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Seniors are increasingly applying for entry-level positions, hiring managers report

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Summary

A recent survey of hiring managers found that 79% of them are seeing an increased number of seniors applying for entry-level positions, and 60% of them prefer to hire older candidates over younger ones because of their work ethic and experience. Job seekers are also applying for positions they may be overqualified for due to the current shortage of workers and lack of time and resources to train new hires. However, some hiring managers are still biased against older applicants, due to concerns about tech skills or potential retirement. Companies can help reduce such biases by offering management training to managers to help them better understand the value older applicants can bring.

Q&As

How has the perception of experience and maturity changed in hiring practices?
The perception of experience and maturity has shifted in hiring practices, with 60% of hiring managers preferring to hire older candidates over younger ones for entry-level positions.

What do hiring managers look for in job seekers?
Hiring managers are looking for full-time employees, with 55% searching for hourly workers and 51% searching for salaried workers. Most commonly, companies are looking for employees at the entry-level and mid-level.

How has the survey of U.S. hiring decision-makers changed in the past three years?
The survey of U.S. hiring decision-makers has seen a decrease in the percentage of companies looking for entry-level employees (from 63% in late 2022 to 53% in the recent survey) and mid-level employees (from 58% in late 2022 to 52% in the recent survey).

What do job seekers think about applying for roles they may be overqualified for?
Job seekers think it is acceptable to apply for roles where they may be overqualified, as long as they want it.

What steps can companies take to reduce age bias in hiring decisions?
Companies can offer management training and coaching to reduce the overwhelm that many managers report, and provide clarity to reduce age bias in hiring decisions.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides great insight into the trend of senior applicants applying for entry-level positions and the changing perceptions of experience and maturity. It is encouraging to see that companies are looking for employees with the right work ethic and that older workers may be able to provide value when applying for these roles.

👎 Despite the trend of seniors applying for entry-level positions, there is still a significant amount of age bias among hiring decision-makers due to their concerns about tech skills and potential retirement. This could be discouraging for older applicants looking for jobs.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how hiring managers are noticing an increase in seniors applying for entry-level positions, and many of them prefer to hire older candidates over younger ones. This demonstrates a shift in perceptions about experience and maturity.

Friend: Wow, that's really interesting. What do you think this shift in perceptions means for the job market?

Me: It could mean a few different things. The increase in seniors applying for entry-level positions could mean that employers are more open to hiring older workers, which could benefit those in the job market who may not have the same educational background or skill set as younger applicants. On the other hand, it could also mean that more employers are hesitant to hire younger candidates, due to concerns about their tech skills or potential retirement. Additionally, it could mean that companies are creating positions based on the applicant, not the current job opening.

Action items

Research and understand the current job market and the types of roles that are in demand.
Develop a strategy for applying for entry-level positions that highlights your experience and maturity.
Reach out to hiring managers to discuss potential opportunities and demonstrate your value.

Technical terms

Entry-level positions: Positions that require minimal experience and are typically the first step in a career.
Hiring managers: Individuals responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting employees for an organization.
Work ethic: A set of values based on hard work and diligence.
Full-time employees: Employees who work a set number of hours per week, usually 40 or more.
Hourly workers: Employees who are paid an hourly wage for the hours they work.
Salaried workers: Employees who are paid a fixed salary regardless of the number of hours worked.
Entry-level: Positions that require minimal experience and are typically the first step in a career.
Overqualified: Having more experience, qualifications, or skills than are required for a particular job.
Age bias: Prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age.
Management training: Training designed to help managers develop their skills and abilities.