Age is nothing but another number in the job seeking game!
By StormStaff
It seems older job seekers are in limbo during the current economic and hiring landscape. Recent reports from the U.S. Labor Department earlier this month show that unemployment rates are lower for older workers than other age groups. However, that being said, the same report shows that it actually takes these individuals longer to find a new job than any other age group. What does it all mean for the older job seeker in today’s employment landscape?
Older, mature professionals are now job seekers for a number of reasons. Some older job seekers may get discouraged and lose confidence because of their age. However, if you are an older job seeker, stay positive! In today’s evolving job market, not only have the types of jobs out there changed, but so have the individuals who make up the current workforce. Remember that as seasoned professionals, older job seekers are great resources for any company, filled with loads of information and experience! » Read more: Laid Off After 40: Tips for More Experienced, Mature Job Seekers
If you attend networking meetings all you have to do is look around to visually see one of the largest demographic groups hurt in this recession – the over 40 crowd. We all know that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. Under the ADEA, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his/her age with respect to employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation and benefits. However when looking for a job these days it sure feels like age discrimination is alive and well. Whether it is truly is age discrimination or wage discrimination as some of us like to put it, the reality is the over 40 job seeker needs to actively combat being labeled as “old”.
