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Do you know the 49 Benefits Of Hiring An Older Worker? You’ve heard, “the older you get, the wiser you are” and “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” These adages are catchy, but do any of them really hold true when it comes to older skilled workers who are looking for a new career?
Over the last 3 years, I have read thousands of comments, questions, and expletives from older workers who are frustrated in their job searches. Some of you are expressing your superior job attributes while others are complaining of unfair treatment by job recruiters and hiring managers as reasons for not getting choice jobs.
Are both of these reasons valid? Perhaps. But one guiding principle at Interns Over 40 has been to help older skilled workers achieve their own career greatness.
In doing so. it is necessary to dispel myths while reinforcing the benefits that make older workers a great catch in a sometimes difficult job market.
I want to thank all of our faithful audience of Job Seekers, Career Coaches, and Recruiters who are living this experience every day while you prepare yourself, or help others, for the next career assignment. I hope this list of “49 Benefits To Hiring An Older Skilled Worker” becomes a valuable part of your toolbox as you continue to pursue your ideal career. Share it, Print it and Keep it nearby as a refresher.
With our working lives expanding into our 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s, perhaps this list will, in a small way, help you feel confident about the depth and value of your work and life experience. Remember sooner or later everyone will get older or …
Note:For those who are ranking-oriented, this list is NOT intended to indicate importance. Happy Job Search.
49 Benefits Of Hiring An Older Skilled Worker
- Wisdom and Intelligence
- Maturity to make sound decisions
- Ability to assume responsibility sooner because less training is required.
- Ability to assess, identify and act upon situations with colleagues, customers better because of knowledge from experience in life and work. Not learned in classroom
- Make good mentors and coaches in their fields of experience
- You do not lose 2 hours of productivity time per day for texting
- Less arrogant
- Valuable long-term relationships and industry contacts built over the years
- Can provide objective advice to younger managers because he/she isn’t trying to climb the corporate ladder
- Less DRAMA
- Understands the value of “Teamwork” and can work as an individual as well.
- Real arguments instead of duhh-reactions.
- Usually able to “make do” when necessary – cobble something good out of odd and unmatched parts. Think school pageant costumes on a moments notice.
- Older workers are able to speak and write in complete sentences, with correct English. This is helpful in writing and speaking with customers, as well as internal reports.
- Less expensive car insurance.
- Able to advise younger manager without threatening his/her position.
- Given previous experience, better able to separate wheat from chaff; what is critical and what is not.
- [Hopefully] thinks before commenting, thereby providing a calming influence, easing workplace stress.
- Experience, experience, experience… nothing beats experience! Not only in our professional field, but in personal relationships, dealing with all types of personalities we’ve interacted with throughout our careers.
- Not afraid to roll up your sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done
- Older workers, or at least this one, are less likely to take a job that they will absolutely hate, therefore, increases the likelihood they will remain in the position. Worker loyalty is not dead, it is simply better seasoned.
- A more experienced employee understands with greater depth and clarity the true risks and rewards that accompany certain tactics and strategies, with a lower risk of repeating the negative aspects of history.
- Experienced employees also know how to navigate an organization and gain traction for the most valuable and rewarding ideas in a diplomatic manner so as to gain support in a positive way. It is hard to teach these skills. They must be learned on the job.
- Less maintenance for their manager
- The ability to take constructive criticism constructively without the drama.
- The ability from life experience and travels to relate to different cultures and accept others of different background and beliefs.
- We are progressive – blending new technology with life wisdom
- Minimal learning curve.
- The older — mature — employees avoid office politics, which can be a time-wasting energy drainer in the dynamics of any office.
- Mature workers also accept a job with the intent of staying with it, as opposed to too many younger workers today who treat it like a marriage (“If I don’t like it I’ll quit.”)
- The value of the law of the harvest that includes, seeding, nurturing, cultivating, protecting and finally harvesting and storage for the future and new crops. This law applies to any industry, organization and job. The seasoned worker will know how to make each step work. The new worker still needs the mentoring.
- Knowing the value of learning from past mistakes, and assimilating that into future work decisions.
