Companies that value older workers will jump at this
From the what-do-you-bring-to-the-table department, this study demonstrating what companies value when considering a degree vs. experience. And for the older worker, when the cards are stacked against you, play to your strengths.
The proof is in the pudding
As reported on WSJ.com, a study from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse sent 9,400 fictitious resumes of nearly identical qualifications. They applied for jobs in finance, management, marketing and sales. They had degrees in “accounting, biology, english, economics and finance.”
The major difference was that one-fourth of the resumes contained three-month internships in “relevant positions.”
The results showed that the resumes with internships were 14 percent more likely to “get a call back.” This led the author of the study to question the value of the degree when pitted against actual work experience saying “real-life work experience still pays dividends.”
And what is one of the major advantages of the 50+ job seeker? Ah, yes. That would be experience. Play to your strengths.