5 Reasons Boomers Can’t Find Jobs — and 5 Ways To Fix That

 5 Reasons Boomers Can't Find a Job—and 5 Ways to Fix It

Baby boomers are still looking for work, even as many of them age out of the workforce. This demographic represents those who are currently between the ages of 58 and 77; and while some may want to cash in on their pensions and spend their golden years kicking back, others don't.

This is especially true for baby boomers. With the Covid-19 pandemic putting many out of work and delaying retirement for some, baby boomers are looking to get back into the workforce. But they keep hitting roadblocks.Here are five reasons boomers can't find work and five ways to get around these obstacles.Also, see how much money baby boomers need to retire in the next five years.

"Baby boomers may face age bias from employers who assume they are less adaptable to new technologies or less eager to learn," said RatePunk HR Manager Aristida Markauskaite.Age bias is a form of discrimination where people are ostracized, excluded or pushed out because of their age. It may be obvious or subtle, but it exists throughout the labor market."This bias can hinder their chances of getting a job, especially in industries undergoing rapid technological advances," Markauskaite said.There's also something that boomers must face uniquely: a new workplace phenomenon known as "mommy syndrome."

"Boomers can be seen as a threat," explained R. Karl Hebenstreit, organizational development and leadership consultant at Perform and Function. “Boomers are likely to be older and more experienced than their hiring managers and most of their co-workers. They may remind them of their parents or even grandparents – and that psychological dynamic can also come into play.”Transferring property: Baby Boomers are ensuring generational wealth by transferring property to children

Overqualification

Boomers bring a lot of skills and experience to a single resume. Unfortunately, this extensive experience and know-how can hurt their chances of getting a job."With extensive experience, baby boomers can be seen as overqualified for certain roles," Markauskaite said, "leading employers to worry about their long-term commitments or salary expectations."

While boomers may have a lot to bring to the job market, they may still lack some basic skills. This may be due to a change in the industry they once worked in, an advancement in technology they are not trained for, or communication methods that are constantly evolving and updating.Markauskaite said, "Rapid changes in technology and work methods can result in a skills gap for baby boomers who have not been exposed to the same tools or software as younger generations."

Perceived price

"Companies may assume that hiring older workers comes with higher benefits and labor costs," added Markauskaite, "which discourages them from considering baby boomer candidates."Boomers tend to know their worth and aren't afraid to ask for it. So when it comes to hiring, a younger candidate who is willing to do more work for less money can beat out a boomer who will have limits on their workload while also wanting higher pay and extensive benefits.

Network Challenges

It's never easy to venture out into the country and try to meet new people or companies that might have the job opportunities you want. For boomers, networking can be one of the most difficult aspects of finding a new job.“Baby boomers may have a smaller online professional network compared to younger generations,” said Markauskaite, “which could limit their exposure to job opportunities.

"They often tend not to use LinkedIn or don't have a LinkedIn presence, which greatly hurts their chances of employment because a good LinkedIn profile gives the right impression that an employer would like to see."Markauskaite's main advice for getting a job is to "just stay current in the industry."Staying informed about the various tools and software you use, even taking some courses on it, will greatly - and I mean greatly - increase your chances of employment regardless of your field."

Maintain a strong online presence

This, according to Markauskaite, is crucial in the modern professional environment, which applies to anyone looking for a job at any age.“Most research on potential employees is done through social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn,” said Markauskaite, “these social networks allow employers to quickly see what you are like outside of work, and this can sometimes be the deciding factor. in deciding whether or not to hire you.'

Edit your resume

There is no one-size-fits-all resume. They change and evolve just like you as a worker. Keep your resume fresh and tailored to the market you want to target."Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience while avoiding concerns about being overqualified," Markauskaite said. "Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively."

Use your experience

You have all the experience, work history, education and first-hand knowledge of how to do the job. Why not use it to your advantage?“Showcase your deep and – most importantly – unique industry knowledge and experience as an advantage,” said Markauskaite. "Highlight instances where your expertise has positively impacted previous employers."

