Age Awareness
A Guide to Hiring a Multigenerational Workforce
A Guide to Hiring a Multigenerational Workforce
Learn How To Intercept Bias
When a hiring committee meets to discuss candidates, it’s a prime opportunity to interrupt age bias when it happens. By refocusing the hiring committee on each candidate’s core capabilities, you’ll make the team more likely to hire the best candidate, regardless of their age.
Flip each card to read about scenarios that include age bias and how you could respond to interrupt the bias. Scroll through to read them all.
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“He might be overqualified—this role might bore him.”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“That's a fair concern, but there are lots of reasons people might apply for a role for which they seem overqualified. We should explore his motivations rather than assuming he’ll be bored.”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“She’s only been out of school for a couple of years—does she have enough gravitas?”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“She seems very coachable. If we have concerns, we can work with her to evolve her presentation style.”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“She seems like she'll want a promotion really quickly.”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“What did you hear in your interviews that made that impression? Let's look to see if she has a history of job-hopping.”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“He used to work with a friend of mine, who joked that he still complains about virtual meetings”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“That sounds more like second-hand commentary than something relevant to his qualifications. Did anything in his interview suggest he struggles with virtual collaboration?”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“I know I shouldn't say this, but the last time we hired an older candidate she was really resistant to change.”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“I’d be careful drawing conclusions about this candidate based on a different hire. Let’s evaluate each person on their own strengths and what they bring to the team.”
Click to flip back
