Seniors are getting hit with a triple whammy: Older workers tend to have higher salaries and thus make tempting layoff targets, companies sometimes hesitate to hire someone they think might be overqualified or demand a very high salary, and more seniors are remaining in or coming back into the work force because their retirement savings have been depleted by the market meltdown of the past year.

As that happens, both older workers, and the people who could hire or retain them, should keep a few things in mind. Here’s the inside scoop.

What Older Workers Bring to the Table

Research and anecdotal evidence shows that a senior is as likely as anyone else — if not more so — to be a good catch for a business.

“Employers indicate that older workers possess the workplace qualities they’re looking for,” said Debra Russell, director of work force issues at AARP. “They come to work on time, they get the job done, they have a sense of loyalty and they have a higher level of engagement.”

Jean Twenge, a professor at San Diego State University and author of books on twentysomethings and narcissism, said older workers in general have a more work-focused attitude, are more willing to put in overtime and are better at taking criticism, among other things.

Older workers aren’t perfect, of course, but those testimonies counter the stereotypes that often pop up about older workers being less energetic or less technology-savvy.

“Don’t assume that because you’re looking at someone with gray hair, they won’t have the stamina to do the job,” Russell said. “If there are physical aspects to the job, let the individual self-select out.”

That doesn’t mean the stereotypes and averages play out with every person, of course — as is true with any group of people.

“You have to take a step away from [the stereotypes] and look at individual differences,” said Twenge. “It’s in everybody’s best interest to realize that there are exceptions to the average.”

One thing that could be a problem, particularly for small business, is health costs, noted Lewis Benavides, who serves on a work force diversity panel at the Society for Human Resource Management and is an associate vice president of human resources at Texas Women’s University.

Since very small businesses often have to get small-group or individual insurance where the costs are adjusted according to the specific people on the policy — unlike large-group plans where the costs are more even because the risks are spread out — they could see a rise in costs,” Benavides said.

Also, hiring managers should “be aware of any overt discrimination,” said Alexandra Levit, workplace expert and author of “They Don’t Teach Corporate in College.” “Make sure you have a legitimate reason for not hiring someone,” and it isn’t just an age issue.

But she added that she thinks that sort of hiring discrimination is on the decline.

“If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said there’s serious age discrimination,” Levit remarked. “That said, the marketplace is more competitive than it’s even been… The discrimination is maybe not as bad, but the outcome is not as good.”

Tips for Seniors Looking for a Job

Workplace experts have some advice for seniors who are in the hunt for work, or thinking about coming back into the work force.

First off, confidence and energy, which are always helpful in interviews, might be more important than ever for seniors.

“It’s important, particularly in this economy, to recognize that employers are looking for the best, the brightest and the most-skilled workers,” Russell of AARP said. “Older workers should not forget that they bring value to the workplace as well.”

“In your demeanor, act enthusiastic and excited, and that will come across,” Levit said.

Levit suggested taking age off the table to some extent — not by denying how old you are, of course, but by taking steps such as removing dates from resumes to make the resume functional rather than chronological. She also said it doesn’t hurt to take steps to look younger, such as by dyeing your hair.

And, all the other tips about interviewing for jobs still apply, such as finding out information about the company and being engaged during the interview.

“Showcase your enthusiasm for work, and how driven and motivated you are, so they’re more likely to believe you’re someone who’s there for the long term,” Levit said.

Courtesy Joanna Ossinger – FOXBusiness

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