- Having the ability to see the short and long-term effects of various decisions
- Appreciate the fact that EVERY interaction I have with anyone can lead to a possible connection, job, assistance, etc., later.
- The ability to develop lasting collaborative relationships with all levels at an organization.
- Older employees have a greater value of time and know how to prioritize tasks.
- We are not distracted by the bar, or the nightclub, or the latest romance gone wrong.
- We consider our work a duty and of prime importance in our life, we understand the meaning of loyalty, good ethical behavior comes naturally, we have a sense of duty.
- Young people are still looking for the best opportunity, whereas older workers understand by a certain age ‘you should have a lot more focus on keeping to a reasonable standard of living
- Have seen the ups and downs of markets
- They have already learned how to manage stress.
- Are willing to stay on task or at the jobsite until the work is done. Determined.
- Understand a responsible work ethic and appreciate continual learning opportunities as a way to add to skills.
- Older workers know their areas of expertise and are confident in them.
- Older workers are not as likely to job-hop or job-shop.
- Arrives on time and usually before starting time; Leaves after quitting time; Spends less time watching the clock
- Have lower Health Care costs.
- Technical issues are not intimidating – we have learned how to dig into the problems and find meaningful long-term solutions.
- We know when to compromise and when to push. We have learned the techniques needed to find balance in tough situations.
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I 49 with a disability and want to work
Will u still pay me, will you still hire me when I’m 64?
Very nice and worthy sharing. Thanks.
Rizwan S.
This is most interesting and a good eye opener for showcasing why you should be a preferred candidate over younger candidates.
I believe that most us 50 years old women, we not just straggling with egad discrimination but also with disability, divorce as well as financially running because of the lack of a part time job. Despite the pain we want to be out there be part of something and work provided that, remember in America we’re what we do and wen the job is not there anymore is difficult
You cannot beat education with hands-on direct experiences.
Does anyone know of someone who has tried to fake their age to appear younger than they actually are and if so are there any tips for doing this?
A fabulous article!
Have lower Health Care costs point 47….Stick to old ways of doing….lack of initiations to do new things….Distraction by the personal responsibilities….and other few points.
but finally “OLD IS GOLD”
I got hired the new job in my age 56’s, At ALASKA for this summer from Black Diamond Resort.
Surprising me, Luckily I am. >>> ” AGES do not count, THE SPIRIT is “.
Age discrimination is painfully real. I am having a great deal of difficulty finding a position in my own field. The knowledge, experience and wisdom don’t seem to matter.
Older workers can also be more flexible in their employment model. There are opportunities in smaller companies for interim or fractional employment where the experience and maturity can help older workers make valuable contributions to these businesses. In larger organizations, interim work could be a special project or subbing for someone on maternity leave. The abiiity to adapt to a new organization and to be able to contribute quickly can be real assets.
I really look younger than 51. I can’t change anything and there is nothing I can do. Because I am petite and because of genes, people always say you look cute in your dress. Lot of people wouldn’t believe me when I told them my age. when I was in my mid 20s,relatives whom I see at functions asked if I was the youngest, and I told them I still have 2 younger sisters.
very important true information
I like this. At 52 I thought too old to look for a job. However, I am seeking to be self employed as a contractor and already looking for contracts. But as a beginner it is difficult to win contracts. How do I begin?
The folks in the hiring loop are afraid we older workers will supplant them in their jobs. Companies do not practice “the Equal EEO” bullshit they preach. They are only doing the CYA thing so they lessen the chance of being sued. The list of 49 hits the nail on the head. Bill
all what has been said is very true!
Some of the items on the list seem to be stereotyping younger workers. A few examples are “Real arguments instead of duhh-reactions” “You do not lose 2 hours of productivity time per day for texting” “Less arrogant” are just a few. Also how do older workers “Have lower Health Care costs”? Not all younger workers text all day, are arrogant, like to club hop party etc…
I have been searching for a job for almost 3 years. Most of that time was in a rural, upstate NY community. I have recently relocated back to the Jacksonville, FL area in hopes of finding a new position. I am completing my B/S in Business, Management and Economics online. I have had some interviews with little or no feedback, I really would love to know why wasn’t chosen when my skills fit the job description. I will soon run out of money! I am scared of what the future will hold if I cannot find employment soon. I am 54 years old and have to live with one of my adult sons. I am flexible, smart, educated, and I have 20+ years of job experience.
