Experience Matters
Despite high unemployment, Americans 55 and older are having a surprising amount of success finding jobs, according to an analysis by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.
The study, which used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, found that the unemployment rate for older workers is 6.9 percent. That's the lowest of any age group, although it's very high for the 55-and-older demographic. The December 2009 rate of 7.2 percent was the highest unemployment for the group since records began in 1948.
Age discrimination claims are also near record levels, according to the analysis.
Yet, in what Challenger argues is evidence for the continuing importance of experience levels, employment among those 55 and older actually grew by 2.3 percent between March 2009 and March 2010. During that same period, employment among younger workers dropped. For those between 35 and 44, for example, the total number of people working fell by 3.3 percent.
The firm advises older job seekers to keep hiring managers' possible misconceptions in mind when they interview for a job. Especially when interviewing with a younger manager, Challenger said, older interviewees must show their knowledge without appearing to be a know-it-all, prove that they have recent, relevant experience and demonstrate their creativity and flexibility.
Click here for more information on the analysis.
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