Am I too old to find a new job?

Question

I've just opted to take a redundancy package from my position as catering manager at a health and fitness club.

I'm about to start looking for a new job and thought I'd contact some of the recruitment agencies I've seen advertised in Caterer & Hotelkeeper. I have an extensive background in hotel and restaurant management, as well as corporate catering, and have also worked in Saudi Arabia.

I'm wondering whether my age will hinder me in looking for a new management role. I've heard that many agencies won't help people over 40. Is this the case? Am I facing an uphill struggle to find a company to hire me because of my age? I thought that age and experience would still be valued in the hospitality sector.

What the expert says

Lesley Reynolds, managing director, Portfolio International

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I believe very strongly that you are as old as you feel and as old as your attitude. I meet loads of 50-year-olds who are as youthful in mind, body and spirit as a 30-year-old and I also meet a number who are already acting like they should draw a pension early. The first thing you should consider is where do you fit in with your attitude. The good news for you is that an increasing number of businesses (funnily enough, especially those in the health and fitness business) are realising that lots of 20-something staff are very threatening to have around when the average health club member is in the 40 to 50 age category. Some of the clients I work with are beginning to want to recruit candidates whose ages reflect those of their members. Thus, the experience you already have in catering in the health and fitness sector could stand you in very good stead. Finally, I hope that I have been able to dispel any thoughts that agencies will discount you on the grounds of your age, and are actively looking for people like yourself. It will come down to your flexibility and adaptability to work within a new environment and to fit the criteria being sought by current clients.