Are Women Over 50 Getting Jobs?

Introduction

The Over 50 Club

Amazingly, a large number of women over 50 are getting jobs. Statistics are favorable for this labor sector and the occupational outlook continues to increase as women are becoming more accepted in the workforce.

Overall Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics most recent metrics (2012), of women aged 50-54, 74.3 percent are considered part of the civilian labor force. Of that 74.3 percent, 69.6 are employed. Those aged 55-64 that are a part of the civilian labor force (59.5 percent) 55.9 maintained their employment. These statistics show that women over 50 in U.S. labor force are getting and keeping jobs. The fact is, however, that the US has fallen far behind in efforts to make women comfortable in the work force and continues to lag behind the rest of the world in its efforts to assure equal pay for equal work.

Benefits of Being a Woman Over 50 and in the Job Market

Employers are more likely to hire a woman who has fewer children at home and more time to dedicate to the job. A woman who is technically savvy, in good health and physical shape, and who has made continued to train in her field of expertise has a better opportunity for success. While sad, it is true that anyone over 50 is going to find it more difficult to find work. However, women over 50 who have kept up with innovations in business and technology are more likely to find work than those who have failed to learn new skills. Employers know that people in this demographic are more likely to have years of experience and they will benefit by not having to spend so much time training. A woman in this age bracket will also be more likely to stay with the job for longer and be less costly to than a man in the same position. (There is still an overall average pay discrepancy of about 18% between men and women with the same skills sets and professional levels.)

Benefits of Higher Education for Women Over 50 Seeking Career Advancement

This is a good time in a woman's life to advance her education through alternative learning opportunities, such as online Master's and Doctorate programs. Many educational institutions offer flexible learning programs that allow a woman to continue her education while working full-time. Many women are in a position to spend more time on educational activities at this age and employers are more likely to hire someone who is prepared to take on the challenge of additional training in order to enhance her value to the organization.

The First Impression Always Counts

As part of the job search process, it's good to take a look at your overall personal style and presentation. Make sure your hair and fashion styles are up to date. Don't overdress for the interview. Anxiety is always a bad thing. Remember, it's likely that the person you're interviewing with doesn't like the process any more than you do. Be friendly, professional, and show the hiring manager how you will be of more value than someone with less experience.

Key Concepts

• Women over 50
• Women in Labor force
• over 50 jobs

References

• Women in the Labor Force: A Databook
  [ http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-databook-2012.pdf ]
• The US gets Left Behind When it Comes to Working Women
  [ http://www.forbes.com/sites/brycecovert/2013/01/16/the-u-s-gets-left-behind-when-it-comes-to-working-women/ ]

Resources (Further Reading)

• 10 Surprising Statistics on Women in the Workplace
  [ http://www.collegetimes.tv/10-surprising-statistics-on-women-in-the-workplace/ ]
• Statistical Overview of Women in the Workplace
  [ http://www.catalyst.org/knowledge/statistical-overview-women-workplace ]
• Women in the Workforce
  [ http://www.census.gov/newsroom/pdf/women_workforce_slides.pdf ]

The 50+ Woman Job Search Outlook

Let's face it, ladies. We might have some drooping going on here and there, but we're still vibrant, valuable assets and any company would benefit from our knowledge and wealth of experience. We have excellent work ethics, show up on time, and go the extra mile to make sure the job gets done. So what are we waiting for? Let's go get those jobs! They're out there waiting for us to prove ourselves to them.

Dressing and looking the part is part of the process. If your clothes are a bit outdated you should pick up a couple of more modern outfits that are suitable business attire for your target industry. The "classic" we knew 20 years ago isn't the "classic" of today. Now they call it vintage. Take references of Windows 3.1 and typing speed off your resume. As a matter of fact, you might want to consult a resume writer and have your old one completely redone. We can be over 50, be the best for the job, and not even be considered if we don't know what to wear, how to accessorize, have "big" 1980's hair, or have gone all the way out in left field and turned our hair black with pink stripes, as  proof that we're still young.

Once you get the interview, which I'm sure you will, you have to make that first impression count. Have a green smoothie and walk a couple of times around the block to boost your energy and your endorphins. Learn all you can about the company. Ask questions. Offer solutions. Take the focus off of the past and bring it in to the future. You can turn the conversation toward how you can solve the problem and off of the idea that you might have a few crows feet around your eyes. Be positive, upbeat and friendly. Interviewers dislike interviewing as much as you do. Make their job easier and you might just walk out the door with the job.

As with everything in our lives, after 50 getting there tends to take a little longer and a few more steps. Don't worry about the companies that don't reply. Use those applications to your advantage. Go back and review what you wrote. Did you have spelling errors? Did your resume get all messed up when you uploaded it on the Internet? Did you even bother to writer a cover letter and what did it say? What was your attitude like when you submitted the application. Did your sour mood or bad day reflect in your writing? Tweak your documents, adjust the language in your application. Energy, vibrancy, enthusiasm should all come across in your communications.

If your computer skills are a little dated, take some classes online or at the community college. Without the freshest computer skills, you might be overlooked even if you are the most qualified in every other way. Learn to use your smart phone to email, text, video chat, and share files. Today, many companies issues cell phones and laptops for their employees.

Arming yourself with new tech skills, your smooth confidence and your command of the language of your industry, combined with your easy interaction with the interviewer will give you the best shot at landing the job.