The Job Market Is Looking Up for Older Workers

Columnist Paul Brandus writes in MarketWatch that the job market is improving for older Americans after a battering from the pandemic. The U.S. Labor Department reported 7.4 million job openings nationally as of Feb. 28, up from 7.1 million a month earlier and the most since January 2019. Openings in the food services and accommodation industries climbed to 761,000 in February from 657,000 a month prior, while openings in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector increased to 137,000 from 81,000. In point of fact virtually every jobs category has openings, although Brandus notes that ageism remains persistent. Older applicants need a compelling cover letter, and Brandus recommends having "a template in your computer that you can tweak for each company you're applying to." The same strategy should apply to resumes, and he suggests applicants averse to chronological resumes should draft one that highlights their skills and achievements. He further advises older job seekers to take advantage of platforms like Facebook and Twitter to highlight "things that show your skill set and how you work with others." LinkedIn accounts are also sources that employers tap for background information on prospective workers, and Brandus suggests seekers should post photos as well as "anything that you think an employer would appreciate seeing, such as recommendations and testimonials from others."