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 seems a bit young for the role—can he handle client relationships with our longstanding clients?”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“It takes time to learn the norms of any workplace. Did anyone hear anything that would lead us to believe that he can't accept feedback?”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“Do you think she’ll stay in the role long enough? She might be close to retirement.”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“We can’t really predict how long any candidate will stay—people leave roles for lots of reasons. Let’s focus on whether she’s the best person for the job right now.”
Click to flip back
IF YOU HEAR THIS
“He might have trouble reporting to a younger manager.”
Click to interrupt the bias
YOU COULD SAY THIS
“Cross-generational teams are the norm in most workplaces now. What matters is whether he respects leadership and works collaboratively—age doesn’t determine that.”
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
“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
