Why Hiring Employees Over 60 Can Benefit Your Business.

Why Employing Employees Over 60 Can Benefit Your Business. By Kelley Swanson

There is an unfortunate misconception that hiring an employee over 60 is a bad idea. In many settings employees reaching or even surpassing retirement age, are no longer considered viable or relevant. However, hiring employees over 60, may bring many benefits and advantages to a company.

Investing in Skills, Expertise, and Experience

Applicants who have been in the field for more than 10 years have a great deal to bring to the table, usually more so than a brand new graduate. The older applicant will most likely know the rules of the industry; how to do work properly; and will know more people in the field which will help networking and sales.

Some business owners think that older applicants are less computer savvy because of their age. This is no longer the case. Several baby boomers know how to google search, use facebook, twitter, pinterest, and linkedin. Therefore, before writing someone off because they are older, ask them questions to see if they know how to use any of the online resources and search engines. Ask the applicant if they have a facebook page, twitter account, or website. If they say they do, check their sites out.

Less Money and Time Training

Every good business owner knows that training is a timely and costly investment. Training someone who already has the experience, will take less of the business's resources.

You will Hire Someone Who Is Qualified

Be honest. There is no such thing as being over qualified. Qualified is qualified. However, many people are told that they are "over qualified" at interviews, when the employer, a) does not want to hire the applicant because the employer believes the applicant would require a higher salary than someone with less experience; b) the employer believes that the applicant will leave after a short time to find another job; c) or if the employer believes the applicant is to old for the job.

Older applicants have to deal with all the above referenced misconceptions. In many situations, older applicants will be flexible in their salary range as they might be receiving social security, and other retirement plans to supplement their income.

False Belief that a 60+ year old Will Leave Early

Many older employees are dedicated, loyal, punctual, as well as experienced. In fact, employers should worry more about the 25 year old who is always looking for better and more money. The younger applicant could be more likely to hop around from job to job. However, every worker and case is different. You can never tell a person's loyalty by age.

In conclusion, it might be in a company's best interest to open their minds and consider hiring older applicants. In many cases, you will get your money's worth, as a well as an experienced, dedicated, motivated, and loyal employee.