Know your worth

This is not just about the salary you want to earn, but also about the workspace you want to occupy, the company you want to work for, and the people who could potentially become your colleagues. tolerated,” Hebenstreit said. “Look for and find an organization whose values ​​match yours, one that is open to diversity and inclusion in all ways. Use your vast network to find this utopia.”

In today's fast-paced job market, the challenges faced by baby boomers seeking employment are becoming increasingly evident. As experienced professionals, boomers have a wealth of skills and expertise, yet often face challenges in finding suitable job opportunities. This article dives into the reasons behind this predicament and offers five actionable strategies to help them overcome these obstacles.Baby boomers, job challenges, job market, experienced professionals, job opportunities5 Reasons Boomers Can't Find a Job

 The digital divide and the technology skills gap

The technology landscape has changed the way businesses operate, leaving those without strong digital skills at a disadvantage. Baby boomers, many of whom grew up in an era without today's advanced technology, often find themselves struggling to keep up. As a result, their lack of knowledge of digital tools and platforms hinders their competitiveness in the labor market.

Technology skills gap, digital skills, technology adaptation, digital literacy Ageism in recruitmentAge discrimination remains a pressing workforce issue. Many employers mistakenly assume that younger candidates are more adaptable, tech-savvy and cost-effective. This misconception puts boomers at a disadvantage because they are often overlooked in favor of younger applicants. Age discrimination, ageism, workforce bias, diverse workforce, age inclusive recruitment

 Changing dynamics of the labor market

The dynamics of the labor market have shifted significantly, favoring roles that require agility, creativity and adaptability. Baby boomers looking for traditional, routine jobs may struggle to match their skills with the evolving demands of employers, resulting in fewer opportunities.Labor market dynamics, changing job roles, adaptability, matching skills, career transitions

Limited online presence

At a time when professional networking and job hunting largely takes place online, boomers who don't have a strong digital footprint may be missing out on potential opportunities. A robust online presence, including a well-crafted LinkedIn profile, is essential to expanding their professional network and accessing vacancies. Online presence, digital footprint, professional networks, online job search, LinkedIn profile

 Skill relevance and upgrade

The industry has undergone rapid transformations and employers are now looking for individuals with the latest skills. Baby boomers who haven't proactively updated their skills may find themselves behind when it comes to qualifications, making it harder to compete with younger candidates with more diverse skills. Skill relevance, upskilling, skill diversification, continuous learning, professional development

 Embrace technology and digital literacy

Baby boomers should prioritize learning digital skills that are relevant to their industry. Enrolling in online courses or workshops can bridge the technology gap and increase their overall employability.Digital skills training, technology adoption, online courses, digital literacy programs, technical education

Demonstrate experience and adaptability

Boomers have a wealth of experience that sets them apart. Create a resume that highlights their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and successful experience moving through a variety of work environments.Experience demo, adaptability, problem solving, resume building, career achievements

 Continue lifelong learning

Engaging in continuous learning is paramount to staying relevant. Boomers can attend seminars, webinars and workshops to update their skills and demonstrate their commitment to growth and development.Lifelong learning, upskilling, professional growth, learning opportunities, skills development workshops

 Taking advantage of networking opportunities

Actively participate in industry-related events, both online and offline, to expand professional networks. Building relationships with colleagues, recruiters and potential employers can open doors to hidden job opportunities.Networking events, professional connections, industry meetings, networking strategies, career networking

 Search for age-inclusive employers

Research companies that value a diverse workforce and actively promote age inclusion. Such organizations value the expertise and stability that older professionals bring to the table and create a conducive environment for boomers to thrive. Age Inclusive Employers, Diversity and Inclusion, Workplace Equality, Age Diverse Workforce, Inclusive Companies

While challenges remain, baby boomers can overcome obstacles in their job search journey by taking a proactive approach. By embracing technology, highlighting their experience, learning continuously, networking strategically, and targeting employers across age groups, they can turn themselves into valuable assets in today's dynamic job market.