Older the better & can get the job done

Some employers see the rewards of hiring older workers

Older people searching for jobs have long fought back stereotypes that they lack the speed, technology skills and dynamism of younger applicants. But as a wave of baby boomers seeks to stay on the job later in life, some employers are finding older workers are precisely what they need.

"There's no experience like experience," said David Mintz, CEO of dairy-free products maker Tofutti, where about one-third of the workers are over 50. "I can't put an ad saying, 'Older people wanted,' but there's no comparison."

As the population and its labor force reshape, though, with a larger chunk of older workers, some employers are slowly recognizing their skill and experience.

Many employers find older workers help them connect with older clients.

"When I was being hired, I didn't feel any kind of concern about my age," she said. "I believe in experience. I think you're crazy not to hire someone who's older."

"Having someone who is more senior, who has had some life scars, makes them much better at interacting with people," Meyer said. "This is a chance for them to use the skills that they have built up over their life."

But older workers are just what Michelle Benjamin, CEO of TalentREADY, a New York-based consulting firm, is looking for. They often cost more to hire, Benjamin said, but they don't require much training or supervision, and end up paying for themselves with the quality of work.

Fewer absences, fewer mistakes, a greater ability to solve problems and a willingness to put in more hours makes the older people better workers

"They're loaded with knowledge," he said. "They can teach the young wannabies,little kids & whippersnappers."