Heresy you say? As the publisher of the career site for the older workforce how can I make such a statement? Promoting the idea that “the older workforce is the most underutilized talent pool in the nation” does not correlate with this statement. Have I gone bonkers in this advanced age? Perhaps, but it is true.
Let me continue this distorted thought process. Employers should not hire younger or new grad workers. Ok, now that we’ve eliminated nearly two thirds of the country’s workforce just who should employers hire?
As my memory serves me (sometimes it doesn’t) two or three years ago BusinessWeek published an issue that focused on individuals working past the typical retirement age. Note, this was before the current economic/employment crisis, not the times we are in today with retirement a fading option for many. But I digress. The article presented a very positive view of those who choose to work beyond the typical (whatever that is) retirement age. A sub story in the publication presented a 92 year old woman that still worked a full day every day (isn’t this a good work ethic). Her boss was at loss for words when asked what he would do when this valuable employee retired.
How could anyone find fault with BusinessWeek for publishing this story? The real point that I’m leading to is the online comments following the print publication. I prefer to go from memory rather than research the article. The very first comment was from an individual who identified himself as one of the single letter generations. In his comment he took the publication to task for even suggesting that those of retirement (again what is that?) age should stay in their jobs. Why? Well by staying in the workforce they are denying the younger generation, of which he was part of, jobs that rightfully should belong to them. We could spend more words than I’m allowed discussing his position so I’ll just leave it there.
Another personal anecdotal story I often tell goes back to 1991. My son had just graduated from Tufts University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Like most in his class he had no job offers. Unfortunately, much like the situation today. About a month after graduation he called me from a career fair in Boston. Standing in line, waiting for an interview he was observing others also waiting. His conclusion as he explained it to me was “dad I’ll never get a job here everyone is your age”! Needless to say I fell to the floor in a fit of laughter.
You’ve certainly heard the lines, “you have too little experience for the job” or “you are too experienced for the job”.
There are 3 types of businesses: public corporations, private corporations and those smaller partnerships or single owner. Each of these is typically in the business to make a profit for their owners. Be it large corporations with millions of stock holders (owners), smaller companies, startups funded by venture capital or sole owners, all have a responsibility to make a profit. Yes this is intuitive or Business 101. The operative word to this point in my story is “profit”.
For most businesses their biggest cost is people. Therefore the success (profit) is tied to the people that are hired. So why would any company have a staffing strategy that didn’t follow this simple axiom. Well history shows us that this happens all the time. “Women need not apply” or “no blacks” or “I don’t agree with your sexual orientation”. So let me add to this “employers should not hire those over a certain (what) age”. But wait I thought businesses were motivated by profit?
You see where I’m going with this. Employers staffing based on age, gender, etc. are likely short sighted and compromising their competitive position. Job seekers, if you dwell on the issue of age discrimination (yes it’s there), then you, too, will be compromising your competitive position.
So what is the answer? I think as a refrain from an old (did I say old?) song “it’s blowing in the wind”. But if a company is true to its owners it will develop, execute and measure a strategy that doesn’t lose sight of a tremendous pool of experienced talent. But let’s not stop there. These elder statesmen/women can mentor, share or simply be observed in a multi-generational workforce that will, without question, enhance their competitive advantage.
Job seekers (I’m talking about the older ones) take note. Those enlightened employers need employees that can quickly translate their experience and knowledge to position the company for success. Even if all employers were enlightened to the value of multiple-generational staffing it is still a competitive world out here. Those that learn the rules of the game today will have the best opportunity for new employment. Let me also add that you need to be Positive and Bold.
Now you know why employers shouldn’t hire older workers necessarily. They should hire the best workers for the job.
Perhaps I asked more questions than providing answers. I’ll ask you to give us all some answers via your comments. Employer answers will be greatly appreciated.
Email This Post
|
digg it |
reddit |
del.icio.us |
StumbleUpon
Tags: Age friendly, Job Search, Working Older
:
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm and is filed under Ask the Experts, Career Coaching, Employers.
