Age and experience should not be overlooked

Age and experience should not be overlooked

Ashamed about my age? No, but I often feel that I should be. After 30 years in the hospitality industry, not much seems to have changed since I left college and started applying for my first position. I remember signing my letters of application "L Woodhouse". I could not put my full name as the advert usually specified a man.

It is only now that I feel that I really do possess a wealth of knowledge. This has been gleaned not only from 30 years' work experience, but also life skills - won the hard way with two maternity leaves of 10 weeks each and juggling the life of a human resources director with bringing up two children.

Now I feel doubly lucky to have discovered a second career at the age of 47, and a company that doesn't judge me by age. When I moved into the world of recruitment four years ago, I have to admit that I did not shout my name from the rafters and, if they had not known me to start with, might this company too have balked at taking an "old un"?

We must do so much more as an industry to go out and change attitudes. Customers do not always want to be served by a "young, vibrant person".

Age and experience count for a lot and should not be overlooked in favour of youth, which can often mean lack of experience, lack of commitment and lack of reliability.

At least times have begun to change for the better - when I next need a new job I can sign that letter with my full name.

Linda Woodhouse, Divisional Director, the Berkeley Scott Group.