Workers Over 50 (Winter/Spring 2005)
By Karen Litzinger, MA, LPC

Age discrimination can still be a reality. However, some companies are beginning to realize that older Americans will be an important part of the workforce of the future. Industries experiencing labor shortages are typically more open to older workers. Some have put special programs into place to attract workers over 50.

Here are some tips to evaluate if a company is open to older workers according to Kate Lorenz of CareerBuilder.com:

• Are a variety of ages represented in recruiting material?
• Does the company recruit at varied job fairs or only at colleges?
• Is there a formal program to offer positions to retired workers?
• Do they have benefits such as 401(k) “catch-up” contributions?
• Do you see older workers in the company when you interview?

For a list of the “Best Employers for Workers Over 50,” visit the AARP web site at: www.aarp.org/bestemployers.

©2005, Litzinger Career Consulting. Permission granted to reprint this article so long as the text and by-line are not changed and reprinted intact with all links made live.
Karen Litzinger, MA, LPC, owner of Litzinger Career Consulting, provides career counseling, job search advising, outplacement consulting, and business etiquette training. More information is available at www.KarensCareerCoaching.com