Older workers please apply says Seniors4Hire.org

Need for older workers is the impetus for new service

Businesses that in the past have traditionally hired teens for part time, temporary or seasonal jobs are now courting and hiring seniors, according to Renee Ward, founder of www.seniors4hire.org.
Older Workers Please Apply says Seniors4Hire.org
Need for Older Workers is the Impetus for New Service


Businesses that in the past have traditionally hired teens for part time, temporary or seasonal jobs are now courting and hiring seniors, according to Renee Ward, founder of www.seniors4hire.org.

At the behest of employers, Ward has started Seniors4Hire.org a national online job board for employers and seniors 50 years of age and older. Membership is free for seniors. Employers can promote their companies and post job openings for $36.00 or less with an annual membership.

ìSeniors are wanted big time,î says Renee Ward, a long-time recruitment and staffing executive. National retailers, casual dining restaurants, and business service companies told me they have openings, but canít find enough qualified people to fill the positions.î

Employers told Ward older workers are perfect candidates. They are flexible in their schedules, reliable, have strong work ethics, have invaluable experience, and already know the soft skills necessary for successful participation in the workplace.

ìAmerican workers are living longer and healthier,î Ward says. ìSome seniors prefer to continue to use their skills acquired in the workplace past retirement age. Current trends in social security eligibility, reduced cost-of-living increases, and retirement plan challenges have forced many older Americans to re-enter the workforce.î

ìOf course, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age and age is no barometer of competency,î says Ward, ìbut employers are looking for qualified candidates and those from this age group are being encouraged to apply as well.

ìMany Americans share the ''perception'' that older workers are not desired regardless of their qualifications and/or competency,î Ward says. ìI''ve met with many 50-60 year old retirees that have little or no knowledge about the job opportunities that exist. More importantly, they are reluctant to pursue jobs because they fear they will not be given real consideration for employment because of their age so why bother.î

Much like other diversity issues, employers told Ward this service would be a benefit to them. ìEmployer members of Seniors4Hire are making a statement that they will give older workers sincere consideration, she says.

Now employers and seniors have a central place on the Internet to find each other quickly.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that between 2001-2010 the number of workers age 55 and over will increase 46.6%.

Although less than half of the 1300 companies in the Seniors4Hire database say they are actively recruiting older workers, Ward felt it was significant enough to accommodate them. She hopes others will follow. Ward says, ìWe''d have competent people from all walks of life doing good business.î

Renee Ward is a principal of The Forward Group, a privately held company that also publishes www.Teens4Hire.org. She was a Vice President for TMP Worldwide Recruitment Advertising and Vice President for a Spherion Corporation subsidiary, JobOptions, Inc., a career resource technology company.