Today I received an email that truly surprised me. A potential client, almost ready to sign up for a new resume, had one question: At 55, was he too old for an executive position within a corporation?
He said he had been advised that no one would hire him for a senior role because of his age, and he should look to make a career change.
Huh?
Now I do not dispute that age discrimination exists. There are certainly people out there who will not consider this gentleman on the basis of his age. But he has an excellent background and a track record of real accomplishment. There are many companies looking for mature leadership and many people stay energetic and fit into their 60s. Why on earth would someone advise him to throw away all his knowledge and experience before he has even tested the waters?
Probably for the same reason some people insist that you must have a one-page resume, or advise you always to wear a suit to interviews even when you know the company culture is very casual. The people giving this advice are well-meaning, but they are projecting their beliefs and prejudices onto the world in general.
I wrote back and told my potential client that I thought the advice he had received was nonsense. If he really wants to make a career change, he should. But only if that's what he really wants to do. Not because some well-meaning person gave him terrible advice.
I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
