Episode Summary:
Let’s get real—ageism is still alive and well, especially for women navigating career transitions in their 40s and 50s.
In this unapologetically honest episode, Jessica Cumming breaks down why your years of experience aren’t the problem—it’s how you’re framing them. You’ll learn how to rewrite your career story, leverage your leadership, and completely shift how hiring managers and decision-makers perceive your value.
Whether you're job-hunting, consulting, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-evolving workplace—this episode is your roadmap to reclaim your power and redefine your professional presence.
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🔑 Key Takeaways
Recruiters judge resumes in 6 seconds—don’t lead with tenure, lead with value.
60% of workers over 45 experience ageism. It’s real—and it’s mostly perception.
Your years of experience are not a liability. They are your leadership advantage.
Reframe outdated phrases to project strategy, not stagnation.
Digital presence is your first impression—optimize LinkedIn, your email, your photo.
Reverse mentoring and cross-generational networking drive opportunity and relevance.
Staying relevant doesn’t require learning to code—it requires smart, adjacent skill growth.
Consistency in upskilling is more effective than one-time intensity.
Rewrite your LinkedIn headline to reflect where you’re going—not where you’ve been.
Action matters. Jessica gives five specific steps to implement this week.
Episode Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
Welcome to "We Are Women Unapologetically." Why this episode matters: age bias in the hiring process.
00:17 – The 6-Second Resume Rule
Recruiters only spend an average of six seconds on a resume—and long tenure can work against you.
01:00 – Ageism: The Unspoken Career Obstacle
Stats, studies, and real-world bias facing professionals over 40.
03:00 – Debunking the Myths About Older Workers
Resistant to change? Not tech-savvy? Set in your ways? Jessica calls BS—with data to back it up.
04:38 – Reframing Your Experience
Own your years. Reframe your language. Shift your story.
06:01 – Showcase Strategic Adaptability
Stop saying “I’ve been using Excel since 1985.” Start showing how you’ve evolved.
07:00 – Modern Language for Modern Value
Say this, not that: how to update outdated career language to stay relevant.
08:11 – Align Your Resume and Online Presence
Speak to your results—not your tenure.
09:49 – Digital First Impressions Matter
What your LinkedIn photo, headline, and email address are actually saying about you.
11:02 – LinkedIn Headlines That Attract
What to say (and not say) to knock down bias and stand out in search.
12:17 – Keeping Your Profile Active
The power of commenting, sharing insights, and building visibility.
13:45 – The Bigger Digital Footprint
Guest blogging, updated websites, and what Google says about you.
15:50 – Cross-Generational Networking
How to connect across generations for more opportunity and visibility.
17:39 – Reverse Mentoring & Modern Engagement
Text over calls, direct feedback over sugarcoating: adapt your communication.
19:46 – Staying Technically Relevant Without Burnout
What to learn, how to learn it, and why consistency beats intensity.
22:25 – This Week’s Action Plan
Jessica’s 5 assignments to start reframing, connecting, and positioning with power.
25:01 – Closing Motivation
“You’re not too old. You’re just not leading with the experience that sets you apart.”
📥 Download the Transcript:
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