Since I am turning 73 shortly I find it a bit disconcerting that many of these age discrimination comments are from people in their early 50s.
I was working full time in a Senior management position until the end of 2014 when I resigned for several reasons, including the cost of a weekly commute and maintaining two households. The guy I worked for I had known for 20 years. He knew my age and knew me well so that helped get the job (at 71) in the first place. I was hoping to replace the job with a part time Consulting arrangement but unfortunately that did not last.
I have a lot of education and experience and a good reputation. I also look younger than my age to a degree and remain fairly current in my knowledge and my skills for the most part. But there is no question I am not as sharp and capable as I once was, though like most I don’t personally feel old or dated. And I have to admit when I was younger I had a bit of a bias toward those much older than myself. So it shouldn’t be too surprising that those of us who are older are encountering it from younger people now.
There are many real or imagined issues with older employees, including not being current in technology skills, salary expectations that are no longer realistic, health and fitness concerns, being set in ones ways or challenging to manage, etc. With very young supervisors they may view it as uncomfortable to be the boss to someone who is old enough to be their father or mother, and with whom there was a lot of conflict.
But as is pointed out here, there are many good reasons to consider older workers in general, and older individuals in particular. What one hopes for is to be judged according to one’s abilities and accomplishments and not be stereotyped and dismissed out of hand.
Though I don’t have to work I want to for many reasons. It just may require developing a whole new approach and definition of working. And let’s face it, at any age getting a new job has always been a challenge and requires the ability to accept rejection without giving up.
NEVER TO OLD BY PLANING YOUR LIVE LOTS OF SOUTH AFRICAN NEVER PLAN I;M IN THE CONSTRUCTION FIELD FOR MORE THEM 40 YEARS THANKS.
And these same employers complain, if we could just get these “young people” to show up? Well, hire and older, responsible, dedicated, loyal person, Mr. Employer!
I have been job searching for several months. Altho, I currently have a full-time position of 13 years, I want to relocate to begin a new life. My husband passed away five years ago after 29 years of marriage. I’ve met someone and we plan to spend our remaining years together. I cannot walk away from my current position without having employment to to to. I still have six – seven years of employment before retirement. So, where do I go from here?
Couple positive things to add here.
I’m 66 and have been working in technology for 40 years. Last week I had a meeting with our divisional president. When the conversation turned to why technology has such a high turnover, he commented he was pleased to have an older worker in the group he could depend on. Some of the reasons were mentioned above but we agreed in several others.
In my field most of the workers are in their 30s and could leave for another job with 2 weeks notice. I on the other hand when I decide to leave (retire) can give them several months notice and even then work part time to train my replacement.
Unlike my younger co-workers, I worry less about my job, my future, issues at home, etc.
I take less sick time than anyone else. No kids at home requiring sick time to care for them or catch colds from.
My vacation time is more flexible because they don’t have to be scheduled around school vacations.
My finances are more stable. The kids are no longer dependent on my finances. They are out of the house, employed, married, and with kids of their own.
I am also less likely to cheat on my wife, forcing her to divorce me and taking all our money. (This one was added by our president who has been divorced twice)
I am able to work late if necessary and come in at an odd hour. Without kids to worry about and a wife who after 40 years is use to this, I have less constraints then the younger workers.
Finally, There is an advantage to being a older dog that isn’t eager just to learn new tricks all the time. I’m the one that asks; ” what does it do for the company, will it work, and what is the real cost”.
The list is right to the point. As far as not all young people text while working; I haven’t worked anywhere where I haven’t seen that. Every place I worked they take many rest room breaks and just talk, gab and text.
I am 57 yrs. old with a MBA, and Events Management Certification and can’t find permanent work. I have even looked outside my field and the only thing I can find is an as needed Events Promoter position. I go I grocery stores and the clerk and bagger are talking taking forever while I wait patiently to be rung up and get out to go on to my next task.
