Strategies for Older Workers to Market Themselves

Now is a great time to be looking for a job if you are an older worker. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, between 1977 and 2007, employment of workers 65 and over increased 101 percent, compared to a much smaller increase of 59 percent for total employment (16 and over). Employment of people 65 and over doubled while employment for everyone 16 and over increased by less than 60 percent. Employment of older workers has increased dramatically. This segment of the population continues to grow, and their talents with it. Older workers hold a multitude of talents, including managerial, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, construction, and more.

 So why are there so many older workers? A big portion of the aging workforce is returning to the labor force out of retirement or simply staying in for a longer duration. The common retirement age is mid-60s; however, some workers are opting to work well into their 70s, assuming health permits. It's not uncommon for a person in their late sixties to be employed.

More companies are valuing the experience, commitment, and skills older workers bring to the table. Some are disenchanted with Generation X and are eager to work with people who have the same values as they do. Whatever the case, older workers are entering the workforce in droves and companies are happy to have them.

Despite this, it's clear that there are obstacles to older workers getting jobs. The same Generation X that companies may be wary of are without a doubt highly talented. They come from disciplined backgrounds and great schools. They've grown up in an environment that is electric with technology and change. So besting the young generation is definitely no easy task. These workers don't care so much about money as they do job satisfaction and being challenged. So older workers need to strategize on ways they can remain competitive.

Companies all over America are clamoring to hire older workers. The key is finding which companies are best-suited for this workforce. AARP just released a survey of the top employers for workers over 50. West Virginia University, First Horizon National Corporation, and Scripps Health were among the top five companies lauded for their efforts.

Older workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the workforce. This highly talented population is made up of skilled tradesmen, craftsmen, laborers, managers, CEOs, human resource workers, manufacturers, administrators, healthcare workers, and much more.

There are several ways older workers can stand out. They can highlight their vast experience on their resume. Or they can tap into their connections and try to find someone who works at the company they would like to get a job at. This is one example of an advantage that older workers have. Or they can parlay their experience into another career, which is something older workers can do more easily than workers without a lot of experience.

Whatever the case, there are many ways more senior workers can maintain a competitive edge over their younger counterparts.

Why Companies Need to Start Hiring Older Workers

Over the years, employment of older workers has increased dramatically. This segment of the population continues to grow, and their talents with it. Older workers hold a multitude of talents, including managerial, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, construction, and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, between 1977 and 2007, employment of workers 65 and over increased 101 percent, compared to a much smaller increase of 59 percent for total employment (16 and over). Employment of people 65 and over doubled while employment for everyone 16 and over increased by less than 60 percent.

In addition, the number of employed men 65 and over rose 75 percent, but employment of women 65 and older increased by nearly twice as much, climbing 147 percent. While the number of employed people age 75 and over is relatively small (0.8 percent of the employed in 2007), this group had the most dramatic gain, increasing 172 percent between 1977 and 2007.

These numbers are attributed to the fact that a big portion of the aging workforce is returning to the labor force out of retirement or simply staying in for a longer duration. The common retirement age is mid-60s; however, some workers are opting to work well into their 70s, assuming health permits.

Employers cannot ignore such a large workforce, and it's clear they have not been. The labor force participation rate for older workers has been rising since the late 1990s. Companies value the skill, loyalty, and wisdom  older workers bring to the table.

But companies aren't hiring enough older workers. The BLS reported recently that as of last December, more than half of all unemployed workers 45 to 54 years old have been out of work for six months or more, and among unemployed 55-to-64-year-olds, close to 60 percent have been searching for work for more than six months.

Experts say that while older workers have been favorable skills, employers continue to favor hiring younger workers instead. The reasons for this are debatable. But it's clear that older workers perform better across the range of relevant performance indicators. They have better skills, especially interpersonal skills, better attendance, and are more conscientious.

Some say older workers cost more in terms of insurance premiums and higher wages. But the wages are actually controlled by the employer, and he can choose to simply present the offer and await a response. And it should be noted that while older workers might use more health care, they also have fewer covered dependents, so total employer costs may not be so different.

According to a blog on the New York Times, author Alicia Munnell states that the real reason employers seem to prefer younger candidates has to do with perceptions of supervisors who often worry about how manage older subordinates: "How can I supervise someone who has more experience than I have, how do I motivate them when they are less concerned about the carrot of promotions or the stick of being fired?"

Best Jobs For Older Workers

Many companies in America value the depth and breadth of knowledge older workers bring to the table. Older workers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the workforce.

This highly talented population is made up of skilled tradesmen, craftsmen, laborers, managers, CEOs, human resource workers, manufacturers, administrators, healthcare workers, and much more.

Companies all over America are clamoring to hire older workers. The key is finding which companies are best-suited for this workforce. AARP just released a survey of the top employers for workers over 50. West Virginia University, First Horizon National Corporation, and Scripps Health were among the top five companies lauded for their efforts.

When deciding which companies come out on top, AARP evaluates their hiring and recruiting policies; opportunities for training, education, and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling; health and pension benefits; and benefits for retirees.

Older workers seeking jobs should always consider these factors. For example, salary may not be the most important part of a job offer. Realistically, a good pension and healthcare benefits would be more appealing for the older worker.

CNN recently released a list of the best old worker jobs. An energy field auditor is a relatively new position that made the list, but one that's almost catching the eye of older workers because of its flexibility.

An energy field auditor helps homeowners cut their energy bills by checking the house for leaks and recommending improvements. Workers can set their own hours and appointments. A six-week certification is needed to be considered.

Another great job for older workers is an online content marketing writer. These content pros help companies manage their digital communication materials. The pay is high and the projected job growth is a healthy 13 percent.

An SEO specialist is another job worth considering if you're an older worker. SEO specialists help companies rank higher in Google's search results. They can work anywhere and create flexible hours.

A patient/health educator is also considered a top job for older workers. This career involves educating patients on how to stay well. They teach kids and adults alike the importance of nutrition and exercise.

An entry-level staff accountant is another great job to consider. These accountants work with management to analyze data for financial reports and keep track of a firm's books. While the salary is average, this job has one of the highest growth rates.

Fitness jobs were also on the list of great jobs for older workers. Yoga and pilates instructors, personal trainers, and fitness consultants are flexible jobs that allow older workers to not only stay healthy, but to make their own hours and help people get in shape.

Education jobs such as tutors and substitute teachers are other excellent options for older workers. Substitute teachers get paid daily, and there is rarely a lag in opportunities. Their job is to keep students on track with lessons while a teacher is absent. Tutors work with kids one-on-one and provide private instruction. They often work on weekends or after school during the week.