By Paula Santonocito, AIRS Staff Writer
At age 65, Thomas Edison worked a 112-hour week. Were he alive today, Edison might fit right in with the Silicon Valley crowd. Or would they think he was too old to keep up?
In a society that promotes youth as its culture, it's easy to overlook an entire segment of the population when it comes to building a workforce. Yet, older employees bring both valuable work experience and valuable life experience to the job place. But what about the argument that they're out of touch, that they just can't keep pace, particularly when it comes to new technology?
Surfing Against Stereotype
It simply isn't true. According to Greenfield Online's "Surfing Seniors Digital Consumer Survey," United States Internet users over 55 years of age are increasingly incorporating the 'Net into their daily lives. In fact, 95 percent of the respondents surveyed in the over-55 age group use email.
"The 1999 Internet Report" by Media Metrix confirms an increase in online activity by older citizens. The age group comprised of 45- to 64-year-olds grew by 18.4 percent last year and is now considered to be the fastest growing segment of the Internet population.
Missing Out on the Big Generation
However, a recent article in Workforce.com also shares some surprising statistics. It cites the most recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study which found 65 percent of companies surveyed do not actively recruit older workers, and more surprisingly, only 45 percent of those companies actively attempt to retain them. The article also points out that aging baby boomers have already raised the median age in the United States from 28 in 1970 to 35 today, and that by the year 2010 it is expected to be 40.
Another survey, this one by AARP, found that eight in 10 individuals born between 1946 and 1964 plan to work at least part time during their retirement years. With recent changes in the Social Security retirement program now allowing an individual who has reached normal retirement age to continue working without a reduction in benefits, it's likely many baby boomers will be gainfully employed in their late 60s, 70s and even beyond.
Clearly, older workers are an untapped resource. And, because it's a market that will continue to grow, it's prudent to incorporate recruitment efforts focused on this segment of the population into your long-term plan.
Go Where They Gather
How do you find older workers? As with any other group, you go where they gather. Media Metrix has identified the top 10 Web sites frequented by 45- to 64-year-olds. At the number one site, ThirdAge, there are several ways to find candidates. The site's "Career Center" is powered by Monster.com and is tied to the Monster network. Access the "Career Center" from the home page by selecting "Jobs" under the heading entitled "Career Success."
ThirdAge "Member Pages" is another site resource. Entering "resume" in the keyword search box recently returned 29 pages, with the first summary indicating "Computer and Information Science and Technology Generalist seeks challenging team position in Computer and Information Operations and Support." The candidate also states that he has Javascript experience. Not bad for an "old timer."
Don't limit your search to resumes when looking for candidates among "Member Pages." Entering specifics, such as "MBA" or "CPA," in the keyword search box will return home pages where you'll find people who either have or are pursuing these credentials.
It's All About Them
Another place to visit when searching for older workers is a page at the About.com "Senior Living" site called "Let's Communicate". Here you'll find links to various online magazines, as well as information about print resources. Among the various publications are AARP's online version of Modern Maturity, SeniorNet articles, and WorldWide Seniors Newspapers. While all are places to look for candidates, some sites offer additional opportunities.
I Remember ARPAnet
SeniorNet, for example, is an organization with over 34,000 members. Because its mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technology, it has over 170 learning centers throughout the United States. Contacting a learning center in your area could lead to candidates. In addition to online articles, SeniorNet also publishes a quarterly newsletter and holds discussion forums. Marketing to SeniorNet members, you will reach an older population interested in computer technology.
Selecting "WorldWide Seniors Newspapers" leads to a listing, by state, of various offline newspapers. Again, these are great places to look for candidates, and they also offer advertising opportunities.
According to "Futurework," a report of the United States Department of Labor, by the year 2050 the population of older Americans is expected to more than double. The workforce is changing, and society's thinking must change with it.
And Keith Richards is Catching Up
Still have concerns? The next time you review the resume of a person over 50 and wonder if he or she is up to the job, remember this: Mick Jagger is 57. While your candidate might not move like Mick, it's likely he or she can help your organization rock 'n roll.
-- Paula Santonocito is a writer and communications professional who has written about a variety of business and management issues and is now a contributor to AIRS research. This article is reprinted by permission from AIRS, a global leader in Internet recruitment, tools, news and information. For more information on AIRS, please go to: http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/pages/airs.php. Copyright © Hanover Capital Management Corporation 1997-2001. All Rights Reserved.
