Job Hunt Tough for Those over 50

In South Florida the job hunt is difficult for those 50 and older. Some go back to work to find adventure, while others return for the money. Regardless of their reasons for reentering the workforce, members of the 50-and-over crowd are struggling to land jobs.

One woman, a 60-year-old employee of a West Palm Beach condominium, said she was told she was overqualified on her job interviews.

"They want someone who's young and doesn't need as much money," she said.



However, Lesley Tell, manager of a Fort Lauderdale-based staffing firm said, "You don't want to hire somebody who is going to work for six months."

Regarding the over-50 group Tell added, "They're going to tend to stay around."

"They [also] have the credibility to deal with clients," said Michael Rosenberg, a recruiter for Brown and Brown Insurance. "When we hire people in their early to mid-20s, it's hard for them to get the respect of some of our clients."

One suggestion for those 50 and over looking for jobs: find companies online that are looking for older workers, such as Home Depot, Borders, Walgreens, CVS, H&R Block, and MetLife.


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