Age 50+ and Looking for Work in 2025?
A new national report found that nearly 1 in 4 HR professionals now consider workers aged just 51 to 55 as “older.”
Only two years ago, that number was just 10%.
That’s a major shift, and a worrying one.
In a country facing a skills shortage, many employers are still sidelining highly capable, experienced professionals, often for no reason beyond perception.
At Who in the Zoo Recruitment, we still get regular calls from people navigating this very challenge.
They often tell us:
“No one's calling me back.”
“I keep getting passed over.”
“I feel invisible.”
The truth is, it’s not your age, it’s how the system sees you.
The Hidden Bias No One Talks About Enough
In Australia, ageism is still one of the most accepted forms of discrimination.
1 in 2 Australians over 50 have experienced age discrimination while job-seeking.
HR professionals now classify 51+ as “older” – up from just 10% two years ago.
Source: Australian Human Rights Commission, ABC News
Your Experience Is Invaluable... But You Still Need to Stay Relevant
One of the biggest gaps we see? Cultural relevance.
It’s not about being "too old."
It’s about how hiring managers perceive your fit with today’s work culture.
They’re wondering:
Do you speak the language of modern workplaces?
Are you up to speed with digital tools and communication styles?
Can you collaborate cross-generationally?
Career Tip – Learn the Lingo
One of the biggest hurdles for job seekers over 50?
Sounding “out of touch” in interviews, even when you're more than capable.
Today’s workplaces use different ways of communicating and collaborating.
Tip: Chat with someone currently working in your industry.
Ask how their team works, what a day looks like, and how they talk about tasks.
Use this to refresh your language and mindset.
Career Tip – Update Your Tools and Tech Know-How
You don’t need to become an expert.
But you do need to show you’re adaptable.
Employers want to know:
Can you pick up new systems quickly?
Are you open to change?
Do you know what tools are commonly used in your field?
Modernise Your Toolkit
We don’t mean learning TikTok (unless you want to).
But we do mean showing hiring managers that you’re:
Comfortable with remote tech (Zoom, Google Docs, Slack)
Actively learning (AI tools, digital platforms, trends)
Don’t just say you’re adaptable — show it.
Reframe Your Age as a Superpower
You bring more than years—you bring:
Wisdom
Mentorship
Reliability
Crisis-tested leadership
A long view of the industry
That’s something a 25-year-old can’t fake.
Make sure your CV and interview presence reflect this — not in years, but in outcomes.
How We Help at Who in the Zoo
If you’re over 50 and looking for work in fashion, retail, creative or eCommerce — talk to us.
We understand the challenges (and biases).
We advocate for candidates of all ages.
We can help you:
Refresh your CV
Reposition your experience
Speak confidently to today’s workplace
Still capable. Still sharp. Still invisible?
Not on our watch.
Final Reminder: Don’t Count Yourself Out.
You’re not starting from scratch.
You’re starting from experience.
Be proud of your path.
Keep learning, stay visible, and don’t wait for permission.
Want more human-first career advice?
Follow Who in the Zoo Recruitment for insights that support your career, mindset, and next big move.