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Over 50s Stay In Workforce Longer

Millennium.com

 

Over 50s are abandoning plans to retire at the age of 55, opting to stay in the workforce for an extra six years. Read More >>

 

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Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team?

Tips to Work Successfully with People Younger than You

Rachel Zupek | CareerBuilder.com writer

 

When Stephanie Elsy, 50, worked for a small organization where her boss and three co-workers were all younger than she, she had an epiphany.

 

"I had an 'OMG' moment when I realized that my co-worker was 22 and I was 50," she says. "I could have had a child in my mid-20s who would be older than she was!"

 

That was the first time Elsy really thought about the age differences between herself and her colleagues; it wasn't the last time, either. Today, she works as an accountant for Pop Labs, a digital media agency, where her boss (and owner of the company) is 38. Read More>>

 

Finding Work Is Challenging for Older Adults

 

Boomers and Matures Are In The Same Boat When Looking For A Job

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 12.10.08

 

It really doesn't matter how much older you are. If you are older than the employer, (or the person conducting an interview) he or she will consider you to BE old. If you are fifty-five or seventy, you are viewed as "old" by someone who is forty.

 

According to the US Department of Labor, nearly 50% of all workers are under the age of 44. Another 18% falls into the 45-54 age range. That means you have a 70% chance of being inteviewed and possibly working with people who are mostly younger than you are. You could be spending the majority of your time with youngsters who are critical, impatient and, let's say it, judgemental about grey hair and wrinkles.

 

It's Important To Be Technically Savvy

These days, many companies post their job applications on line. Employers decide who to interview based on the on-line application so be careful and thoughtful. If you are uncomfortable using a computer this way, take a course. There are lots of them available through Junior Colleges and Senior Centers. Knowing how to use a computer for email, the internet, and to compose documents can make all the difference. A common interview question for older adults is, "tell me about the last purchase you made on the web."

 

An Interview is A Big Deal

Apply as many places as you can, and keep track of where you applied and what your applications say. If you win an interview, you have a chance. Use it well.

 

Demonstrate patience and kindness. The person inteviewing you is most likely to be younger and will not have your knowledge or expertise. Take every opportunity to explain what you do so he or she can learn from you. You want this person to recommend you for the job.

 

Be careful about overtalking. If you have been out of work for awhile, it's easy to forget and talk too much. Stay on topic.

 

Keep Looking - An Interview Is Not A Job

If you landed one interview, you can win another. Don't wait around, keep looking. These days, companies only notify someone if they want to make a hire or arrange a second interview. So hearing nothing can be taken as bad news.

 

You Are Wiser and Know More

Older workers do much better in training programs. We are more patient and more interested in learning new things. Unfortunately, not all employers know this, but if you are sincere and persistent in your job hunt, you will have a chance to show them.