Leave a comment. Trackback from your own site.
The opening to this article is certainly not helping anyone…of any age…and in poor taste. Why is everyone so obsessed with age? How about being obsessed with good character, good work ethic and what that exactly means, and being a fine reasonable person. They do come in all ages, shapes, colors, sizes. Could it be that our economy is in the situation it is in because the refrain “hire young workers” simply did not work because people went too far to the other end of the spectrum? The fact that younger workers think they are entitled to EVERYTHING seems to be today’s problem. Nothing in this world comes easy. That’s a fact of life. And, it is the older worker’s challege to teach the younger worker that good, hard work builds character. I would like to live one day without being reminded about age. It’s a small mind that constantly harps on the subject.
The Retirement Age is going the Wrong Way, It should be 60 ! By now ! for Social Security… and company Retirement with out penalty.. This would help everyone.
I agree that employers should hire those who are the most qualified for any position. However I don’t think that is what always happens. I think in most cases employers look at age and think “Ahh..I’ll hire this person and he/she won’t be able to cut it due some infirmity or another and will end up taking too much time off”. I’m 55 and you could count on your hands(granted on both hands now) how many days off I’ve taken from work in my career. Not many! I don’t come in late, don’t take off time (no snow days),go to work unless I’m seriously sick and then it’s to go to the Drs. But now that I’m out of work none of that seems to count because I’ve hit Senior Citizen status. This is seeming to make me unemployable!
I thought I was the only one out there that feels like Jane Doe (March 4) and Robin (April 18). No one wants to hire people based solely on the most qualified. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dealt with companies on the phone and in person at which I’ve had to deal with some young little twit who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Obviously, they weren’t hired for what they can do for the company and these companies don’t seem to care. Right now, I’m waiting to hear about a job with the federal government and you can bet that I’m not going to get hired. I’ve just lost all confidence in what I can do anymore because I know that someone younger will get the job. The only way that the younger generation today will have any empathy for being older is when they turn 50. Only then will they know what it’s like — then I’ll have the last laugh. Time goes by fast, kids. It seems like only yesterday that I was 20 yrs. old.
I am 79 shortly to be 80, still strong and collective. I use computer everyday doing writing, design when necessary, data imput being in Real Estate profession 13 years. Before this I was 36 years in commerce & industry before retirement in 1992. Tired of road runnig as salesperson, I decide now to look for Admin office work. Is there anyone left with consideration for seniors who are keen to work? Necessity is mother of invention. None of us expected economic distress we see today prior to our retirement and so forced to seek employment for economic reason and besides good for us to mingle with people. I am looking for work and would be grateful for one. I was in Printing & Packaging industry for 36 years (24 years CEO). I worked with Chamber of Commerce, Fund Raising organisations and clubs. Many thanks.
As much as I want to blame kids. I haven’t been interviewed by that many. Most of them are around my age or older. They seem to want younger people working for them. I am 49 but people tell me I can pass for 30’s. It still doesn’t help because you have to be 25. I have walked into interviews and literally been asked no questions. The reason, I believe, is that they did not realize I was older when they called me. Then they decided they did not want to waste any time trying to find out about my background so they bum rushed me out the door in under 20 minutes. It was not so age-ist back in the 80’s and people were accustomed to working with a mix of ages….and when I was 20 I did not view my 40 year old co-workers as “MY DAD or MOTHER”. But when those people who work for Google turn 40, they better watch out. I bet they will be very angry then.
About a year ago I saw a position opening at the Otis Elevator company. One of the must-have “hard” requirements was that the candidate must have “60+ years experience working with Otis elevators.”
No wonder the Company has been so successful all these years! Check out what company makes the elevator you’re riding in the next time you’re riding in one. (It’s also great advertising, indicating that the candidate obviously didn’t die in an elevator accident!)
