Tips for the 50-plus job seeker

Question:

I am 54 years old with 10 years experience in mental health and 13 years as a headhunter. When I was in the employment industry, I would send a younger job applicant for an interview. Now my karma has caught up with me. I could go on, but I will skip to the chase. To your knowledge, are there any effective employment/recruiting firms that deal exclusively with the 50 plus age group? And, do you have any thoughts about a firm/agency specializing in advocating and placing people in my age group? — Anon email, California

Dear “Anon”:

Yes, I’d say your karma caught up with you, and I do have comments, but first …

I would love to see private advocacy/placement groups develop throughout the country. In California, The State of California Employment Development Department, Senior Worker Advocate Office, is working for senior workers forty and over and to raise public awareness of the issues and problems that confront these workers. Certainly other states have similar programs. Just Google “Job placement for seniors – ‘your State”‘ and follow the information.

No matter where you live, AARP is working for you, and United Way has a division to assist older workers with job placement.

Now, why did you send the younger applicants first when you were a head-hunter? The answer is important to understand how the placement industry works. Employment agencies and headhunters work on behalf of the client-companies who pay the fees, so they send in the applicants that they feel have the greatest chance of getting hired. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just the system, and why it’s so important to know what you are ready to do for your next employer. It’s up to you to sell yourself and be your own advocate.

Consider the following:

– Experienced older workers are increasing in numbers, and are staying eligible for work for many more years that ever before.

– Older workers do not necessarily demand more money, but are generally worth more because of productivity.

– Older workers are reliable, have fewer on-the-job accidents, and do not necessarily increase group insurance rates.

– While younger workers are receiving much better educations, it’s hard to beat the old school work ethic.

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