In today’s workplace, where ageism is not just a social issue but a costly business blunder, Nancy Meyers’ "The Intern" gives us a masterclass in how seasoned professionals are a secret weapon. With Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old intern, and Anne Hathaway as Jules Ostin, a startup CEO juggling life and business, the film hits a chord: Experience is the X-factor most companies desperately need but are too blind to recognize.
For recruiters, "The Intern" isn’t just a feel-good flick. It’s a loud, unapologetic rallying cry to stop overlooking seasoned professionals and start leveraging their superpowers. Here’s how to take action and embrace the Ben Whittakers of the workforce.
Wisdom and Experience: The “Been-There-Done-That” Edge
Ben doesn’t just walk into the office; he brings the receipts. Decades of hands-on expertise mean he’s seen it, solved it, and knows what’s coming before you do. Let’s stop pretending this isn’t invaluable.
ECNY Vibe: "Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel. When you’ve got wisdom on your team, use it. Lean into their expertise, ask the hard questions, and watch them drop solutions like it’s second nature."
Recruiter Call-to-Action: Forget chronological resumes—look for people who’ve "lived" the role you’re hiring for and can hit the ground running.
Mentorship: The Secret Sauce for Future-Proofing
Ben isn’t just an intern; he’s a mentor on steroids. His steady advice prevents Jules from making a move she’d regret. This is cross-generational power at its best.
ECNY Vibe: "Think big. Don’t just hire for today—hire for tomorrow. A great mentor doesn’t just do the job; they build the next generation to do it better."
Recruiter Pro Tip: When screening for senior roles, ask candidates how they’ve empowered others. A great hire lifts everyone around them.
Adaptability: Crush the Stereotype
Ben not only steps into a startup world filled with Slack messages and standing desks—he thrives. He’s proof that older workers don’t just adapt; they evolve.
ECNY Vibe: "Forget the myth that seasoned workers can’t hang with the new tools. The best professionals are learning machines—they’ve done it before, and they’ll do it again."
Recruiter Call-to-Action: Ask about their latest tech skill or how they overcame a learning curve. Watch the narrative flip in real-time.
Communication: The Superpower We All Need
Ben’s unshakeable ability to navigate office politics and defuse tense situations is his hidden strength. He’s not loud, but when he speaks, everyone listens.
ECNY Vibe: "Stop confusing loud with effective. True leaders know when to listen, when to act, and how to get people moving in the same direction without shouting."
Recruiter Pro Tip: Screen for communication style with real-world scenarios. Can they deliver tough feedback? Can they build consensus?
Crisis Management: Calm Under Pressure
When the startup hits turbulence, Ben becomes the anchor. His cool-headed approach during chaos turns potential disasters into opportunities.
ECNY Vibe: "Crisis is the ultimate test, and seasoned workers pass with flying colors. They’ve seen the storms and know how to navigate through them—why settle for anything less?"
Recruiter Insight: Skip the hypothetical questions. Ask candidates about their real-life crisis moments. What did they do? What was the result?
Culture Building: The Morale Booster
Ben refers to himself as “everyone’s uncle,” and it’s true—his presence lifts the entire workplace. Positivity, inclusivity, and respect become contagious.
ECNY Vibe: "Office drama doesn’t stand a chance against someone who radiates positivity and unity. Hire people who elevate the culture, not drain it."
Recruiter Call-to-Action: Ask about team-building contributions. Look for stories of how they’ve brought people together in tough times.
Mic Drop Moment
Recruiters, it’s time to level up. "The Intern" isn’t just a movie—it’s a manifesto. If you’re still judging talent by their age instead of their impact, you’re already behind the curve.
Final ECNY Vibe "Stop playing it safe. Take a bet on people who’ve got the battle scars and the brilliance to match. The workplace isn’t a playground for egos—it’s a launching pad for greatness. Hire like it."
A Note for Businesses: Look Beyond the Résumé
The Intern teaches us that greatness doesn’t retire—it evolves. The next time you’re hiring, think bigger. Who’s going to stabilize your ship in rough waters? Who’s going to mentor your rising stars? Who’s going to elevate your game to the next level? The answer is simple: It’s the seasoned pro.
Yours in Fearless Recruiting Success,
Maria
Read this, loved it, and hope that it becomes more reality, and less feel-good-ism. In fact the piece takes me beyond hope and to a place where I just want to go out there and prove it true, because it just is true. Now I have to look for the movie, and watch it for the first time.