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Ever have someone say, "You're Overqualified?" Often, it seems to mean "You're Too Old." And, if '50 is the new 40,' why is 50 considered old? Over the past couple of years, I've run across some articles describing the benefits of hiring older workers. My three personal favorites:

- Older workers bring a wealth of experience with them to work, generally have a strong work ethic and know how handle themselves in a professional manner so they often do a better job representing the company.

- Older workers are generally more loyal employees who find satisfaction with and enjoy their work and can be role models for younger, inexperienced workers.

- You will one day be an older worker. :) (gotta love that one!)

Oh yes, most assuredly. I've been discriminated against because of age and education. No nterviews and when I do they want to pay $10 to $11 dollars an hour. Why pay for that much education and experience when employers can get less for less pay. I will admit that in the transportation industry we have to look at age behind the wheel of semi's because our reaction time slows. But usually the physical is one that disqualifies the applicant not the employer. Maybe its time I just take a look around myself and say hey I am worth doing something else. So I applied for substitute teaching. I work when I want to.

I agree with every reply I have read. And since I have my own resume business (born out of unemployment) I have spoken with many people. I have a few suggestions to keep the potential employer interested after you get an opportunity to participate in an interview. Ladies, go out of your way not to look your age. Color the gray hair, wear cosmetics that enhanced your complexion, solid nail colors that are corporately appropriate, trendy clothing that give the dress for success corporate look and do not forget to wear heels higher than 1/2 inch. The physical observation can and will hinder the next step in the process. Gentlemen: Other than the clean slaved look which you already know, wear the best black/blue suit you can possibly afford. (Employers can recognize a cheap, ill-fitted suit) OR a nice jacket and slacks (depending on the position you are applying for). The same applies to the shirt, tie and shoes. Manicured nails are a must. It tells the employer not only are you conscious of your appearance, you will also be conscious with your responsibilities. Hope this information helps

Brenda

Good advise!

Absolutely!

Older workers cost an employer more to put and keep on board, health care costs alone considerably higher than a younger person.

You can have a knockout resume, more qualifications than asked for, be as good looking as Cary Grant or any movie star and impeccably groomed, great references -- and the employer still pick someone half your age with 1/4 of your skills and experience.

Any headhunter who is candid will tell you that -- male or female, age weighs heavily against one past a certain point. The age discrimination laws go unheeded, any reason an employer can pick if he wants why he chose a less qualified, younger candidate rather than the senior. Past a certain age, a person of advanced age is looked upon as a liability, not an asset -- and a costly one at that.

Thanks good information!

I would not say that age discrimination laws go unheeded so much as they are extremely difficult to enforce because the standard is "rational basis". This means as long as the employer has a "rational basis" other than age for taking their action or making their decision to hire/not hire.

The next highest level is "intermediate scrutiny" which involves "important governmental interests" that are furthered by "substantially related means".

Strict scrutiny usually has to do with a "fundamental right" (look to the Bill of Rights) and involves either the 14th Amendment or the 5th Amendment (Federal/State). In order to not be exempt from strict scrutiny there must be a "compelling government issue," the law must be "narrowly tailored" and the law or policy must be the "least restrictive means" for achieving that state interest.

While I don't agree with the rational basis test for agism, that's what we have and that's why it is exceptionally difficult to enforce.

If I had about six hours, I could complain about my trials and tribulations in my workplace such as their refusing to train me for medication aide while giving it to under 30 year olds and telling me I did not meet the five criteria for the position. They did not offer to tell me the five criteria I failed to meet.

Oh, well I can retire completely in 4 years if I don't wear out first. I tried to partially retire, but Social Security said I have already made too much money this year.

What is partially retire?

I have been unemployed for over two years and am 58. I have been on both sides of this as an employer and an employee. I know that employers HAVE to discriminate whether it be small size (not big enough to lift boxes) or weight (can't fit in confined spaces) etc. Discrimination happens. I would just like honesty and a stop to the form letter blitz so I have feedback to make constructive changes. If they can't afford us because of health care costs, we should know that.

Yes I was discrimated too at the age of 55. It doesn't get any better. Even now I am 62 and people look at me like I have a hole in the head. I see that now social security want people to go back to work again Surprise they saw this coming over 30 years ago!!!!