Senior Counseling & Employment

Seniors at Work Project is a new job referral agency in Durham that focuses exclusively on the employment needs of seniors, facilitating a connection between the seniors’ desires and abilities and the requirements of the employers. This is a community service that welcomes all seniors regardless of income level, 55 years and older, and the services are free both to job applicants and to employers. The Project is modeled after a similar program in Bethesda MD that has been successfully placing seniors in jobs for over 45 years.

As part of the Project’s mission, the agency is dedicated to helping employers become aware of the advantages of hiring and utilizing seniors in the workplace.

Why do employers need seniors today?    

• An aging workforce is forcing many companies to be faced with a significant loss of experienced talent in important roles.
• Fewer younger workers are available to join the workforce today.

What makes seniors good workers?    

• A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that “many new, younger workers today lack such core competencies as analytical skills, written communication skills, business knowledge, and professionalism.”    
• "Older workers are found to be more motivated to exceed expectations on the job than  their younger counterparts are”,  according to Towers Perrin HR group.  
• Older workers are better at experimental innovation (new ideas that are extensions of current practice).

What companies hire seniors today?    

In recognition of their willingness to hire seniors, AARP has designated the following companies as part of its AARP National Employer Team. These companies want to hire seniors because the older workers bring leadership, skills, and experience to the job.    

Retail   The Home Depot Borders Group CVS/pharmacy

Business & Marketing Services   News America Marketing Pitney Bowes, Inc

Communications   AT&T Comcast Verizon

Finance & Insurance MetLife New York Life Insurance Principal Financial Group Suntrust

Staffing Services   Adecco Express Personnel Services Kelly Services, Inc.