A job search is a difficult endeavor for professionals of all ages. For mature job seekers, the process can be filled with unexpected challenges. From misconceptions about older workers to age-related discrimination, mature workers must be prepared for an uphill battle.
Costs and Qualifications
When the economy is tough, companies often look to cut expenses wherever possible. In some cases, this process involves hiring less-experienced workers and training them to handle high-level tasks. Mature job seekers, though they may be more qualified for the job, may be seen as too expensive. This process also leads to a greater number of entry-level jobs for which older workers are overqualified. In addition, more professionals are staying at work past retirement age, leaving fewer openings for experienced applicants.
Technological Expertise
Fairly or not, older professionals are often seen as technologically inept — a belief that can pose a problem for mature job seekers. In a world where technology is increasingly integrated into every aspect of the professional sphere, older workers must work harder to prove their capabilities. In a market flooded with young professionals who are completely at ease with the latest developments, a single moment of confusion can sabotage a mature worker's chances. To overcome this misconception, experienced job seekers must prove their technological competence from the start.
Cultural Fit
Mature job seekers face special challenges when looking for work with younger, forward-thinking companies. At startups and technology firms, the leadership may be 10 or 20 years younger than an older worker. While the job seeker might be comfortable with this dynamic, it can be difficult for a young boss to envision managing someone of his parents' age or older. In companies with a young workforce, employers may assume that an experienced worker won't be a good cultural fit. For businesses with a strong company culture, this assumption can be an instant deal-breaker.
Career Trajectory
In comparison to fresh college graduates and young professionals, mature job seekers often have a different career trajectory. Employers may assume that an older applicant won't be willing to travel or relocate, for example, or they might worry that a mature hire will retire quickly. To head off these concerns, experienced applicants must be honest about their career plans from the beginning. By stating the facts, older workers can dispel assumptions and eliminate any apprehension. Alternatively, they may have greater success applying to younger companies with a higher employee turnover; these businesses may offer shorter contracts or worry less about long-term hires.
For experienced professionals, finding a new job can be a surprisingly difficult process. In the face of age-related misconceptions, older workers must work harder to secure a new position. By anticipating the potential challenges and taking steps to alleviate them, mature workers can conduct a more successful job search.
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