50+ Lifestyles

Advice for Older Job Seekers

By Mike Mathews
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

For some, retirement cannot come soon enough. Many workers count the days until they can punch out one last time and exit the workforce for good. However, this is not the case for all. For many, work provides enjoyment, purpose, and financial stability.

According to the US Census Bureau, over the past 20 years, the share of Americans working in their 70’s has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15%. This study points to Americans living longer, healthier lives, and to a changing landscape of retirement benefits and pensions. This shift has led to more Americans not only staying at their current jobs but as discovered locally, seeking out new employment.

Unfortunately, for this group of lifelong workers, permanent retirement can come earlier than expected or desired. According to Adrian Blackwell, Employment Specialist at Milestones Area Agency on Aging, many seniors who wish to continue working have difficulty finding employment. He points to a technology gap and ageism as primary factors.

“Approximately one-third of adults age 60 and older say they’ve never used the internet, and half do not have internet access at home,” said Blackwell. “The majority of businesses, including retail, utilize computers.”

Even in cases where an older employment seeker is comfortable with technology, ageism, discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, can be another difficult obstacle as noted by Blackwell.

“Employers often have negative perceptions of older adults. Age discrimination persists even though older workers are not necessarily less healthy, less educated, less skillful, or less productive than their younger coworkers.”

However, Blackwell encourages older job seekers to not give up hope and offers advice for a job search.

“I would tell seniors who wish to re-enter the workforce to be open-minded and retool their skills. Look and investigate what
particular desirable skills the employer is seeking and take advantage of free work readiness classes through your local Workforce Development office,” said Blackwell.

“Ensure that you are up to date on the latest technology for the job at hand. See what classes are available through your local academic institution or Workforce Development to ensure you have the proper training and skills to complete the task at hand. Also, talk to individuals who are in the field you wish to work in. See what types of skills you may need and what it takes to work in that particular field.”

The Milestones Employment Specialist encourages older adults to take advantage of free computer classes through Iowa Workforce Development and local public libraries. At times, due to the nature of the employment goal, referrals are made to local academic institutions so individuals can take structured computer classes to help gain the skills needed to obtain and keep the job. Above all, do not get discouraged, BE the best candidate, and persist.