Diversity JobsDiversity JobsMany firms today prefer to recruit younger workers who have long careers ahead of them and can provide many years of value to a business. As a result, organizations tend to see an increase in the number of millennial employees, while older workers seeking new jobs are often left out of the hiring process. Thus, companies are frequently missing out on experienced employees while looking for fresh and energetic new faces to join the business.
As age discrimination in the hiring process continues to negatively affect older workers, some employers are becoming increasingly aware of the talent gap that this is causing in their organizations.
To bridge this skill gap, a number of employers are once again turning to older workers to provide experience and stability to their organizations.
So, if you’re a baby boomer searching for a job in 2023, here is how you can identify a company that will value your skills and experience, and be eager to bring you aboard.
See How They Recruit
You can learn a great deal about a firm simply by looking at the ways they recruit new employees. Some firms have separate recruitment channels specifically for older workers, so you may want to take advantage of these.
When you browse through job postings, look for companies that showcase older workers in their ads and brochures. A company that proudly shows employees of all ages in their workplace community would likely be open to hiring senior workers.
Check for Flexibility
Many older generation workers are often deemed to be ‘overqualified’, and companies are concerned that they won’t be able to offer a suitable salary.
However, as an older worker, you’re probably looking for more flexibility in hours and other types of benefits as opposed to a higher salary. So, when conducting your job search, look for companies that offer flexible work hours and provide other benefits besides salary. These companies will be willing to negotiate and find a solution that benefits all parties.
Ask About Training
Many companies today offer training programs to bring older workers up to speed on current business processes and technologies. Look for these companies, as they’re sure to support employees who may be in the late stages of their careers.
Once you join a company, make sure to attend all the workshops and seminars so that you can stay updated on recent trends in the industry.
Ask Your Network
For a more informed decision on where to apply, ask your friends, family, and business contacts. You’ll be surprised at the kinds of jobs you can find by asking around your existing network.
You may also want to get on social media to find the ideal job. Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are designed to show ads based on keywords that you search for using Google, so it’s likely that you might find your dream job there.
Check Out the Benefits
You will want to find out whether the company where you are applying offers special benefits for older employees. Firms that offer flexible work hours and healthcare benefits would be great at this stage of your career.
When you find a company that you’re interested in, look at their management structure to see how many older workers are occupying the top positions. If upper management includes employees across multiple generations, this is a sign that the firm values all employees, regardless of age.
Look at the Company’s Image
Once you’ve done all your research, take a step back and consider the company’s image. What do you see?
Is the company’s mission aligned with your values and beliefs? Do they market their products and services to people of all ages? Is their work culture diverse and open to employees with different perspectives?
A company that accommodates to all types of people is your best bet when applying for a job.
These are a few techniques that you can use to find a company where you will be treated equally in the workplace, regardless of how old you area. Be sure to spend some time finding the right place, so you can enjoy a great fit and bring value to the business while finding fulfillment in your ongoing career.
