Do employers seriously consider older applicants?

[Ms K]

Hi, I usually browse this forum but have a question to employers:

How seriously would you consider an application from an older applicant? (under 40....just)

I have experience from about 10 years ago and BHS qualifications, then had a family and a break from the industry. Have kept my hand in freelance teaching, but now family grown up and I want to go back to full time.

I think I have lots to offer by way of experience, enthusiasm, common sense, and my current non horsey job involves managing people. I am not a huge talent as a rider (but do compete at low level BD) and looking more for a role as a yard manager/head groom/instructor.

I am going to work part time at a local yard (alongside my full time job) to get a more current reference, other than my freelance clients.

What else would make me more attractive to employers?

 

[lizziebell]

Hello. I can't be any help in the equine industry, but as far as an employers point of view we don't consider age to be an issue as long as the person has the right skills. To be honest, since the act on age discrimination came in to force we rarely see CV's that show someones date of birth, so you kind of have to guess from the dates of their education or when they turn up for an interview - and then I'm quite rubbish at guessing ages !!

 

[JanetGeorge]

How seriously would you consider an application from an older applicant? (under 40....just)

VERY seriously!! Currently, my oldest employee is in his 40s - but I'd happily have older - all other things being equal! I now won't CONSIDER anyone under 20 - fed up with kids who don't know what they want, don't know when they're well off, think they know it all (and don't!), have memories like SIEVES, and drive me mad with inane twitter! (You can tell I'm old and grumpy having recently qualified for my bus pass!)

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

i would rather have an older employee, especially if female! as less likely to get collared for maternity pay!!!! and maternity leave! which i do know is discriminate in itself. and the mature candidate generally tends to be more responsible, flexible in working practises and hours, less likely to phone in sick with a hangover. and dont require radio 1 blaring out all day long, and usually are happy to work alone if req.

 

[TheEquineOak]

Hello. I can't be any help in the equine industry, but as far as an employers point of view we don't consider age to be an issue as long as the person has the right skills. To be honest, since the act on age discrimination came in to force we rarely see CV's that show someones date of birth, so you kind of have to guess from the dates of their education or when they turn up for an interview - and then I'm quite rubbish at guessing ages !!

Ditto this.... my guys are of all ages! I don't care how old they are as long as they do the job.

I have seen many older people in the equine industry. If you have a good reputation, no one cares about your age.

And your not even that old!!!!

 

[PennyJ]

I think females with older children are particularly highly regarded, not least because the chances are they are not surreptitiously planning to have another kid and therefore the employer is unlikely to get lumbered with paying maternity pay. Not that an employer could possibly dare to say that these days, but I think you all know what I mean...

 

[TicTac]

I'm fabulous and fifty darling and I went back to working with horses a year ago. I've got more staying power than the youngsters, can be trusted to do a job and am fitter than I was in my 20's. I do have my aches and pains but I love my job and I look after the youngsters!!

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

We have two part time employees, they are both in their 40's both divorced, one with children - they are fantastic, never off sick, willing to go the extra mile, good fun, helpful if extra hours are needed (they were great when I had my two knee op's) - I consider them my mates.

If we were looking for another member of staff, I'd want to clone the two I already have!

 

[martlin]

i would rather have an older employee, especially if female! as less likely to get collared for maternity pay!!!! and maternity leave! which i do know is discriminate in itself. and the mature candidate generally tends to be more responsible, flexible in working practises and hours, less likely to phone in sick with a hangover. and dont require radio 1 blaring out all day long, and usually are happy to work alone if req.

^^^ this and what JanetGeorge said (apart from the bus pass )
As long as I could afford your wage requirements, I would be more than happy to employ you

 

[natalia]

Yes and also no. No because depending on the person we find them VERY S L O W doing the yard if a yard work position. Yes if your after a teaching post or similar, as tend to have more experience, less likely to run off and go AWOL and hopefully won't want more children.