(September 25, 2006)
A new "report" from Challenger, Gray and Christmas notices that "older workers"
have an easier time moving between jobs. Here are the key points:
The most compelling quality a job seeker can possess
in today's employment market apparently is to be over the age of 55, according
to newly revealed statistics. Older workers are in high demand. As a
result, the number of Americans working in their 50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s is
at a record high, according to a new analysis of federal employment data by
global outplacement consultancy
Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
However, it will become increasingly difficult for older job seekers to find
positions. The reason? It is not age discrimination, but fierce competition from
job-seeking baby boomers, 70 percent of whom plan to stay in the workplace
beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.
Unpublished Bureau of Labor Statistics data analyzed by Challenger show that
employers are indeed embracing older workers and job seekers. As of August, the
number of workers 55 and older reached 24.6 million, the highest level ever
recorded. About one-fourth of these older workers (5.2 million) were 65 and
older. That is a giant leap of 45 percent from 3,617,000 in August 1996 and just
below the record high of 5.4 million set in May.
The
number of older workers is not only growing, it is growing faster than any other
age group. The Challenger analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data found that
employment among workers 55 and older grew 10.5 percent between 2003 and 2005.
WHERE OLDER JOB SEEKERS
ARE MOST WELCOME
Health care
- This sector is
facing major labor shortages due to retirements, heavy turnover and a
decline in the number of people entering the field. Jobs are available in
most areas from home health care aides, who require a minimum amount of
training, through registered nurses, who require far more training.
Teaching
- Many school
districts are so desperate for teachers that they are finding alternative
and faster ways to certify interested candidates. Those who can apply their
career background in the classroom are particularly in demand.
Consulting
- Whether as an
independent contractor or as part of a consulting firm, older job seekers
can find ample opportunities to offer their experience and wisdom for a
price.
Retail
- As the
population ages, more and more retailers are finding that the demographic
makeup of their stores is changing. In order to appeal to an older customer
base, retailers will probably be hiring a growing number of seniors
-- as managers, sales associates, and marketing and merchandising
executives.
Customer
service/customer relations
- With complaints of poor customer service growing in volume
and frequency, more and more companies may look to older generations to make
improvements. Those in their 50s, 60s and 70s were raised in an era when the
customer was king (or queen) and therefore may have a better understanding
of how to deliver superior customer service.
Small
business - The
welcome mat is out at these firms for experienced workers, especially those
who have big-league corporate experience. They are viewed as being able to
suggest new and improved ways of doing things because of their large-company
backgrounds, and as being in a position to perform several different jobs.
Post Jobs - Search Resumes - Make a Better Hire, Faster
Give your job postings the exposure you need to reach the best candidates. Net-Temps' aggressive online advertising attracts the top candidates and your jobs are broadcast to a wider audience.
For 10 years Net-Temps has been providing online services exclusively to staffing companies. Our membership includes:
Reusable job slots - unlimited editing
Full resume bank access
Extensive job distribution network
… and many more features to simplify your online recruiting.