Fellow Bloggers:
Sometimes I just can’t quite grasp that I’ve been looking for work for 12 months now. I am in Kansas but I’ve been looking nationwide. I am a Cost Accountant by trade (a good one, too) who happens to be well-experienced in a variety of other areas (compliance, contracts, training, ERP planning & deployment, etc.) but after 300+ resumes, only 15 interviews and no offers. I have a fairly recent BS (Computer Information Systems) and an even more recent MBA.
I think the most disheartening part of the job-searching process is when you get an interview, you are well-prepared, you do an seemingly wonderful job on everything they throw at you, you basically have an outstanding interview in which people not only seem to appreciate your resume but really seem to like you….. but once you leave the facility, you never hear a single thing. Not a phone call, a letter, and email, nothing.
Do I think it is blantant age discrimination? You bet. What clues me in most of the time is when I walk in the person or team I am to interview with is immediately disappointed. I guess some folks just can’t hide those all-telling expressions as well as they think they can.
I agree employers do not often hire older candidates, though I disagree that it’s always due to some perceived infirmity - as a commenter above noted.
I think it has to do with three other things: experience level, salary/compensation, mold-ability.
Experience - older candidates could be perceived as “over-qualified” which leads to higher salaries and could potentially lead to higher turn-over as they get bored and realize there are better opportunities elsewhere.
Salary/Compensation - again, experience and education levels tend to correlate with higher salary or base pay expectations. Younger workers may not know how to negotiate salary and take whatever is offered. Older candidates may try to negotiate (which, in all fairness, is what we should all learn to do for ourselves).
Mold-ability - older individuals tend to be viewed as “set in their ways”, less likely to understand the latest technology and corporate atmosphere. If you get someone still wet behind the ears you have the opportunity to make them the kind of worker you want, rather than working with the kind of worker someone else already developed.
HI, Everyone,
I have worked very very hard all my life, and I am a very seasoned, experienced employee. I have had to learn to be very flexible and get along with many different age groups, races and religions in the work place. However, now that I have hit that magic age of 50+ I have turned invisiable. My ideas, input,example are not heard or seen. I am not a credible person any more. Because of the wonderful economy that has fallen apon this nation, I have had to use retirement money to survive. Now that I am getting older I still have to work hard and I will never be able to retire till the day I drop over dead. I can not find worthy work to keep up with the cost of living. My energy is not what it was when I was twenty but I have a wealth of knowledge that no one wants. How will I take care of my needs if I can not find work. I refuse to go on welfare, but I have heard twenty year old people with energy plus say they are going to the welfare dept. to get everything they can, because they deserve it? No, one asks me to do anything, nor do they let me be responsible for anything in the work place. I have to stomach everyday haveing a twenty year old be in charge. I have 35 years of experience in life, I have never been in trouble financially or with the laws of this land. I have always finished what I start and never leave my mess for someone else to clean up!!!!!! I have been known to work 24 hours a day to get the job done! I have found out that there are two types of people in this life THOSE WHO WORK and those who let them work. One day THE FIRST WILL BE LAST!!! I can not wait for that day!! I for one feel totally cheated by this government and its politics. They all disgust me…and leave a bitter taste in my mouth. All my blood, sweat, and tears over the years to work hard, do a good job, be reliable, have integrity, know what the word honor and respect is and apply them. This has all turned into ashes when I hit 50, going to work everyday and feeling no respect. Going into job interviews and have people give you that glazed look, it is so rewarding. Now is where the rubber meets the road for me boys and girls. I will always live my life with honor no matter what happens and I guess this society gets what it deserves. We have spoiled the younger generations. Now they think they deserve everything with out working for it. Youth and vitality has nothing over old age treachery….. tread softly…. One wonders what kind of world these twenty something people think they are developing for their old age? Who will take care of them when they are to old to work any longer?
