Jobs for retirees: how to find a suitable job for those over 50

The economic situation is forcing more and more workers of retirement age to think about earnings. A recent poll showed that most retirees are considering returning to work. But finding the right job isn't always easy. CNBC.

Photo: Shutterstock

Many companies don't offer the flexibility that many older, older workers need.

Age discrimination is another factor: according to 2021 AARP data, 78% of older workers say they have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. This is the highest level since 2003, when AARP started tracking the data.

On the subject: Do not buy a house and do not become a lawyer: 6 rules of a happy life from American scientists

However, many companies are increasingly looking to attract mature workers, and for good reason. First, the labor market is as tight as it has been in recent decades, and there are now two open positions for every worker in the country, and firms are struggling to hire and retain talent. Research from recruitment company Homebase shows that older people are more engaged; are more likely to be employed; more connected with their companies; and they are less likely to quit. According to Jason Greenberg, chief economist at Homebase, this makes older workers especially attractive in the current tough job market.

Here are four tips to help the elderly employees find the right employer.

1. Identify Companies Ready to Hire Older Workers

Start with those who have publicly pledged to level the playing field for older workers. Over 1000 companies including Humana, Microsoft, Marriott International and McDonald's have joined the program AARP Employer Pledge. Eligible companies may not have had discrimination claims in the past five years. They must also agree to recruit employees from different age groups and treat all applications equally, regardless of age. AARP also offers a job board to help seasoned candidates find companies that have committed to having a mixed-age employee base.

The Age-Friendly Institute also certifies companies that are considered best in class for workers aged 50 and over. Applicants go through an extensive screening and certification process that includes a commitment to "meaningful employment, development opportunities, and competitive salaries and benefits for 50+ employees." The list, last updated in April, includes Aetna, Home Depot, Macy's, Starbucks and Wells Fargo.

Just be aware that these listings are subject to change and don't give you the full picture, so be sure to do your due diligence on any company you're considering, as Lance Robertson, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, said.

2. Look for clues in job postings

Older job applicants should look at the company's job postings, which can provide insight into the company's culture and whether it's really age-sensitive, said Paul Lewis, general account manager at Adzuna, an online job search engine. Older job seekers should look for language that specifically states that the company does not discriminate based on age, he said.

Additionally, websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Glassdoor can be helpful for finding resources and information about the company's hiring practices, including its commitment to older workers. Communication with current and former employees is also a good opportunity to gather information, Robertson said.

It's also worth checking out what tools the company offers to help older workers find work. Humana, for example, has a careers website with a section "Work after retirementwhere seniors can search for jobs, learn about popular jobs for older workers, and get answers to frequently asked questions, including how jobs can affect their retirement. Workers who are younger than what the Social Security Administration considers their full retirement age and earn more than the annual earnings limit of $19 in 560 may receive a reduction in their benefits. This means deducting $2022 from your benefits for every $1 you earn above the yearly limit for those who have not reached full retirement age for the entire year.

3. Contact HR for specific training and benefits.

Once you've done your baseline research, be sure to talk to the company's HR department to get a deeper understanding of the company's policies, Robertson says.

Seniors should ask about the types of support the company provides for family carers and what flexible work options are available if an employee needs to take on or increase existing responsibilities. This can include many options, including collaborative work, compressed workweeks, remote work, hybrid work and project-based work, said Shantel Johnson, deputy vice president of human resources and culture at Humana. It's also important to find out if the company offers networking groups for seniors, which is a good way for mature employees to connect and benefit from sharing experiences, she says.

According to Ronnie Zehavi, CEO of HiBob, a HR technology platform, it's important to be aware of team collaboration approaches and learning and development opportunities ahead of time. “Even if someone has worked for 30 or more years, it doesn’t mean that he has acquired all the wisdom that he possibly wants,” he said.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York.

It is equally important to know how this learning is done, as many older people are not as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts. Find out if the company offers other options beyond online and app-based learning, Robertson said. And health care options, including dental, eye care and pharmacy benefits, become even more important with age, so that needs to be understood, he added.

4. Important markers

Look to see if older workers are featured on the company website and promotional materials. It's a bad sign if an organization selects only employees in their 20s and 30s, Lewis said.

And if a potential employer asks how old you are, when you graduated, or any other questions designed to determine your age—whether on an application or in an interview—consider it a red flag, Hertz said.

"They shouldn't be saying things like, 'I wasn't even born when you got that work experience or went to college,'" Lewis added.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Four tips from billionaire Buffett on how to raise children

It's Not Really Savings: How Coupons Are Wasting Your Money and Time

Where to look for work for Ukrainians who fled the war and not only: useful sites and channels

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.