I probably shouldn't admit that I eat at McDonald's every once in a while, but I do. Despite the looks from the healthy eaters in my family, when I travel I always get small fries and a cheeseburger. One thing I've noticed lately, and it's not just in fast food restaurants, is the increase in older workers who wait on me. It always used to be kids, but today's workers run the gamut from teens to older workers who could be retired, if circumstances were different.
A CareerBuilder survey on mature workers reports that 63% of workers age 55 and older who were laid off in the last 12 months said they have applied for jobs below the level at which they were previously employed.
In addition, 26% of employers reported they have received applications from workers over the age of 50 for entry level jobs and the majority of employers (65%) said they would consider experienced candidates who apply for jobs for which they’re overqualified.
The fact that employers will consider older workers for entry level positions is good news for mature workers, but not so good news for younger candidates. The job market is already tight for entry level jobs and the expansion of the applicant pool makes it even more challenging.
It's important for all entry level job seekers, regardless of age, to make sure they are using all available resources to find a job including networking, targeting your job search, and following up with prospective employers.
More: Entry Level Job Search | CareerBuilder | Job Listings
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The job market is definitely now more competitive for new grads. Internships are apparently even in short supply!