Employers describe the reasons why they recruit and hire job candidates age 50 and over. The statements were taken from a panel discussion AARP Foundation hosted in February 2012 about how to match unemployed workers with employers' needs in cities across the country.
— Photo courtesy of Wing
"We can't look at just hiring older people or all younger people; one of the most important things to consider is an intergenerational approach. Some of the largest employers in the country are thinking about older workers as more reliable people with proven skills in customer service. Older workers bring their expertise, which they share with the younger people, and the younger people help the older people with their enthusiasm for work and their vitality."
— Stephen M. Wing, president, Workforce Innovations to Navigate Global Solutions (WINGS)
— Photo courtesy of Key
"Over the course of 10 years, direct care work is seeing a 50 percent growth rate because of the aging of the population, along with the movement of people with disabilities to stay in their home and community and to deinstitutionalize. Almost 50 percent of the direct care workforce is over the age of 45, so it's a receptive environment that knows that older workers can do the job and have the experience. So we know the demand is there, in terms of direct care workers. The good news is that there is receptivity to older workers."
— Karen Key, vice president for programs, National Human Services Assembly
— Photo courtesy of Ramos
"AlliedBarton Security Services is an ideal career choice for the older worker. As a national organization with more than 125 local offices, we have job openings that include security officer and management positions, and corporate careers in IT, HR, training, recruiting and administration. We look to employ older workers, as they bring stability and consistency to a workforce."
— Jerold A. Ramos, manager, Talent Acquisition and Military Liaison Workforce Development Specialist, AlliedBarton Security Services
