Companies turning to experienced hands in downturn
Australian recruitment companies say a demand for older experienced workers has increased markedly during the economic downturn because many companies were keen on people who had survived through tough times in the past.
Drake International strategic manager, David Edwards, said that “it’s not rocket science. The experience, maturity and wisdom of men and women in their 50s and 60s not only helps when making tough decisions but is invaluable in guiding younger less experienced staff through turbulent times”.
Mr Edwards said that an added incentive for many unemployed older workers who had previously held senior management positions was that they were willing to accept lower-paid jobs to get back into the workforce to boost their superannuation funds slugged by the global financial crisis.
Judd Farris recruitment managing consultant, Olivia Rathgeber, said that businesses today were under pressure to perform and they would hire an older experienced worker if they had the opportunity.
“They are interested in anyone who is resilient and whose expectations are realistic and often the candidates who have been through this cycle before know how to handle it”, she said.
