Queenager Careers: Gendered Ageism is real in hiring that's why we run the Noon Jobs Board
Anne Hathaway says sexist ageism kicks in at 35 in Hollywood! Here's how to get around it if you are a midlife woman looking for a job
Gendered Ageism is real – we see that at noon.org.uk with all our work with #queenagers. But even I didn’t realise that it can start at 35! Don’t just take it from me, that is the view of Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway - pictured above in The Devil Wears Prada - who this week gave a mind-boggling interview in which she talked about being told that her “Hollywood career would fall off a cliff at 35” and that sexist ageism is still alive and kicking.
You might say, well what does it matter, she’s a famous actress. But Hathaway’s take is important because the media lens, and the representation of women more broadly in the culture, is crucial to how #queenagers feel about themselves and their prospects. In our Noon research over half of women 45-65 say they feel ‘invisible’. Well if an actress only has a shelf life till 35, even if she is as beautiful and talented as Hathaway, then what message is that giving to the rest of us about what women are valued for and how?
I write a lot about the ageism double standard, how too often men are seen as ageing like fine wine, just think about all the guff we hear about ‘silver foxes’ – while women are all too often viewed as ageing like peaches, one wrinkle and we’re in the bin. I’m afraid this interview from Anne Hathaway just reiterates that perception.
But luckily things are changing. Brilliant campaigning organisations like 55 Redefined who help power our Noon Queenager jobs board are trying to fix the gendered ageism too many of us face. Every month we publish a situations vacant list from employers who are actively seeking older workers. No getting knocked out by the age-unfriendly algorithm when you apply for these jobs; here being more experienced is a bonus.
This month we’re featuring #queenager friendly jobs from companies as varied at the Canal and River Trust to a chance to work with 55 redefined themselves to spread the positive ageing message. They have just launched a really exciting scheme to find the best entrepreneurs over 50 – they are calling them the Unretirement Awards if you wanted some inspiration for starting your own business. They even have three brilliant Queenagers shortlisted. Read more about them HERE
And when it comes to actual jobs for #queenagers this month – here is the link to the Noon Jobs Board
And here are some more specific ones…
55/Redefined is hiring itself and has four fully remote flexible roles. HERE they include
Data and Product Insights Manager
Product Sales Lead (HR solutions)
People Advisory Director
B2B Marketing Manager
The Canal and River Trust have senior vacancies that Queenagers could be interested in. Read about their age inclusion activity HERE
Philanthropy Manager (London/Birmingham)
Project Manager (NEC Contracts) Gloucester
Partnership funding manager (London)
Search roles HERE
We are really proud to report that 55/Redefined has joined Mastercard’s start path emerging fintech programme which helps support our mission ‘to be the most trusted global platform for over-50s and those looking to engage with them’. CEO Lyndsey Simpson explains more on LinkedIn HERE
Competition – open until 7th December:
Win an overnight stay in a boutique business club in Marylebone. Enter HERE
Have a great week and see some of you paid subscribers at the Noon Circle on Monday!
Eleanor
Not sure how relatable many women will find Anne’s comments, considering that she is in active demand as both actress & face/body of fashion brands, but this ageism has existed for decades & sadly continues to thrive, rather than diminishes.
I had a conversation about this after my husband & I had the pleasure of watching Lyonesse at Harold Pinter theatre - I wrote about it on my Substack earlier this week. We can blame society & structures, but in part we are also to blame, fuelling for example the beauty industry where now 20 year olds are fearful of ageing & using Botox. It’s a complex conversation that needs to be had visibly & publicly & includes different generations of women because really it impacts us all