Four Myths About Older Job Seekers

How the Aging Workforce Gets a Bad Rap and What They Can Do About It

Jun 5, 2009

Older job seekers are sometimes considered overqualified or too expensive to hire. Here are three myths along with some job search advice.

Why when someone mentions “aging workforce” or “baby boomers” or the “graying of America” does it seem as if everyone within earshot pictures infirm little old grandmothers and grandfathers who can barely get themselves out of bed in the morning?

The fact is that many “older Americans,” those past the age of 50, are vital and healthy and eager to work. It’s a matter of convincing employers (and younger employees) as well as dispelling these four myths.

Older Job Seekers are Less Productive than Younger Workers

According to research, in nearly every study conducted on the subject, the greatest variations in productivity were found within the individual age groups themselves not between the different age groups. This more than likely indicates that productivity is purely based on the individual, not their age.

Sure, it may seem like younger people are more productive, perhaps because they often move quickly. However, many believe that all this does is increase their chance for error.

Older Job Seekers are a Bad Investment Because They are Near Retirement

There are a couple of schools of thought with regard to aging and retirement. First, because of improvements in health care, many people are living longer, healthier lives and choosing to work longer.

Second, the fact that younger workers may have more years to give does not necessarily mean they will give them all to one company. Statistics have frequently cited that those under 30 change jobs every two to three years, while those over 40 stay six or more years. In fact, 2006 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that workers aged 55 to 64 have been with their current employers a median of 9.3 years, while workers ages 25 to 34 have a median tenure of only 2.9 years.

Additional reasons why older workers are a good investment are because they are open to training opportunities; have a wide breadth of knowledge, in some cases including institutional knowledge and special expertise; and bring a life time of values.

Older Job Seekers are a Big Burden and More Costly to the Bottom Line

Sure it’s true that older workers may have health problems that younger workers have yet to face. And while statistics show they don't tend to have more claims then their younger counterparts, when they are sick or injured they may take longer to heal. However, experts suggest that an enlightened awareness about good health and healthy lifestyle trends tends to make older workers healthier then generations before.

Add to this the fact that older workers typically are more punctual and have better attendance, lower turnover as well as better work habits, and employers should be clamoring to hire older workers.

Older Job Seekers are Overqualified and Overpriced

These are broad assumptions that are not always true. In fact, many older workers are looking to change careers and are seeking opportunities outside their primary field, so they naturally expect there will be a need to compromise on a variety of things including salary.

In addition, because of today's economy there are well-qualified older workers out there who bring skill sets that employers may find useful into the future, when business picks up one to two years from now, so bringing them on board now means they will be up to speed when it counts.

How Older Job Seekers Can Make Themselves More Attractive to Employers

Preparing a resume and practicing interview techniques are the same for job seekers regardless of age. However, older workers might want to consider these five additional tips.

The fact is that workers have different life and work experiences and bring their own particular skills and abilities to every job they undertake. So when employers are looking to fill a vacancy, it should be about finding the best person to do the job – regardless of age.

The copyright of the article Four Myths About Older Job Seekers in Job Search is owned by Deborah S. Hildebrand. Permission to republish Four Myths About Older Job Seekers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.