An oversight some companies make when hiring is to solely focus on younger candidates, recent graduates, and millennials. Although it might seem like you are recruiting the brightest and the best, it is very likely it could be limiting your team and hurting your business.
With a better understanding of why age should not be a factor, you can examine many different demographics in your hiring process.
Retirees: Close to 70% of job seekers over the age of 55 stay at a job for more than 10 years whereas just 14% of millennials intend to do the same. Older workers, including those who are currently retired, have ranked higher in several areas of desirable employee traits according to the American Association of Retired Persons. Those areas include:
- Reliability
- A strong work ethic
- More varied work experience
- Lower absenteeism
- More job loyalty
- Eagerness to learn new skills
- Positive attitude
- Strong people and customer service skills
Moms Returning to the Workforce: Many companies view moms returning to work as high risk. However, moms bring not only the skills they gained in their previous career to the table, but also those she has developed as a mother. Those skills might not be something even she thinks to brag about but include:
- Strong instincts
- Ability to read non-verbal clues
- Resourcefulness
- Superior multi-tasking skills
- Dependability
Employees Coming from a Workforce Being Phased Out by AI: People who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own are anxious to return to the workforce. They bring with them the need to be productive again, as well as the need to prove themselves.
Being phased out by AI is becoming more common, and it affects people at all job levels, skill sets, and education phases. You should always look at people who are unemployed due to a layoff in the same light as you would those who are currently employed. They often have the same qualifications and are ready and eager to work. Also, 50% of those currently employed admitted to having at least one job interview in 2017 with no intention of leaving their current job. By seeking individuals who have been phased out of their jobs, you might save a lot of time and find someone who can reliably start work right away.
Veterans: Veterans are another often overlooked demographic. This group presents highly skilled, disciplined people with a strong work ethic as well as:
- Strong leadership skills
- Pride in following orders respectfully and effectively
- Exceptional teamwork
- Ability to work in high-stress, pressure-filled jobs
- Experience in working with diverse teams
- Goals and objectives driven
- Determination and persistence
- Excellent attention to detail
- Safety conscious
- Adaptable to change
- Appreciation for training and coaching
