Ok, I have a tip for anyone else who is doing Blogging-Dueling topics is time consuming, lol.
That said, I received the following comment to the "Why we don't do what we love" article on my OTHER career blog, and decided to answer it here as well.
I agree you make a good arguement for the older worker having advantages, life experience, mature judgement, functional skills that relate to a myriad of jobs, along with dependablity, a strong work ethic, and loyalty to an employer. But the mature worker also has to have the desire and willingness to embrace change and accept the prospect of being the “underling” among workers half their age. Even with all the advantages a mature worker brings to the job market, it means nothing if they are not able to convey those traits to an employer and break negative myths that abound regarding older workers.
And yes, I know there is supposed to be equal opportunities for employment across all genders, races, creeds, and disabilities, however employment discrimination towards the mature worker is still in practice daily. Even towards the most qualified, competent worker. Could you address this concern and offer advice to the mature worker on combatting this issue?
Well, first of all, thanks for the comment. You have made a good case yourself, particularly with the comments regarding the attitude of the more mature worker. I think you are exactly right in that they will need to be open minded and flexible, and to be willing to embrace change.
I suppose that I would add that the mature worker needs to keep their skills up to date. That means general skills such as computer usage as well as skills that are specific to their particular career. Imagine if an older worker tells a colleague or customer that they will FAX over the proposal-when the receiver needs the email in an Excel, Word or .PDF file so that they can review, comment, and forward in an email to their supervisor. "Uh, you're sending a fax? Ok, I think I saw one of those around here somewhere. Let me look for the fax number and maybe get back to you..."
Also, realize that some companies recognize the value of the older worker and actively recruit them. But how do you find these companies? www.retiredbrains.com is NOT a site sponsored by older zombies. Rather it is a job search board similar to www.monster.com (another potential resource). Further, the AARP annually give awards to their top national companies. The 2008 list can be found at http://www.aarp.org/money/work/best_employers/Best_Employer_Winners Finally, a good resource that has existed for a while is www.seniorjobbank.org
Further, if the career goal, skills, and whatnot align, the older worker can consider working for a non-profit organization. In my experience, non-profits tend to be more open to the workers at either end of the age spectrum. What I mean is that they do tend to have many entry level, younger workers as well as being tolerant and appreciative of the older worker. The presence of a younger workforce at these non-profits may create a valuable role for the mature, experienced and (sometmes) calmer older worker.
Additionally, I think that the older worker needs to be aware of some of the myths and misperceptions that do exist, and should be proactive. For example, they may want to tailor their resume and marketing approach to a more functional style, as opposed to the one that proudly touts their time working with Harry S. Truman.
They should examine what their (purported) wisdom and experience brings them IN RELATION TO THE NEEDS OF THE POTENTIAL EMPLOYER. Career Counseling is much more an art than a science, and I fall into the camp that it is okay to choose an appropriate spot in the "hiring dance" to lay an issue on the table.
Let's use a non-profit as an example. Say an older worker is competing for an entry-level job at an agency that helps low income families. The turnover rate at such an agency is traditionally extremely high. I think that if the approach, timing, and style are good, it is okay to say "I see that you have a lot of workers around here who are younger than I am. Is your turnover rate increased because some workers return to college, quit to raise families, or are making career jumps?"
And to wrap up my tips for job seeking for the older worker, many senior centers offer skills classes and seminars on how to job hunt. Oh, and also, that older worker needs to remember to use the VERY BEST job seeking tool-their network. Assuming their friends have not all expired or retired to Florida, they should have an extensive social and professional network that will serve them well, if they just market and schmooze a bit.
Thanks again,
Enjoy
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