Community Employment Resource Centre

The Mature Job-Seeker

taken in part from Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development

There are a variety of myths associated with the older worker. Do you believe that:

• Employees over 50 are less productive?
• Older workers miss work a lot due to illness?
• Older workers have outdated work methods and skills?
• Older workers are more likely to leave for another job?
• Advanced age means one’s ability to learn declines?
• Older workers are more proned to accidents?
• People over 50 are primarily interested in slowing down?

If you do, you’re wrong. Research shows that:

• Most workers in their fifties and sixties are more conscientious and work harder than younger workers - there's a definite higher level of commitment and lack of absenteeism that comes as a result of many years of juggling work, family and community responsibilities
• Mature workers are multi-skilled from experience and have creative solutions to problems
• Accident records indicate older workers have fewer accidents
• Older workers’ employment records are more stable
• Older women change jobs 88% less than younger women

The twenty-first century will see the number of young workers continue to decline, meanwhile with advancing healthcare and more people living past the age of 100, older workers will continue to make up more of the workforce.

If you are over 45 and seeking employment, your job search process should be much the same as everyone else’s, with one exception: Many job seekers in this age group find it difficult to convince themselves that they are skilled, especially if they have been out of the work force for a number of years. Therefore, you may have to work harder at defining your skill set, assessing what you have to offer, and promoting yourself. Take the stay-at-home parent for example, who has been home with their family and managed their household for the last 10 years. This population often underestimates their skills and abilities. However, consider that some of the top skills sought in the workplace include:

• time management
• money management
• innovation
• creativity
• interpersonal skills
• organizational abilities

All of these skills are key when managing a household and family. Consider all of the examples of when you have demonstrated these skills! These all translate into legitimate workplace skills. Sometimes, a job-seeker’s worst enemy is their own thought process about what they can’t do. Consider visiting an employment resource centre like CERC in Cobourg and Port Hope to get assistance in outlining and assessing your employability and workplace skills.

Another tip is to be aware of your appearance. Employers want to hire energetic and fit employees who can offer the most to their workplace. Consider making sure your wardrobe and appearance are up-to-date, as well as making sure you are healthy and have the energy the workplace is requiring. The employer wants to know you are going to make a great impression when you meet clients. Don’t be afraid to seek feed back from your friends to make sure your look is modern and professional, but also respectful of your age and experience level.

So, take comfort in knowing that the mature job-seeker has much to offer employers. They have life experience, may have a better-defined niche, and offer a more committed and consistent work experience to the employer. Likely, your biggest obstacle is your lack of confidence in your abilities – don’t sell yourself short! Get some help assessing your interests and abilities and start promoting your biggest asset – your experience!