Age

[samiller]

I started out at my company as a high school co-op and then was offered a job as the Administrative Assistant for the coporate office. I have a lot of experience in this field from work experience, seminars, college and high school classes. I am still quite young and feel that my co-workers treat me differently because of my age. One thing that happens quite a bit is that I get put on the back burner when I request things. One of my bosses even told me that she sees this happening and knows that I stuggle with it but I feel like she sometimes does it to me herself. The one thing that really bothered me recently is that all of the assistants are going to a 4 day seminar and my boss (CEO) said that I did not need to attend. I dont think that this is happening with only me, I have seen younger workers treated differently in other departments also. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this?

[msmarieh]

This can be an issue, I agree. There are a limited number of things you can do to try to discourage it.

1) Check your clothing, makeup, hairstyle. Make sure you are dressed professionally and impeccably at all times. Your appearance can inadvertently encourage people to treat you differently if you wear flip flops, short skirts, clanking jewelry, etc.

2) Check your language. By this I don't mean whether or not you have use foul language (which of course you shouldn't), but I am referring to your manner in presenting yourself. Make sure that you sound polished at all times. Consider checking out a local Toastmasters club for practice in this area.

3) Call them on it. If you notice them treating younger workers differently, ask for an explanation. There may be a valid reason. On the other hand, it may be they simply haven't realized they are doing it.

Having started at this job right out of high school, it can be very difficult for others to change their perception of you as a "young thing that doesn't know anything". You need to make sure that you go above and beyond to prove that you should be treated as an adult. By acting in this manner and addressing the issue in a non-confrontational matter-of-fact manner, you should be able to make headway.

To be honest though, you may not receive appropriate treatment without changing companies. It can be a long hard road to change people's impressions and behavior, especially if it has become ingrained for several years.

Marie

[misslynn]

I started with my company very young and am the youngest in my position (by far the youngest) and am also younger than my direct reports.  I agree with what msmarieh said about your personal presentation.  A couple things I have done:

1) Dress professionally, even on casual day (if you have one).  In the rare times when I'll wear jeans on casual day, I'll match it with a nice blouse.  Simple hairstyle, simple make-up, simple jewelry. No perfume.

2) Speak naturally but pay attention to how you word things.  Don't use the word "like" every other word (not saying that you do, just something to be aware of).  Think of how you would word a professional e-mail and learn to speak in that manner consistently.

3) If you listen to music at your desk, what music are you listening to?  Maybe switch out Britney Spears and listen to some soft jazz or something like that.

4) Become the "expert".  Be the person where people know if they have a question, you are the person who has the answer.  Maybe start with a particular subject, like payroll or travel or whatever applies for you.  Get people focusing on your value-add and expertise rather than your age.  I notice that people look at me differently when they realize I've been with my company for 10 years, I have a lot of experience even though I am in my 20's.

Remember that being young is not a bad thing, it's actually an advantage.  Sometimes the answer "because that's the way it's always been done" doesn't work as well on us because we're used to doing things differently.  I was the first to discover and join the IAAP in my area and encourage my direct reports to do so as well, that impressed my boss and co-workers.

I also like to read business books and have discussions on them with my co-workers and peers.  It helps them to see me as being truly dedicated to my career path and you can learn some great new things.  I just picked up a new book today, 'Radical Edge' by Steven Farber, and was talking about it with a Senior VP in my office because I know he likes Farber's books.

[dettu]

Agreeing with Lynn and Marie here on the appearance issue. I worked with a very, very young girl in one of my first temp jobs. Her bosses relied on her and treated her as a professional although it was her first office job (after a year of "business school"--essentially secretarial school). She always dressed very professionally with hosiery and jewelry, never came in with her hair wet etc. and carried herself like a grown woman. To this day I tend to dress a little BETTER than the staff I support. I am wearing jeans today but with a nice blouse and a jacket, which is as dressed-down as I get.

Also, have you considered obtaining professional certification from IAAP? It requires a bit of study, but some employers are really impressed by it.