Scoring Work as an Older Retail Employee

Matt Shelly
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For older employees, the job hunt can be a tedious and terrifying task. According to an article at MSN Money, baby boomers between jobs in recent years searched for an average of forty-seven weeks before landing employment. If you're an older worker looking for a place in the retail industry, there are some things you can do to be more competitive in the job market.

 

One of the first thing older employees should do is expand expectations regarding where they might find work. In a difficult job market, you might need to look at second or third choices. The good news is that employment opportunities that traditionally fell to newer workers or teens are now regularly going to older employees. In fact, older retail employees make up so much of the market in some areas that teens are having a hard time getting hired. You might have to settle for a seasonal job or lower pay than you'd like to score work, but getting your foot in the door with a retailer may be worth it. Consider these jobs as stepping stones or temporary income sources until you can find a better position.

 

Another way to score retail work is to play up what makes you valuable. Older employees come with a lot of benefits for employers. Experience dealing with a variety of issues, a desire for long-term employment, and seasoned communication skills are just some things that companies find attractive about older employees. Do the work to get your best attributes in front of hiring managers. Make sure your resume and cover letter show those skills in the best light, and try to show them off in an interview. Unless you have something stellar to communicate, experts recommend leaving items off your resume if they're older than ten years.

 

Boosting your comfort level with technical skills is also a good idea. Even retail employees need to be able to use computers efficiently, and some jobs may require a certain speed of ten-key entry or typing. Older employees who don't already have those skills can take advantage of free or low-cost training programs through local libraries and technical colleges. If you are proficient with computers, retail software, or data entry, make sure you highlight applicable skills on your resume. Although employers aren't supposed to base hiring on age, there can be a tendency to assume older workers lack in tech skills. Find out more about skills that retailers are looking for by visiting the Beyond retail community.

 

Whether you've been laid off, are in a career transition, or are looking for a part-time job during retirement, knowing how to market yourself is essential. Older employees can score great jobs in the retail industry by making themselves relevant to the needs of employers.

 

Photo courtesy of stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net
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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy •
    @Melvin - Although there is some research that shows that older workers face a slightly more difficult time finding a new job, that doesn't mean that everyone has this problem. Everything is based on an average, I don't think that active adults have to leave the workforce until they're ready.
  • Melvin F
    Melvin F •
    I am a 64 year old male.  I am very active, well read, alert, always been in a supervisory role and well travelled.  I am a problem solver and lead, read, and manage people well.  Why are we stereotyped based on a number?  I am not ready to retire so where do I fit in as an employee?Encouraging article.
  • Andrea G
    Andrea G •
    this is very interesting article it fitting to my current job sitution  alot of helpfull tips
  • Darlene G
    Darlene G •
    Age is definitely a number, if you are physically fit,just as experienced, trendy & up to date w/ fashion, artistic & imaginative w/visuals & window displays,look & dress younger than you are(reasonable fashion sense).The professionalism lies with the candidate who are qualified to help build sales #'s.Possible training the Young ones.Teach them approaches and awareness of surroundings that we had learned from previous jobs and not to gossip & have their boyfriends lingering while they're working. I would still like to believe that doing something that I love and being qualified should giveme an opportunity  to express my talents. They're some young ones that aren't technically calibered because their parents can't afford it.They too lack tech skills.Yes, they know how to text,but do they really know how to spell the word properly.  
  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy •
    Thanks for all of the great comments. @Laurel, sometimes having a job, even if it isn't the dream job you'd hoped to find, is better than not having a job at all. Working at a place where you receive positive feedback really makes a huge difference in regards to workplace satisfaction.
  • Robert W
    Robert W •
    This article has some great points. Retail businesses seem to be more willing to give older workers a chance to fit in.
  • David K
    David K •
    Between HR people profiling, race discrimination, and nepotism in the work place, good luck in your hunt.  Not negative, just reality, no matter what mission statements they hide behind, happens everyday.
  • Dennis R
    Dennis R •
    I believe that age discrimination is alive and well for the mature employee.Why don't employers realize that we who are the baby boomers of the 1950's will be the main source of the employee pool when two thirds of the available working population will be sixty five or older ?Employers must start thinking outside of the box to find competant employees. They must look at the mature employee pool.
  • Laurel S
    Laurel S •
    This article tells it like it is. I've never worked in retail before, but live in an area where jobs are scarce. My retail sales job will tide me over until I find something more suitable. I'm getting positive feedback in my new position. Employers (including my former employer) really can use mature, reliable workers.
  • Danny F
    Danny F •
    Very insightful article. How do you deal with telling people you were terminated for cause?
  • William N
    William N •
    I believe this article has merit and gives some of the better advise of an older person looking for employment.
  • Michael D
    Michael D •
    Very informative, and so true.It is just difficult to make a transition, easier said than done.

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