Career Reentry Resume Tips for Mature Professionals

If you are over 55 years old and have concerns about age discrimination in the interview, you are not alone. Research by AARP, shows that discrimination against older people in the workplace is pervasive. Surveys revealed that that nearly 40 percent of people feel that older workers aren't as effective as younger workers. Almost half of the respondents also believed that the majority of older people cannot adapt to change. Although there are laws that protect jobseekers from age discrimination, it is possible that a recruiter's perception of your age might be used against you in a job search.

Many say age discrimination is very subtle and hence more difficult to prove since most people genuinely think that the normal process in the workplace is for younger workers to replace older ones. Even though this may have been the generally accepted practice in the past, today's workforce has multiple generations coexisting in the workplace at the same time.

Although these perceptions exist, mature professionals considering career reentry should know that a recent Go60 report shows that more than 16 million Americans over 55 are either working or seeking work. The following additional information from that report should reassure career reentry professionals that opportunities are available.

1. Older workers are getting new jobs at an annual rate of 4.1 percent. This is more than double the .8 percent rate in the general population.

2. Older Americans make up 10% of the workforce, but account for 22% of America's job growth.

3. By 2015, the number of employees over 55 will reach a record 31.9 million, compared to 18.4 million in 2000.

4. Extensive research has found no relationship between age and job performance.

As you apply for jobs consider what employers might be thinking!
The reality is, employers might be thinking that experienced or older candidates cost more due to higher salaries, pensions, training and healthcare benefit costs.