The Globe and Mail – March 17, 2007.
By Simon Avery
Older workers consider cosmetic surgery, but there are other options, SIMON AVERY finds
Getting the right job often means making sacrifices, but today, middle-age workers are considering some extreme measures in cosmetic surgery.
Nearly half of respondents to a recent survey on job site Monster.ca agreed that plastic surgery would help their careers. A subsequent poll on the site had 62 per cent of respondents agreeing that ageism exists in the workplace.
"To me, this seems to say that many people are feeling insecure," said Peter Harris, content manager for Monster.ca. "Your résumé is always more important than your wrinkles, but many people think they may look past their prime and need to do something about it."
Human resources experts are split on whether it is wise to take such an extreme step, with some advising that there are simpler and more effective ways to counter the age bias. But one point most do agree on is that employers are harming their own businesses by turning away candidates strictly because they are in their 50s or 60s.
Monster.ca's unscientific poll ran on the website for three weeks in January and February and asked: "Do you think having plastic surgery or cosmetic dental work would help your career?" Almost 4,440 weighed in, with 47 per cent selecting the answer "yes, definitely."
Sonya, a former stockbroker, says she has been frustrated in her search for a job in sales and training at a brokerage firm, and believes it's a clear bias against her age.
"I have a lot of experience. But when you're dealing with HR people, many are young and educated but haven't done much in their lives. They go through their little checklist and decide you're not fitting into their image," she said, asking that her last name not be published for fear of adding to any biases against her. "Young people are very quick to judge you."
The harsh reality of looking for a job at 50 has caused Sonya to change her tune on cosmetic surgery. For years, she "railed against the idea." But now, "if I had the money and the time, of course I would do it."
Hers would be a non-surgical laser procedure to subtract a few years off her face. "We're talking subtleties, not massive Frankenstein-like changes." So far, though, the cost -- which can be several thousand dollars -- is holding her back.
Another online survey of more than 1,000 people last October by Retired Worker Canada Ltd. reported that 17 per cent of respondents had changed their appearance to look more youthful to potential employers and more than 5 per cent had considered cosmetic surgery. More than half the survey participants were men.
Sarah Welstead, managing partner at the Toronto-based firm, says surgery is too dramatic a solution and candidates should focus instead on grooming and style.
"Nine out of 10 people who get turned down on the basis of their age walked into the interview wearing a suit they bought in the 1970s, with blue hair, and they haven't been to the dentist and their bridge work is falling out."
Handling the age bias can be as simple as buying new pants and a blazer at the Gap.
"If you want to do cosmetic surgery, fine. But that's not what it's about. It's about do you keep up with pop culture? A pair of khakis and a modern haircut can do as much for you as a $2,000 cosmetic procedure," she said.
"I've never seen anyone who was a desirable candidate at 35 who was not still employable at 65."
It would be wonderful if appearance wasn't such a key factor for employers, but it is and there is a reason, according to Barry Witkin, national director of Prime50, a division of Drake International Inc., that offers employment services to people aged 50 and older.
Employers want to know that people will fit in with the culture and not be isolated in their environment, he said. "Today, companies may have four different generations employed in their ranks. An old stogy is not going to connect with the youngest. So we tell them they have to get a little with it."
The perception among many employers is that older people can't change, Mr. Witkin said. His firm counsels job seekers on changing their image. There's no reason why someone shouldn't take a laptop or BlackBerry wireless device into an interview with them to show that they are tech savvy, he said.
Cosmetic surgery is certainly an option for those who have the money. But it's also important to be able to relate to other age groups, said Mr. Witkin, 68, who looks and speaks like he is a decade younger.
He works out five days a week, goes to a good tailor and whitens his teeth. He reads certain magazines and watches certain TV shows to stay plugged in to pop culture. "I'm not saying I know all the different bands out there, but I can hold a conversation with any age group."
Ann Tavares, managing partner at HR Logic Inc. in Toronto, adds that a strong résumé, a good understanding of the job in question, and smart personal presentation can go a lot further than some cosmetic procedure, she said.
On the other side, any organization that is disqualifying a potential hire based on the lines on his or her face is losing out in two ways. Not only do baby boomers bring years of experience to the table, they have different work values than the youngest wave in the work force, Ms. Tavares said.
Baby boomers are generally motivated by recognition and believe that hard work leads to success. Today's youth, in contrast, are motivated by "what's in it for them," she said. They are driven by money, vacations, perks and freedom.
It's in an employer's interest that its youngest workers learn from the older generation, she said. "A company open to all ages will be building a better future for itself."