Believe it, or not, job seekers are reporting age discriminationbeginning as early as the mid-thirties. By the time you reach your forties, you can be considered washed up in some industries. There are strategies you can use to help mitigate discrimination issues. There are also laws that prohibit employment discriminationbecause of age.
Age Discrimination Issues
In addition, to being considered "old," experienced candidates are some times considered more of an expense (higher salary, pension, benefits costs, etc.) than a younger applicant would be.
If you are middle-aged, or even younger, keep in mind that you are not alone: * Workers over 45 are unemployed longer than younger workers. * By 2018, the number of employees over 55 will reach 39 million, compared to 27 million in 2008. * More older workers are considering postponing retirement because of the down economy. * Research has found no relationship between age and job performance.
Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination happens when a job seeker or an employee is treated unfavorably because of his or her race, skin color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, or age. Here's information on age discrimination and other employment discrimination issues.
Age Discrimination and Job Search Options
What options are there for those potential employees considered "old" by hiring managers and companies? How can you address the perception that older workers are not as capable or as qualified as younger counterparts?
Job Search Tips for Older Workers
There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment. Here are tips for job searching and writing resumes and cover letters, specifically for older job seekers.
More Job Search Tips for Older Workers
Joyce Lain Kennedy's Resumes for Dummies provides resume writing tips for older workers: * On your resume