If you had a candidate come in for an interview and they handed you this resume, what would be your first thought?
“Bob Smith-Insurance Manager XYZ Insurance Company January 21, 1972- present”
Most of you will do the math and will ask yourself why hire someone with over forty years’ experience? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for those 55 and older is only 5%. However, if you lose your job at this age it is taking you a long time to find a new one. Even more, the type of job you end up in is usually a step backwards in job responsibilities and pay. This all comes at a time where older workers need to save money and catch up for many of the losses they may have felt during the great recession. This is an issue that will gain a lot of press in the next few years; especially since this is prime time for baby boomers.
KISS started in 1972 and last month their tour stopped in Orlando, Florida. They rocked the house! While most of the sold out crowd at the AMWAY Center was going crazy, I was just amazed after all these years how much energy, precision and stamina they had during this performance. Their age was not a factor! If this performance was an interview/audition for your next company event, you would hire them in a second. The really big question is this; would you even consider them if you knew nothing about them except that they have forty one years of experience?
It is a very fair question. Like you, we all know that an awesome and valuable employee typically has nothing to do with age. However, for older job seekers trying to get an interview with your company, are they getting screened out before they even get a chance?
I found myself asking this same question of KISS. Would I go to a KISS concert if they were not in full costumes and makeup? After all, it hides their age of their 65 year old bodies. The unmasked KISS is not really good resume material and they might get passed over for the interview.
But like many older workers, their “body of work” has a lot in common with the great rock band KISS.
They have been performing their craft for 30-40 years and have a track record.
They have a lot of “fans” who have they have worked for and with.
They have tremendous accomplishments throughout their careers.
They still have energy and are ready to perform.
Next time an older worker applies, please reach out to them if they have the skills you need. Not only will you get a great worker, but you will get an energetic person that will add great value to your workforce.