PhotoDude.com

Sat. Jul 19, 2003

Hire on Talent Content, Not Container Age

Hire on Talent Content, Not Container Age – Adrian Holovaty is a very bright person, from whom I’ve learned quite a bit via his web site. Therefore, it’s possible an imposter wrote this, because it seems so off base to me.

“One point I wish you’d mentioned is the importance for news Internet operations to hire young people. Speaking from experience, I’d argue that people of my generation are almost always more computer-savvy, more accepting of new ideas, more capable of learning new technologies quickly, more innovative/creative and just flat-out more likely to ‘get it.’ ”

Yes, that’s sure to impress the middle aged person who will could be hiring you. Directly insinuating that they are not likely to “get it” due to their ancient age is a stellar ploy. It sure got my attention.

And, sorry to bust your curve, but this 44 year old dawg here managed to go from completely computer illiterate at the ripe old age of 36, to being able to con people into hiring my desiccated butt to build web sites for them, in a little over a year. Seven years after that, they are still putting up with my wrinkled greying presence. Go figure.

Oh, and one more itsy bitsy point this old brain recalls that your young one may not yet have acquired: Age discrimination in hiring is illegal. Therefore, it might not be a good idea to suggest that your potential future middle aged boss violate federal law on your youthful behalf.

“The cynic in me realizes that maybe bigwigs don’t care about any of that. OK, here’s something that’ll make ’em listen: Younger people have lower salary requirements.”

You could also make the argument they are therefore more likely to dump the company for the first potential raise in pay or excitement, never mind begrudge you the fact they make less than their older peers. And the youth also sets themselves up to be let go … as soon as their boss finds someone younger who will work even cheaper.