Your comment might have been true 5 years ago… but it no longer applies to 95% of the over 50 job seekers at this time. Most of us would just like to have a job which will utilize our vast experience and work ethic. I doubt too many of us are WISHING to change jobs again anytime soon - if ever. And, yes, we are already “developed” but that doesn’t mean the learning eagerness has stagnated either. There is something to be gained by an employer when they don’t have to train or develop the “wet behind the ears” generation. I wish people would STOP stereotyping ALL older workers and ALL younger workers into neat little compartments - each worker is unique and no matter the age, has something to add to the workforce. That is called diversity.
“”doubt too many of us are WISHING to change jobs again anytime soon - if ever. “”
You brought up a good point. I HATE JOB HUNTING and I would rather die than voluntarily leave most jobs (unless it is awful). However if you told an interviewer you wanted to stay in a job 10 years they would put the black mark next to your name. I truly believe most employers want you gone after two years. That is when they turn on you and make your life so miserable that you quit. But if you don’t they will fire you.
Shows you how full of BS they are. It absolutely is age pure and simple.
I am not applying for a receptionist at a modeling agency. There is no need to look young for most jobs that are done over the telephone. It is just our rotten system which is run by rotten people.
We can only hope the same thing happens to them. And if somehow the shoe is on the other foot, i will make sure they don’t get hired by me.
hello friend this is ethan martin.
i have read your blog and i found it very interesting.you have given a rightful decision and i agree with your comments.I’ve had to deal with some young little twit who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Obviously, they weren’t hired for what they can do for the company and these companies don’t seem to care. Right now, I’m waiting to hear about a job with the federal government and you can bet that I’m not going to get hired. I’ve just lost all confidence in what I can do anymore because I know that someone younger will get the job. i hope that you will post such interesting blogs in future also.
=========
ethan martin
Inexperienced or Experienced no longer count for very much in the digital age.
It’s always been ADHD: attitude, dedication, hardwork & discipline
+ it pays well to know who…and even more lucrative, WHO knows YOU.
Ann… I loved your comments about having a seemingly fabulous interview and then never receiving one email, phone call, letter etc from the employer. I’m in my mid 50s and, over the past three years, have applied to over 100 jobs with the government, private sector and Capitol Hill (where I worked for ten years in the 80s). Recently, I’ve had interviews with three Chiefs of Staff from congressional offices. We initially had phone interviews where we thorougly discussed my 30 plus years of work experience. The staffers told me that they wanted to hire a seasoned person in the position, not a young individudal just out of college. Even after I sent a nice email thanking them for meeting with me, I never received a response. After searching on the congressmen’s websites, I discovered that indeed mid-twenty year old people were hired… (Amazing what one can discover on the internet and Facebook)…. At least I know that I’m not alone. Hopefully, you’ve found a position by now…. Good luck!!
Gene, I think you hit the nail on the head when you talk about PROFITS. Yes, businesses are in existence for one reason: PROFITS. Without profits a business will eventually die or remain stagnant. Not many here mentioned how they tried to sell the idea that if they were hired, they would help bring the company up to the next level, improve efficiency, increase revenue or even grow a larger customer/client base.
Entitlement is what you might receive if you are on your parents’ will. A fresh young straight “A” college student may feel that they deserve reward for their dedication and hard work in school. Why did they strive to be the best in class and apply themselves? They may feel that they have earned the right to get a job after investing their time, money and energy into a getting degree, just like an older person feels that they have EARNED the right to land a decent job too. No one is asking for a handout. An older worker paid their dues and have a lifetime of experience to offer an employer too, but everyone regardless of age has to communicate their VALUE and why hiring them would make a smart INVESTMENT.
I am in contact with middle-aged job seekers who are qualified and willing to work, but I am still having the hardest time convincing them that they have to tell the employer how they can improve their business, profits and/or bottom line. Yes, folks - money still speaks the loudest no matter what age you are. If you are 70 years old, but have a reputation and track record for growing businesses and making improvements, an employer will want you for as long as they can have you whether that is 1 year or 10.
