young qualities such as enthusiasm, energy, if you’re into sport or if you love new technology, for example.
Be Confident
When it comes to approaching an interim management position it can be intimidating, especially if you are concerned it’s a fast moving, high pressured environment aimed at younger employees. The fact is, if you’ve worked for most of your life, had a family and bought up children, it’s likely you can cope with the executive environment and that you have the skills needed to succeed. Experience in life can be more valuable than your IT skills, and IT skills are easily brushed up on with a quick course.
Freestone is a specialist recruitment service offering interim management solutions. At Freestone, we understand securing exceptional business leaders is fundamental to the success of any organisation. Freestone’s unique Microniche Sourcing approach facilitates a faster and more efficient recruitment process than that offered by traditional recruitment firms. To find out more, contact Freestone today on 0207 969 2727 or email: info@freestone-executive.com