Older employees usually face difficulties in staying employed in Nigeria as a result of corporations are likely to favor youthful candidates. This concern is frequent throughout many industries, and it results in loads of skilled employees being ignored of job alternatives simply due to their age.
Whereas this age discrimination impacts each professionals and laborers, it’s notably powerful for these of their 40s, 50s, and past.
why are older employees struggling to seek out jobs in Nigeria?, what industries are most affected, and the way these employees can overcome age-related challenges within the job market-Let’s dive in.
Who’s Thought of an Older Employee in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the age restrict for being thought of “older” within the job market is surprisingly low. Many employers begin to view folks over the age of 30 as “older” employees, particularly in industries like banking, tech, and authorities.
For instance, many corporations choose hiring folks underneath 30 for entry-level roles, leaving these of their 30s or 40s out of the working, even when they’ve loads of expertise.
Because of this, many Nigerians of their 40s and 50s discover themselves neglected for job alternatives simply due to their age, even when they’re extremely certified.
Industries Most Affected by Age Bias
Sure industries in Nigeria are extra liable to age discrimination. Banking and finance are a number of the worst offenders, with many banks hiring solely younger employees, usually setting an age cap at 25 or 30.
This bias additionally extends to know-how corporations, the place startups and tech companies choose hiring youthful employees, believing they’re extra tech-savvy.
Company sectors like regulation companies, consulting companies, and multinational corporations additionally are likely to favor youthful candidates for junior and mid-level positions.
Even manufacturing and oil and gasoline sectors, the place expertise needs to be useful, usually favor youthful, cheaper labor. Nevertheless, some industries, like schooling, are a bit extra versatile in the case of hiring older employees.
Why Employers Want Youthful Candidates
Employers favor youthful candidates for a number of causes, lots of that are based mostly on stereotypes. One frequent perception is that youthful employees are extra adaptable to new know-how and simpler to coach.
Firms usually assume that youthful individuals are extra energetic and can be capable of deal with fast-paced work environments. One more reason is that youthful employees are inexpensive, with decrease wage expectations in comparison with older employees who’ve extra expertise.
There’s additionally a standard view that youthful staff are extra versatile and keen to work longer hours, which some employers see as a bonus
How Older Job Seekers Can Keep Aggressive
Whereas the state of affairs is hard, there are methods older job seekers in Nigeria can enhance their possibilities:
- Keep Up to date with New Expertise: Among the best methods to keep away from age discrimination is to repeatedly replace your abilities. Older job seekers ought to study new applied sciences, take related programs, and even get certifications of their area. This exhibits employers that you’re able to adapting to new tendencies and applied sciences.
- Spotlight Your Expertise: Older employees have useful expertise that youthful employees don’t have. It’s vital to focus on your achievements, management abilities, and problem-solving talents in your resume and interviews. Exhibiting how your years of expertise can profit the corporate is an efficient option to stand out.
- Emphasize Your Vitality and Enthusiasm: Many employers assume that older employees lack power or enthusiasm. You possibly can counter this by exhibiting a optimistic angle, eagerness to study, and adaptability in your method. Being open-minded and keen to tackle new challenges will help present that you’re nonetheless aggressive within the job market.
- Leverage Your Community: Networking is crucial for any job seeker, however particularly for older employees. Over time, you’ve possible constructed a strong skilled community. Don’t hesitate to achieve out to outdated colleagues, mentors, or business friends for job leads or referrals.
- Be Open to Various Roles: Take into account exploring part-time, consulting, or freelance alternatives if full-time positions are exhausting to seek out. These kinds of roles can nonetheless provide useful work expertise and revenue with out the age-related boundaries of conventional employment.
How Firms Can Create Age-Inclusive Workplaces
Firms may do their half by creating workplaces that embrace folks of all ages. Listed here are some steps they’ll take:
- Concentrate on Expertise, Not Age: Firms ought to rent based mostly on abilities and {qualifications} quite than age. Job descriptions mustn’t restrict candidates based mostly on their age, and hiring managers ought to concentrate on what candidates can carry to the desk.
- Create a Tradition of Respect: Firms ought to foster a piece tradition the place folks of all ages are revered and valued. This contains coaching staff on age-related biases and creating alternatives for all employees to contribute their concepts.
- Provide Coaching and Improvement: Firms ought to provide ongoing coaching to all staff, no matter age. This may assist older employees keep present with business tendencies and know-how, permitting them to compete with youthful candidates.
- Present Mentorship Alternatives: Older employees can mentor youthful employees, and vice versa. Mentorship packages will help bridge the hole between generations and permit for the trade of information and concepts.
- Provide Versatile Work Preparations: To assist older employees keep within the workforce longer, corporations can provide versatile work hours, part-time positions, and even distant work alternatives. This may assist older staff stability work and private commitments whereas persevering with to contribute.
