To All Who are facing Age Discrimination
While experience, knowledge and skills should be the most important factor in hiring a qualified candidate, too many of us face discrimination when it comes to age. Those of us on Social Security know well that you can't live on Social Security alone. Unless you had a very good paying position for the last 10 years of employment, you will most likely be receiving benefits that barely cover living expenses. When a senior retires or is forced to retire from a position many times it leaves us in a poor financial state unless we were lucky enough to save for retirement. Not all companies offer 401k or other means of saving for a comfortable retirement. Many of us are living month to month and trying to make ends meet. When we apply for jobs that we know we are capable of doing, the person in charge of hiring is usually much younger than we are and it seems that we are unfairly judged. But there are ways to get back into the workforce and it may take some research and possibly training. AARP has articles about people over 50 or retired and wanting to return to work and they have some very valuable ideas. And there are other organizations you can check in your area for seniors who offer tips and classes to help you update your resume, handle an interview, and even suggestions for where to look for jobs. Check online -- google "jobs for seniors in my area" or things like that and you'll be surprised how many employers are actually looking for mature workers with experience. The simple fact that you've spent a lifetime working in a position that you feel comfortable with and know how to do the job will be a real asset when it comes to training an employee who knows nothing about the job than having someone who needs little supervision and can work independently and satisfactorily complete the assignment. Don't be discouraged and show the employer you can and will be the best worker for the position. Confidence is important and so is willingness to learn new methods, so if you do land that interview be sure to let your interviewer know you're willing to learn. Having a superiority attitude will only turn them off and you'll be removed from the list of possible candidates. Smile, be cordial, answer their questions truthfully and never speak badly about your old employer. Have references ready and examples of problem solving and contributions you've made to improve the company. Good Luck to all of you. Lets do this!!!
#TheSmile radiates kindness, but more so thank you for Good Words to others. Which can be very helpful. PEACE
Thank you, Ms. Sanchez, for your encouraged words. I have received an Associates Degree and getting a job have still been hard. The only thing that I am doing is preparing to return to college for another degree and any necessary certificates that will help keep me busy and possibly hired. Maybe by the time some company some where will hire me. Of course I planned to keep an opened mind to learning in a humble manner. I know how to respect my younger interviewers/managers. I have had to before. As little as young people know: I am very proud of them all, with all due respect. All I need an opportunity to show my skills and the qualities of just how innovative I am about all cultures of people that I am able to work with.
Thanks so much because I needed that; I have a (major) interview coming up pretty soon :)
Thanks for that cogent post! The biggest hurdle I have is the interview. After working at one company for over 30 years, the interview has really thrown me for a loop! I think I understand what they want, but find it hard to come up with examples of problem-solving and so on.
Thank you Ms. Sanchez.
It has been an ordeal. Very frustrating to be forced out of a company. Especially having saved them millions of dollars only to be told that I am "redundant". Finding something has been hard.
fantastic
Nowadays the employers want to hire the youngsters. Whom may or may not actually keep the position.and can pay less.but guess what if you believe in God nothings impossible..god gives you what you need when you need it. Remember trust in god. Have faith in god. And believe in him.whatever god has for you its only for you.employers need some season people in their companies which can teach the young just how to work with respect.which many don't have.keep praying to god he will answer your prayers.he still in the blessing business .I will keep you in my prayers.
Our age groupust stay updated! Obtain as many certifications as we can, exercise, and eat RIGHT! PRAYER and Bible read! The best to US ALL!
I see both sides christine and see how it can effect people who are a little older, but i do want to point out the fact that employers are looking for younger people, yes who have more energy and is willing to learn. You also do have some older heads who have been with a company for years and even though they come to work and get a pay check for doing work, aome of them is way to comfortable doing nothing and still want the pay when the younger ones do the work. This is from my own experiences working with older more mature adults.
I'm sorry. You say lucky to save for retirement as if those of you with minimal financial output couldn't save. I can't save. I literally pour all of my income back into my household. Bills, food, necessities (ie tampons, soap, toilet paper - NOT my next vacation) If i have any money left, it's gone because SOMETHING popped up (isn't that par for the course). So.. If you didn't bother to do this saving business before, why are you panic moding now. Apparently you have a game plan to live, otherwise, this topic would be moot.