Only 10% of workers aged over 50 claim they have never suffered age discrimination, a new survey has revealed.
The survey, from The Age and Employment Network (TAEN), also shows that only 13% thought age discrimination legislation introduced in October 2006 had helped older people find work.
The report also showed that 32% of respondents were degree educated and a further 23% had professional qualifications, with 67% feeling they had the right skills for today’s labour market.
Despite having skills and experience, 45% said they been searching for work for more than six months with a third of this number looking for more than two years.
Almost half (44%) were concerned about not working, while 30% said they were desperate to find work.
Chris Ball, chief executive of TAEN, said: “There are few barriers to employment experienced by older people so dispiriting as attitudes of age discrimination. While not everyone in the 50+ age group experiences difficulties in seeking suitable work, we believe such problems are widespread. The introduction of legislation outlawing age discrimination in employment has certainly not eradicated it particularly in recruitment, where it is difficult for an individual to prove discrimination and take legal action.”
Good news for mature candidates most employers think mature workers are good for business, according to new research.
The research, from employment lawyer Peninsula, shows that 87% of employers think mature workers benefit their company, 77% say mature workers are more loyal and reliable than their younger counterparts, 62% of have increased the number of mature workers in their workforce and 78% of employers see the recruitment of older workers as a beneficial mentoring tool.
Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula, said: “Employers are now seeing through the stereotypical views associated with age. Mature workers are now viewed as a credit to the workforce rather than a hindrance. Where previously employers have held ageist concerns about these workers, such as them not having relevant computer skills that are now essential in the workplace, they are now finding that these worries are no longer a problem.”
At Forties People we always look at people's skills and abilities regardless of age, but experience and stability counts a lot in today’s marketplace. Clients are always looking for candidates who do not job hop, and have a variety of skills. We pride ourselves that in the last couple of weeks placing someone who was 25 and a 64 year old.
According to a recent servey 8 out of 10 people take a lucky charm into an interview, 7 out of 10 of us take advice from a horoscope reading of the day.
Some of the lucky charms include:
Lucky underwear
Lucky jewellery
Brooch
Lucky shoes
Key ring
Lucky stone
Lucky pen/pencil
Lucky photograph of someone ie boyfriend/relative
My advice does not include any lucky charms but the following might be helpful.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT. Make sure you make a good one! It is estimated that 30% of an employer’s opinion of an interview candidate is formed within the first 30 seconds. Here are a few ideas on making the most of that first half minute:
1. Do your homework on the company i.e. check it out on their website or go to your local reference library. A client is always impressed if you have taken the trouble to do this prior to interview. Ensure you know ALL about the job.
2. Don’t be tempted to have a quick cigarette or half a pint of lager to calm your nerves before an interview; the interviewer will be able to smell both on your breath.
3. Immaculate appearance, business dress, (suit), clean polished shoes. Do not overdo make-up, perfume or after-shave.
4. Plan your route and timing carefully to arrive a few minutes early – but not too early. Allow time for delay in reception and a long walk around the building.
5. SMILE, introduce yourself clearly and shake hands firmly.
6. During the course of the interview make regular eye contact. When asked a question do not feel you always need to have a quick answer. It is preferable to give some thought to the question before answering rather than say the first thing that comes into your head.
7. When you have your reply ready answer questions clearly and concisely, keep it simple and stick to the point, be animated and enthusiastic - don't sit looking blank.
8. Never interrupt when being spoken to. Let the interviewer lead the interview.
9. Ask relevant questions. Possibly arrive armed with a list and make sure the interviewer is aware of the benefits of employing you.
10. If you observe all these points and do not get the job, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your best shot. Remember, there is usually only one job but several candidates. MAKE SURE YOU ARE THE BEST!!
It could be back to school time for millions of adults after a spelling test showed that many of us do not know how to spell basic everyday words.
Some 40 per cent failed to correctly spell 'questionnaire', 38 per cent were stumped by 'accommodate' and 38 per cent were baffled by 'definitely'.
The quiz, consisting of 20 common words, revealed that 'calendar' was spelt wrong by 19 per cent, 20 per cent were clueless when it came to spelling 'embarrass' and 'referring' drew blanks from 28 per cent.
But despite these shocking results, almost a third reckoned their spelling was excellent and another 46 per cent claimed it was of a good standard.
Two-thirds of the 2,500 people aged between 18 and 60 who took part in the test blamed their inability to get words right on mobile phone predictive text speak.
The study also gave an insight into the number of people who believe that their poor spelling skills are having an effect on their lives.
One in five admitted avoiding handwriting documents because their spelling is so bad while 59 per cent said they rely heavily on their computer's spellchecker.
A spokesman for the Plain English Society said: 'People seem less inclined to consider correct spelling important.'
Amit Greener, of English writing software firm WhiteSmoke which carried out the study, added: 'It's worrying how weak our spelling has become.'
This article recently appeared in the Metro, how true it is, we recently had a client looking for an Administrator and during the audio test half of the candidate failed on the spelling. We all seem to relay on spell checks these days, but Forties People still see lots of spelling mistakes in CV’s. You need to check your CV and be careful when filling in an application form.
At Forties People we supply both permanent and temporary staff to work as receptionists or front of house for small, medium and large companies.
Our aim is to provide great staff to great companies and our track record is second to none and this has been achieved through great service to both clients and candidates alike.
Here we look at some useful pointers if you're considering a job as a receptionist with one of our clients.
© 2009 BBC