A lifetime of experience does not have to mean you are “overqualified” and hence would require too much money to hire. One way to market yourself to a prospective employer is to explain that your variety of talents can save them money and a big way. PROFITS
Currently, many companies have downsized, leaving their remaining staff to expand their job roles. No longer does one person do one thing. You might find that the clerical person also does accounting, desktop publishing as well as HR. One person can save considerable amount of money by doing the jobs of two people instead of just one. The employer pays just one salary, instead of two or three salaries plus benefits.
Pride yourself on the fact that you have a world of experience and can become one of the company’s top performers, thus saving them both TIME and MONEY. Do the math. Present those numbers during your interview and show how much money the company can save if they hire you. Tell the interviewer that you can hit the ground running and that you are confident that with your wide range of experience you can make considerable progress for the company in a relatively short amount of time. Use your real life stories and past experiences to provide your proof. Most people find it easier to remember you by listening to your real stories, not reading résumés.
Another way older workers have an advantage over the young job seekers is that many older workers do not have to claim benefits from their employers because they are already receiving benefits. Use THAT as a bargaining tool the next time you are getting interviewed and show the company how they can save money if they hire you.
The job seekers I see reveal to me that they are tired of looking for work and tired of feeling rejected. Their self-esteem has hit rock bottom and they have a difficult time seeing their own worth and value. Some feel that they have worked their whole life and should not have to do a big sell to land a job. They tell me that they have paid their dues and it is humiliating to have to “beg” or “bargain” for a job. The fact is that the working world has changed and it is better if you accept that and get yourself back in the game, especially when you really do have so much to offer. Remember that an interviewer can see that you are depressed, frustrated or bitter and will not be excited about hiring you if this is what they sense. Employers are not charities and won’t hire you because they feel sorry for you. It’s an employers market right now and employers can have the pick of the lot.
It is not always the person who is most qualified who gets the job, but the person who is able to sell themselves most effectively.
Hello, I’m Mike and I’m 48 years OLD. I worked for a Furniture Company in the south for 18 years, they filed Ch 11 in 2005. I was lucky and got a job working for a computer company, worked there for 4 years and they moved production to Mexico. I have been going to college to get a Engineering Degree, I’m almost done with school. One thing I did not realize or gave it any thought, was my age. In the past month or so, i’ve had about 6 interveiws, and some have requested me to come back for a second interveiw, but no offers as of yet. I guess I look good on paper, but not in person. The idea of not hiring older workers is puzzeling, they see your age on your application, so why do they call you in for an interveiw? I’d rather receive the thanks but no thanks email. I have interveiwed for posistions i know i’m qualified for. I had one i interveiwed for had one position open, they filled it but they called me in for another interveiw. They had two more openings they did not post. In the first interveiw i was told i was in the top three. They hired someone else for the number two spot and reposted the third position, and never called me pertaining the second interveiw i did. I’m not giving up at this point, i guess i’ll end up in a covenient store. A person with an assosiates degree in engineering computer electronics internetworking and years of experience in management positions, talent and knowledge being wasted.
Hi,
I am recently unemployed. How as a senior do you cope with the stress of this situation.
Thanyou,
Gwen
Great article Mr. Burnard - I was struck with your statement, “Employers staffing based on age, gender, etc. are likely short sighted and compromising their competitive position”.
As an Independant looking to bring in additional team members to our online marketing organization, I am actually trying to reach out to active baby boomers and older professionals as many have fantastic sales skills, business connections and networks that many of us younger professionals do not!
Being a military brat also, I carry a deep respect for those who have already paved the way and see that as an opportunity to walk in the footprints of someone who is already successful - thus learning how to become as successful myself.
Our country is looking at a whole new frontier and I would rather learn and grow alonside others with solid business backgrounds, then to try to re-invent the wheel…
Tamara your comments regarding bringing value dedication bla bla bla doesn’t apply in today’s climates as most companies are heavily centralized in terms of utilizing the various software programs in generating the level of efficiency it takes to stay competitive. In other words the digital world and the streamlining of various business models have created an atmosphere in reducing the need for more experienced workers. Many companies don’t seem to realize their weaknesses as a result of these practices in moving away from a lot of the basic concepts that would compliment these new strategies but unless your in management you may as well be talking to the wall.
