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Over 50? Worried about job prospects? Don't be
The credit crunch won't hurt golden oldies

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Monday 01 December 2008

Tech professionals at the older end of the age spectrum shouldn't be concerned about their employment prospects worsening due to the economic downturn.

Speaking to silicon.com, John Whiting, MD of IT at recruitment firm Harvey Nash, said older people may actually have an advantage - especially with more high-level tech roles.

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"They're clearly not going to compete with the younger guys in some of the newer technology areas but if you look at the IT leadership space then it's less and less dependent upon someone's technology skills - it's more and more dependent upon how good are they at influencing, how strong are their leadership skills, how strong are their communications skills - which to a certain extent should play to the strength of the people with more experience," he said.

Whiting added that creativity, innovation and understanding of the business are more important than having skills in the latest technology.

"If you're good at your job and you can demonstrate that you're good at your job, then the age piece doesn't really come into it as much," he continued.

Whiting added that older workers should try to differentiate themselves from younger competitors by emphasising their wisdom, energy and creativity.

Despite recruiters' optimism, older workers aren't convinced their prospects are rosy in light of the downturn.

Research conducted by the Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime) found that 54 per cent of those over 50 currently seeking work think the credit crunch will harm their employment prospects.

According to the research - which covered 1,000 UK adults - the majority (81 per cent) of those over 50 believe their age puts them at an automatic disadvantage when compared to younger rivals.

But director of tech recruitment firm Computer People, Jane Binner, said employers are looking for candidates that "can deliver the most in the role, regardless of their age".

But she added that gaining extra qualifications and looking at potential reskilling options could put people in a better position during the economic downturn.