Older job seekers often feel they are fighting an uphill battle to get a job. Many of the prejudices against older job seekers can be mitigated if you are aware of them.

• Expensive – Employers may feel that older job seekers may ask for higher salaries. Make sure the employer understands that your experience and training can save the company money for retraining and additional education for younger workers.
• Outdated knowledge – make it your mission to see what skills are in demand and keep yourself updated.
• Not adaptable – By taking additional courses and updating your skills, employers will be your adaptability.
• Unwilling to learn new things – If you can show the hiring managers that you’re taking classes, attending workshops and studying for a professional certification, then they won’t hold your age against you.
• Less productive – Many employers feel older workers may be less productive. Our biggest asset may be your years of experience.
• More likely to have health issues – Older workers tend to lead more responsible lives with a declining need for health care as a result.
• Harder to manage – Hiring managers may feel that older workers would have a difficult time working for younger managers. Make sure you are ready to answer this with examples of you work well with younger employees.

Older job seekers can make the impression they need with recruiters if they understand some of the prejudices that the recruiters may have. Take the time to understand their views and prepare yourself to answer their questions o[openly and honestly.

For additional ideas see JobMob.

Go to www.TADPGS.com, click on the “Looking for People” tab, then view “Veterans Solutions”. To see more for information for Veterans, please join our LinkedIn group, Veterans Hiring Solutions for Veterans at http://linkd.in/Sg346w. If you have specific questions, contact me at  Ben.Marich@Adeccona.com.