Posted by Brian McCullough
Interesting article in the New York Times regarding retiree job seekers and the special job search problems facing retirees and those over the age of 65.
…In fact, there are more Americans 65 and older in the job market today than at any time in history, 6.6 million, compared with 4.1 million in 2001.
Less well known, though, is that nearly half a million workers 65 and older want to work but cannot find a job — more than five times the level early this decade and this group’s highest unemployment level since the Great Depression.
(…)
The unemployment rate for older Americans is still much better than for others — 6.7 percent compared with 9.8 percent in the general population. But 6.7 percent is more than double the level of two years ago — and far higher than the minuscule 1.9 percent rate early this decade.
My main job search/interview tip from this article for retiree job seekers is as follows:
Older job seekers should try hard to maintain their professionalism. Even if the person interviewing you is young enough to be your grandson, you should still maintain the “yes sir/no sir” dynamic. You are the applicant and they are the decision maker. You might benefit by highlighting your years of experience and the vast knowledge you might bring to the position, but it’s wise not to come off as a know-it-all.
The job is not beneath you because of your age or experience. Neither is the person who might give you the job.
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