Article Index: Career Coach | Life at Work | WorkWise
Saturday, October 03, 2009
55 +
The ranks of older, displaced workers looking for work have swelled. Getting past ageism takes thought and gumption.
You're 59 years old and just lost your job; and retirement is not an option. Suddenly, after 20 years at one firm, you're in the ranks of thousands of job seekers, most of who are fresh out of college, or in their twenties or thirties. Can you compete?
Because of the massive job losses in the last couple of years, the older jobseeker is becoming a common animal, rather than the anomaly it used to be. All ages have been affected by lack of work in the recession, but those stuck between 65-plus face the biggest threat. A study by the Urban Institute found that the unemployment rate for adults age 65 and older peaked during the current recession at 4.7 percent in August and September 2008, the highest rate in more than 30 years.
Overall, for the last two years, the number of unemployed Americans age 55 and older who can't find a job has more than doubled to 1.8 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Strapped with mortgages, kids in college, and drained 401ks, they are desperate for work but are getting few responses to their applications.
"You have to compensate a little more when you're an older candidate," says human resource professional Ward Bastian. Bastian works for Information International Associates in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
"The perception is that older employees are less productive, have less energy or really may not care about the company's mission or product," he adds. "So you have to counteract those myths by targeting them and proving them wrong."
The reality is that age discrimination is illegal. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits such things as listings age as a qualification for jobs or asking directly a clients age. Regardless of the law, older adults face additional obstacles.
Don't feel discouraged by any ineffective interviews. Many individuals and organizations view those over the age of 55 as valuable. Organizations that have hired older adults note that there is less turnover among workers and more consistent customer service for clients.
In addition, as the number of jobs exceeds workers, hiring managers are more likely to meet the needs of older adults.
Over-55 applicants are also overqualified, overpriced, and technologically challenged, or at least perceived that way, according to Gene Burnard, publisher of the job-listing Web site Workforce50.com, which specializes in helping older workers. Burnard says another misconception about older workers is that they can't relate to younger workers.
Bastian offers similar advice for all applicants but emphasizes that the same methods are even more important for the older applicant.
"First and foremost is your résumé. It's what the employer sees first so always have a sharp-looking résumé, using words like innovative skills, maturity and leadership. Highlight your stability and dependability, an advantage older people have over younger ones, who tend to job hop. Approach a company with the things you can do. Show that you're up and with it."
When revamping a résumé for a person 55 and up, maximize your leadership roles and minimize your age, putting skills at the top of the résumé and employment history toward the end. It's acceptable to leave off your graduation dates.
If you're not savvy in computer skills, then sign up for courses at a community or technical college. You won't be the only adult student in the class, as many are learning their way around computer programs in teaching facilities.
Bastian says, "Personal appearance is important, so dress and groom well for that precious interview."
Hair dye? That's probably not necessary, but do have a nice haircut and choose clothes that don't age you. In other words, convey some youthfulness in your choice of an interview outfit - fashionable for your age bracket and attractive.
"Attitude counts more than anything," Bastian adds. "Show enthusiasm, energy and a high level of an 'I can do' attitude. Give direct eye contact, offer to shake hands, display good manners. And smile, smile, smile."
After the interview show your professionalism and good manners by sending a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you.
Also, check out senior-friendly employers, like those listed on Workforce50.com. AARP and other retirement organizations give names of companies that seek the expertise of the over-50 worker.
Copyright © CTW Features
