Post-Retirement Job Hunting

Does age discrimination exist? Not legally.

The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, passed in 1967 states, "It shall be unlawful for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because of such individual's age."

There can be a gap between legality and reality, however.

During 2006, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 16,548 charges of age discrimination. Also, consider that the average job search was 16 weeks for people under 55 years old, but 22 weeks for those older than 55. And Texas A&M economics professor Joanna Lahey found that companies were more than 40% likely to interview a younger job seeker rather than an older job seeker.

Some employers feel that older workers are more set in their ways and not as technologically savvy as younger workers. Others believe that older workers have less energy and more health problems, will require higher salaries, and won't work as hard or as long as younger workers.

Most experts, however, are upbeat about the future of mature workers. With baby boomers (more than 76 million) retiring from primary careers, and fewer younger workers (48 million Gen Xers) to replace them, labor shortages will force companies to retain, retrain (if necessary) and value the older employee.

For many employers, the bottom line will be whether an employee meets their company's needs, but the experience, dedication, confidence, work ethic and maturity of older workers will become valuable commodities in the job market.

Where The Jobs Are

Manpower recently surveyed 2,400 companies in the U.S., asking them if they were having difficulty filling positions, and if so, which job they were having the most difficulty filling. So, if you're thinking about continuing to work after leaving a primary career, here's a specific listing (in order of need) of where the jobs were in 2007 in the U.S.:

• Sales representatives
• Teachers
• Mechanics
• Technicians
• Management
• Truck drivers
• Drivers/delivery personnel
• Accountants
• Laborers
• Machine Operators

Other areas of high demand? The outlook for executives, bankruptcy lawyers, the leisure and hospitality industry, and health care are all hot, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Manpower and executive search consultants.

Discovering Your Destiny

Consider what's important to you. Is the amount of money crucial, or is flexibility, novelty, helping others or using your strengths a high priority? Will you need additional formal education? Are you willing to make trade-offs?

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Let friends, former colleagues, members of your groups or professional associations and acquaintances know you are looking for work--and what type of work you desire (about 35% of people are hired through networking). Don't forget your local community college when investigating careers that require formal training. Most community colleges offer a number of certifications as well as two-year degrees in booming fields, and work with industry leaders to develop curricula.

Volunteer in an area that interests you or work at a temporary staffing service to "try out" different work paths. (Adecco, www.adecco.com, is one such company.) Not only will you find out if you're interested in the field, but you'll be ready and willing to work if the company decides to hire.

Use newspapers or online search engines such as Monster.com and HotJobs.com. You can also go online to sites geared toward workers 50 and older, such as Seniors4Hire (www.seniors4hire.org) or the Senior Job Bank (www.seniorjobbank.org).

If a "play-check" rather than a paycheck is what you're after, Brian Tracy, author, consultant and motivational speaker, suggests you ask yourself four questions when deciding what type of employment you'd like to pursue. They'll help you clarify what it is you're passionate about:

• What do I most enjoy doing?
• How would I describe my ideal job?
• If I could have any job at all, anywhere, what would it be?
• If I won a million dollars in the lottery and I had to pick something to work at indefinitely, what would I choose to do with my time?

Résumé Writing And Interviewing

Are you older than 45? By 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about one-third of the labor force will consist of "mature" workers (defined as over 45). If you are planning on returning to work during your retirement years, you may have to update (or dust off) your résumé.

Emphasize your accomplishments, results and outstanding qualifications in a succinct paragraph at the top of your résumé. Include any computer expertise, course work or professional development to accentuate your openness to learning, as well as your e-mail address. In your cover letter, emphasize that you are a proven entity (don't say you've worked for 30 years), and that you are flexible, adaptable and willing to learn, and that you have transferable skills.

Don't feel obligated to list every job you've ever had; concentrate on those positions that are pertinent to the employment you are seeking. If you're looking to change careers, or if you're re-entering the workforce after a hiatus, concentrate on the transferable skills applicable to the new position, and downplay job titles if necessary.

When e-mailing a résumé, don't send it as an attachment in case it can't (or won't) be opened, and e-mail a copy to yourself prior to sending it to a potential employer to make sure it looks like you want it to look.

There is some disagreement as to what type of résumé older workers should use. A functional résumé highlights accomplishments and talents and downplays when the work was done. But many employers and recruiters know this type of résumé can be hiding work gaps and age, and dislike them. Chronological résumés are the preferred choice among most of those in hiring positions, but they can be a disadvantage if your latest experience doesn't match the new position, or if age matters. Combining both types into a "chrono-functional" résumé could be the best bet.

Once your foot is in the door and you have an interview, again emphasize your flexibility, motivation, interpersonal skills and willingness to learn. Let the interviewer(s) know you want to contribute to the company and that you're not looking for a job because you're broke or bored.

Use your age to your advantage. Stress your experience with problem solving, your proven track record and strong work ethic. If you're happy to work part time, let the prospective employer know that you are a bargain. You have tons of experience, but you don't have to be paid what they might pay a younger, full-time employee. Slip in (assuming it's true) how you're playing tennis or love to downhill ski, hike or swim, to convey that you are a vital and energetic person.

Address any questions (insidious or obvious) about your age forthrightly by reassuring the interviewer you can handle the job as well as bring experience, enthusiasm and wisdom to the position.

Dress up, smile, be enthusiastic make eye contact and have a firm handshake. Be sure you're knowledgeable about the company, and follow up with a thank-you note.

Happy job hunting!

Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald are co-authors of The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, published by Rodale.