7 job search tips for older workersArticle By: Cynthia Ross Cravit
Even with a looming labour shortage, many older workers have difficulty finding a job.
If you listen to the experts, North America is facing a dire labour shortage. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, by 2011 there will be a workforce shortfall of more than 350,000 people in Canada alone, and many recruiters say the ‘talent crisis’ is already here. “There are now more people retiring out of the workforce than there are younger workers entering it,” says Sarah Welstead of Retired Worker, a website for retired people who want to work on a part-time or contract basis. “Employers who used to resist hiring older workers are now realizing that they represent a great source of highly skilled, experienced and flexible employees that they simply can't afford to overlook any more.” And with more boomers saying they either need or want to work past conventional retirement age, it seems a win-win situation. Yet age discrimination and negative stereotypes about older workers continue to exist. “According to our recent survey, 64 per cent of our job-seekers have experienced age discrimination in the workplace,” Welstead says. “Many employers are reluctant even to consider applicants aged 50+. In many ways, looking for a job after retirement is a lot like looking for your first real job right out of school: you have to work a little harder to get your foot in the door and tell employers why they should hire you.” Addressing age discrimination in the workplace 1. Update your appearance. If your clothing and hairstyle aren’t current, many employers will assume your skills are also out of date. If you haven't worked recently, you'll find offices more casual than they used to be. In most industries, the days of the power suit are long past. “You don't have to be a fashion plate or spend a lot of money: a pair of khakis and a couple of shirts from Gap can cost less than $100 and will ensure that employers aren't distracted by wondering whether you're too ‘old-fashioned’ for their company,” Welstead says. “And don’t forget to stay in shape!”
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