OLDER WORKERS

"Uncle" Jim:

It seems that it's difficult for an "over 50" person to land a job today, that is, a job which pays that person what he or she is truly worth. Why are so many companies trying to short-change people? Any job hunting advice you might be able to share on your show on Jukebox Radio?

I'll be listening!

Bob Brady
Waldwick, NJ
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It is difficult for many reasons:

High Insurance Premiums: Older people, especially those with existing conditions or a recent history of medical expenses, can cost a company 7-8-900 dollars or more per month. This is part of the employee's "package."

There is also a concern about ability and dependability. Can the older employee handle the stress, or will he call in sick because he is tired?

High salary expectations: We all like to think that our current salary is just a rung on the ladder to a higher pay level. This is not always the case. Companies give annual increases to hold workers with proven track records. But at some point reality sets in. The older employee often costs two or three times the compensation required for a younger worker. Maybe one young worker can not replace an experienced old hand, but two or three eager beavers -- something for employers to think about.

Sometimes younger employers do not realize the value of the experience of the older worker. They may not relate to the previous generation. They may not want to have a father figure around.

Will the old dog be willing to learn new tricks? Some older applicants are not as trainable as those chomping at the bit for a chance to prove themselves. Some entry-level applicants wisely consider the training and experience of a strong company a part of their compensation and a handsome addition to their resume.

Positives for the older worker;

Many have well-rounded educations, plus experience and ethics not common in many of today's younger people.

Family roots, economic confinements, or location comfort may keep the older employee in the area. With young mobile people, 5 to 10 years is a long time in one house or area.

Older workers quickly realize that employment does not come easy after fifty. They are not used to being unemployed and find it emotionally unsettling. They tend to appreciate a new job opportunity and can often be bought at a bargain price.

Fight the tendency to take the first thing that comes along. Don't "sell" yourself too cheaply. You will be wondering about changing jobs again if something better comes along. [See other posts regarding when to change employers.]

Older employers often have had only one job in their life. Is loyalty worth nothing?

Rules for seeking a new job:

Be sure you are applying for a position you can fill. If you want to command a salary, enumerate credentials, show expertise in your field, state your particular job skill or classification.

Prepare a strong resume. Use a service if necessary.

Employment agencies and headhunters can be helpful, especially for higher paid positions.

Be appearance conscious - when in doubt look like the interviewer. This is no time to wear a suit from your mohair collection. Younger people violate this guideline with a dozen earrings, six body piercings and a collage of tattoos. A neat, clean, appropriate appearance can make the difference.

Job skills including basic math, communication, and computer literacy are a must. Compatibility with co-workers is an often-overlooked positive.

Any recently completed training shows an ability to learn.

Flexibility in assignments helps your marketability but don't take on something you cannot handle. If your resume states experience, be able to prove it.

You ask, "Why are so many companies trying to short-change people?"
[Thinking Tool: "Fairness is in the mind of the recipient." The employer and employee have opposite perspectives.]

They aren't! They are simply marching to the market. They are trying to fill a position at the lowest cost.

Who is to say what a person is truly worth?

There is no independent authority that weighs youth against experience, decades of experience against youthful ambition. The market has the final word.

For the older employment seeker:

Memorize your strong points and present them as part of your resume and interview.
Don't dwell on your weaknesses but do not lie about your abilities.

The thinking zone provides proof that the market is not trying to short change anyone. Uncle Jim provides a non-vulgar, low commercial density, decades of experience radio show that teaches the thinking process. Sponsors are not beating down the door to advertise on the show.

Is that because they want to short change Uncle Jim? No. The show has to prove itself in the market place. If it does, the market will respond.


Recap:
Have reasonable expectations about your worth in today's market.
Focus your resume and interviews on your strong points.
When confronted with objections or challenges, stress your ability to learn and adjust.
Make a great personal appearance, don't smoke, fidget, bite nails, or engage in any other inappropriate nervous behavior.
While you out of work: exercise, eat healthfully, drop unflattering pounds and pay attention to personal grooming. Look good! Like it or not, fair or not - looks are a factor.
Keep a pleasant demeanor. Even if you are lacking in some areas -- win the style points. "Likeability" does not show well on a resume but shines in an interview.