Older workers face hiring challenges

WESTPORT, Conn., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Many U.S. adults age 55 and older plan to work at least until age 69, but they face challenges in getting a job, researchers say.

The study, "Buddy, Can You Spare a Job? The New Realities of the Job Market for Aging Baby Boomers," by MetLife Mature Market Institute and David DeLong & Associates, suggests older job-hunters must adapt to the changing workplace by adopting new attitudes, specific skills and a fresh set of expectations.

The study lists seven common mistakes older Americans make when they are looking for a job:

-- "I'll just do what I was doing before."

-- "My experience speaks for itself."

-- "I don't have time for this touchy-feely stuff about what work means to me."

-- "I know! I'll become a consultant...!"

-- "Of course I'm good with computers."

-- "I'll just use a recruiter for some career coaching."

-- "I've always been successful, so why should things be different now?"

The study suggests older job-seekers should acknowledge the new realities of the job market, articulate what specific value they can bring to an organization, cultivate a network of contacts, update computer technology skills and manage ambivalence -- many need the money but don't really want to stay working.

Older job-seekers who don't recognize that they're viewed differently in the job market are in for a rude awakening, study author David DeLong says.