A 2009 Harris Interactive / Career Builder poll revealed:
- Only 28% of workers age 55+ who had lost their jobs in previous 12 months had found work.
- 71% of those age 25 to 34 had found work within the same time frame.
Some of the success rate in re-entry into the workplace for younger workers may be the result of how job searches tend to be conducted today. Many job searches are now conducted online. Most companies have a website where you can look for more information about the company. However, most new jobs are located through networking.
My preference is face-to-face contact. However, I know Social Media is how most younger people choose to network and keep in touch with one another. If friends in their network hear about a job opening that might be a good match for them – it’s easy to get the word out via Social Media.
The stats below show the difference between how the age groups use technology. Love it or hate it – Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with people – and to hear about jobs. LinkedIn and Twitter are other options and most employers use those tools.
2010 Pew Survey on Older Adults & Social Media:
- 92% of those age 50 to 64 use email on a typical day.
- 89% of those age 65+ use email on a typical day.
- 76% of older adults read the daily news via online media.
- Only 10% of those age 55 to 64 have a Facebook account.
You might want to take a class in Social Media or get someone from Gen Y to show you the ropes. Believe me, I went kicking and screaming into the world of Facebook – but I’m glad I am finally there. Check it out.