I have 65 years old have BSc Mechanical Engineering working as project manager looking for a job even descipline mechanical engineer field such as piping or pumps.
Regards,
This is most interesting and encouraging. That means I could still be hired now at 59.
Of course the knowledge and skill acquired over the years before retiring in May remain
unbeaten
58 years old mechanical engineering technical sales representative looking for a job in South Africa
I am 59 and in one year I could -if I wanted- retire… I dread retiring, I would like to work until the end of my days… have been applying and was told by a recruiter that I am not even 45 or 50.. and when I was 50 I wasn’t hired either. I am never given my age.. some girls think I am in my late thirties or early 40’s..but what counts is the number of years you have .. I exult energy but not even all that helps me to find a new job. I don’t know if all the above is true. In Argentina health costs are more expensive for older people.
This is very true information and an eye opener to the interview question, why should we hire you. I have liked everything a thousand times. I was afraid that i will not be hired anymore with my 37 years
I am 58years old with common sense better then any youth today;.
How does a very experienced individual combat the “you probably want to much money even when you know the younger workers are making much more and you’d actually work as hard with better results for much less.
Am totally free — need to be active — out with people. Been doing some volunteer work. Maybe a part time job!
hello i have been trying to get a job as well as my husband i,m 67 my husband 66 we have been finding hard to get jobs we both want to work we had to give up work on medical grounds because we were so bad but now we are better and would love to get work my husband is looking for driving jobs i,m looking for admin clerical like filing faxing etc;
It would be nice if I did not live in Portugal (Europe), because around here do not even call for an interview and with no interview it is impossible to be hired. If you could solve this problem tell me. When they eventually call (the average is 1 interview for every 500 applications) respond whenever we have something more beyond the age, to much qualifications
Watched your video on ICON14 today..great job
Stuart Crawford
IT Services Marketing Expert
Ulistic LP
The confusion and chaos and confusion and suspicion and mistrust and conflict that results in every conflict is the struggle to understand and incomprehensible, philosophy and all efforts are gathering now at the threshold of human understanding and understanding of the resulting understanding of the authority.
Thank, Sorry for the long delay in responding. Glad someone still sees it. Have a good day. Bobby
most of the youth are under paid at there respective job places. and developing themselves has become hard, what best advise can u give on that?
and how do we help them out of that?
what matters to get good job , is it the papers or the experience? am senior electrical technician and have worked in the power generating plants for 7 yrs but still am under paid,b’se of that am un able to further my education, i feel like departing the job, how do u friends help out of that situation?
i can do most of the electrical works, i have advanced certificate in electrical installation.
please help me out.
Agreed.
Barend
I’m 57.in a very good physical health condition. looking urgently for work/job.
Please,thanks
what matters to get good job , is it the papers or the experience? am senior rig manager / tool pusher and have worked at oil well rig 27 yrs.
Where the AGE DISCRIMINATION IS AT ITS PEAK and rampantly continuing, I appreciate and Thanks very much for making the old age difficulties in getting a job, a topic of discussion.
As a person, who, in spite of having a “perfect sound health” and an extra ordinary “Work history”, not getting a job since last 4.5 years. In few cases, everything, it so happened, that my appointment package etc. were all finalized and then I was told that, “due to your age we can’t hire you”.
It gives me too much of pain, that, just because I crossed sixty, all my merits have gone “zero”. I didn’t leave my efforts and apply with full hope every time when I see a job posting where I fully comply or exceed to the employer’s “Job specification” that since I meet & exceed all the job requirement, that this time the employer shall definitely give regard to my merits, but, at the end “no reply”.
This is an extremely bad sort of “Discrimination” going unabatedly on, which DOESN’T CARRY ANY JUSTIFICATION AT ALL. Those who are making such decisions, have forgotten this sheer fact, that, they are also going to reach to this age and to suffer the same excess & pain, at one time.
I still am keeping the hope, that someone might be kind enough to give regard to this raging brutal act, and we sufferers of the “age discrimination” also get justice.
Nice article! Can’t agree more on the benefits.