Many Older Workers are Opting to Stay in the Job Market

It’s been said that some things simply get better with age, whether it is a vintage car or a fine wine. The same can be said about today’s older workers and job applicants — many of whom are choosing to remain in the workforce far past what had formerly been the expected retirement age. More of these seasoned workers who opt to remain in the job market far longer today are making some interesting choices, whether it is taking on consulting roles or leaving their current title and industry behind entirely, according to the experts at leading career services company Lee Hecht Harrison.

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« It comes down to the basic premise that people today are healthier and are working longer than ever before, » says Rebecca Sohn, senior vice president and general manager of Lee Hecht Harrison’s Pittsburgh office. « Some older workers are choosing to remain in the job market, either due to financial necessity or simply the desire to remain active and utilize their experience. Many of them are choosing to leave a position to pursue a specific part of their former role that they enjoyed the most, even if that means leaving behind a prestigious title in order to focus on what they loved most about the job, such as sales or mentoring. »

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Age biases do still exist, although the question of age is becoming less of a factor in building a strong workforce. « Companies are beginning to realize that while younger, less experienced employees may initially seem more cost-effective, it is likely that they will change jobs more frequently in building their careers while older workers may stay with the company longer, » explains Sohn. « Therefore, the idea of stocking your workforce with younger employees may not be the best bet in terms of retention strategy. »

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It is imperative to understand what aspects of your skills and experience are marketable and differentiate you from other candidates, particularly ones with less experience, according to Sohn.

In this spirit, here are three tips for older workers in the job market:

Conduct extensive market research: Identify organizations that will view your experience and skills as relevant to their business equation.

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Network, network, network. Positions at upper levels are not as likely to be advertised, so networking is particularly important for the older professional in the job market. Volunteering in your community or joining a board of a local organization can provide the opportunity to meet your peers and showcase your skills and abilities.

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Focus on your accomplishments, not your age. You can turn around perceived hurdles regarding your age by demonstrating your vitality, experience and work ethic. Age is relative — you may be in better physical and emotional shape than younger workers, so focus on your strengths.

Source: Lee Hecht Harrison