Job Search Difficulty past the age of 50? There are a few reasons why this may be the case:

Job Search Difficulty past the age of 50? There are a few reasons why this may be the case:

  1. Ageism: Unfortunately, there is a pervasive stereotype that older workers are less productive, less adaptable to new technologies, and more expensive than their younger counterparts. This can lead to discrimination against older job seekers during the hiring process.
  2. Skill gaps: If an older worker has been in the same industry for many years, they may not have the most up-to-date skills or knowledge required for some of the more modern jobs. This can make it difficult to compete with younger candidates who have more recently acquired these skills.
  3. Limited opportunities: Depending on the field, there may be fewer job openings available overall, and older workers may be competing for a smaller pool of positions.

Despite these challenges, there are still steps that older job seekers can take to improve their chances of finding employment. For example, they can:

  1. Update their skills: This may involve taking courses, attending workshops or webinars, or pursuing further education to stay current in their field.
  2. Network: This can involve reaching out to former colleagues, attending industry events or conferences, or even volunteering in relevant organizations to build connections and gain exposure to new opportunities.
  3. Consider a career change: Sometimes, it may be necessary to pivot to a new field in order to find work. This can be a good opportunity to bring a wealth of experience and skills from previous work to a new role.
  4. Be proactive: It’s important to take a proactive approach to job searching, such as reaching out to companies directly, using online job boards and LinkedIn, and staying up to date with job listings.

In summary, finding a job as an older worker can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By staying up to date with skills, networking, considering a career change, and being proactive, older job seekers can improve their chances of finding employment.

 I am Bernie Reifkind, CEO and Managing Principle at Premier Search.