Recruiter Training By Barb Bruno, CPC

I happened to catch a news broadcast this morning. I don’t typically pay much attention to the news in the morning. I overheard that they would be discussing how difficult it is for job seekers over the age of 40. I do remember when 40 seemed old. Now, 40 is SO NOT cold! As most of you reading this will agree, you blink and there goes 10 years! The reason I feel it is important to share with you what I saw is because I think many of us, in the recruiting profession, take so much for granted. We complain that the economy is killing our desks. We have had to change disciplines, add disciplines, adjust to the face that we must do twice as much work for half of the results. Those of you who were Top Producers are realizing that maintaining that status requires change and persistence. Most the recruiters that were struggling before our recession are no longer reading this Blog – they are no longer recruiters.

The above information may sound negative, but it was written that way for a reason. The statistics regarding job seekers over 40 are shocking. They stated that job seekers over 40 will have 75% more chance of being passed over for job opportunities. They interviewed a woman, 53 years old, who had an extensive background in both Accounting and HR. Her resume, from a recruiter’s perspective, would qualify her as an MPC (most placeable candidate). She was extremely professional and had an amazing personality. She explained that in the last year she has attended numerous professional networking events and job fairs. She has submitted countless resumes and has made many follow up calls. She is conducting a thorough job search, doing all of the right things. She shared that many of her interviewers were honest about the fact that she was over-qualified and some even told her that she would be bored with certain job opportunities.

One of two lessons learned here is that we as recruiters need to be conscious that candidates over 40 are not “too old,” “at the end of their career,” “washed up” or “winding down.” Each candidate we interview deserves us to make a fair representation of their background. I suggest that you look at candidates over 40 as “more experienced,” “responsible” and “mature.”

The second lesson comes with the end of this professional’s story.

While she is conducting a through job search, she is currently employed as a bank teller, lunch lady at the local Middle School and a receptionist in a local company.

You would expect this woman to be angry, defeated and maybe even depressed. The best part of this story is that she is none of the above.

When the newscaster asked her how she feels about her current situation, she smiled and said without hesitation that she was grateful for the work she had.

The lesson here is that the next time you get upset or complain about a bad month, think of this woman who is working three part-time jobs well below her experience and salary level. Think about the fact that she is till actively job searching with a positive attitude. When you think your life is bad, look around, you can always find someone who has it worse. I always say “count your blessings.”

Nancy J. Phillips, CPC
Sales Consultant/Coach
V.P. of Sales & Marketing