I was hired when I was 49 and laid off with half the staff at our location two years ago during the economy tank when I was 52. It was really quite impressive how hard the company worked to keep us all employed as long as they did in the construction biz. The company treated us lay-offs great so no complaints there.
For seven years I’ve had slowly increasing Parkinson’s symptoms. Wow, now try to get through an interview with a shaky hand. The questions just stop. No comments and no calls. As a former employer, I know labor law. It is easy to figure this out. Any breath of concern for age or health status by the interviewer and they know they are in deep doo-doo. So they say nothing, make no call backs. Silence is their only safe position.
Older and less healthy workers have even a bigger mark against them with mandated health insurance costs. A friend of mine who owns a large store said he and his wife pay 10K more each, per year, for their group health plan premiums. I said I have my own health insurance so wouldn’t I be a lower overhead employee. He pointed out that they want everyone in the group plan because that spreads the risk. And, they want that group to be as young and healthy as possible. That way the young majority funds the plan without making claims themselves. Sounds a lot like social security , eh?
The biggest drawback to Parkinson’s is that most people who don’t have it assume the worst. So I wonder sometimes if I should just announce that I have it and clear the air. I have not gotten up the courage to do this yet and would be interested in any feedback from an employer reading this as to wether that would be a good strategy or just be the end of the interview. I would hate to declare the Parkinson’s at the one interview that was going to get me a job offer and shoot myself in the foot.
As of now, I can only hope to start a business and hire myself.
I think old workers should be given chance to be hired. They have good history of experience in certain industries. It doesn’t mean that it is required to pay them much, but at least these workers can feel that they are in demand and do something good for society.
All the above comments have happened to me because I have been looking for work and have had three years of interviews. But here’s one I bet you haven’t thought of. Even in volunteer work they have age discrimination. I’ve applied to various volunteer places to work for free and I never hear from them. Now that’s true age discrimination. I’m 50+. Swim a mile and walk 8.
The companies that see this “silver tsunami” of the older worker moving back into the workforce and recognizing the great advantages of us are miles ahead of their competitors. I recently got a part time job in a Home Depot near my home in Oklahoma and I have been impressed with their attitude toward their older employees.
Seven Mistakes Job Hunters Older Than 50 Make
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=6751506&page=1#.T5g0mUb4HZV
I was hired by the company that I work for now when I was 52. So its not impossible. You just need to be in the right industry, and look for more conservative companies.
Also, as I get older I realize that as health insurance requirements change and costs increase, I might get pushed out when I get close to 60, so I’m reinventing myself with new skills…. also if you work as a contractor (hourly), they wont care so much about your age, since they aren’t planning to keep you long anyway, and you can jump from contract to contract.
Its time to get creative about how to stay employed. Don’t fight what is happening, just figure out how to work within the contraints that are out there.
Good luck to all, its not easy, but has it really ever been???
RE: Older workers
Why do older workers constantly tell you in a phone or personal interview that they have 30 to 40 years experience? It’s a BIG MISTAKE. Who cares what happened in the last 30 or 40 years? As a recruiter for a major industry, I’ve learned to stay alive in the US market you have to be young of heart and vibrant, and enthusiastic in your approach. The competition is BRUTAL for jobs these days. ( I myself am 63 year old ) I want to hear what the candidate has accomplihed in either sales advances or increases within the last 1 to 4 years. I want to hear about the savings the oprations manager has saved his plant in the last 1 to 5 years. I and the industry doesn’t give a tinkers damn about what you did or how you USED to do it 30 or 40 years ago! SO STOP IT. You got to change with the times or go find a rocking chair and retire. Or better yet, start your own business.
I can totally relate to the person who mentioned that it is always a 20 something who gets the job. This has happened to me over and over also. Although once in a great while I do see a person my age (near 50) get the job so that is something to be glad about.