You're hired: Job hunting tips for older adults

Many senior adults find themselves in need of employment, whether it's a part-time job to keep busy after retirement, or a full-time job to supplement their income.

TBY asked local experts to share their tips and strategies for job hunting as an older adult -- including how to position yourself to beat out the younger competition.

"Job hunting today is quite different from in years past," says Connie Mahathath, branch manager at TalentForce Staffing in Cape Girardeau. "Companies today primarily advertise through multiple online job boards, social media, staffing firms, employee referrals and by word-of-mouth."

Brushing up on technology skills can help senior adults secure a job.

"(The older adult) may not have worked in awhile and some of their skills may be outdated," says Frank Crow, regional director of Preferred Employment Services in Cape Girardeau. "They might need to take a refresher computer course."

Smiling woman watering plants at greenhouse

Some employers prefer hiring older adults.

"Many businesses that I deal with employ a lot of retired folks," says Tarolyn Johnson, staffing specialist at Manpower Inc. in Cape Girardeau. "Many seniors are becoming very tech-savvy because of their grandkids. Plus, you don't have to deal with some of the issues you do with younger workers. Employers know that most older workers will be there every day."

Crow agrees: "(Older adults) have a strong work ethic that younger, newer workers maybe haven't adopted just yet," he says. "And, they may have experience in areas that younger workers don't."

Being positive and flexible are two of the best ways to beat out the younger competition if you are an older adult applying for a job, Johnson says.

"Being positive and full of energy and life is what employers like," she says. "Bring a 'can do' attitude! Also, being very flexible helps. Most older workers won't care if they have to work a weekend night, and they don't mind if they don't get a full 40 hours each week."

Portrait of construction worker

Staying up-to-date and being a strong communicator can also help seniors land a job.

"Staying current, sharpening your skills, communicating your strengths effectively and increasing your knowledge of technology may prove helpful," Mahathath says. "A strong work ethic is also important and can give you an edge over the competition."

Crow warns that it's not always the skill set, but the actual interview process that can hurt older adults who are looking for employment.

"About 60 to 70 percent of determining which applicant will get the job comes down to the interview process," he says. "Older adults may need to work on their interview skills and take a look at how their resume is designed so they don't date themselves."

Crow recommends listing years of service instead of actual dates worked when designing a resume.

"For example, if you worked somewhere from 1960 to 1970, simply list that you worked at that company for 10 years," he says.

Adds Johnson, "Senior adults can bring a lot of things to a job that a younger worker cannot. Most older workers bring experience, stability and wisdom. They know the in's and out's of the business world because they have been involved in it before."

She encourages older adults to explore the job market if they are looking for work.

"Don't be afraid to get out there and look, whether it's for temporary or part-time work, or a whole new career," she says.

Crow reminds older job applicants not to give up.

"Don't lose your enthusiasm, and stay motivated," he says. "Remember, looking for a job is a job. Be prepared to put as many hours into looking for a job as you do working at a job."