50+ ... are you finding it more difficult to get hired?

With life expectancy growing, and the retirement ages being increased... it’s time for owners and the like to reconsider the 50-55+ age bracket as being 'too old' ! I believe most senior management is at their peak in this age bracket and the wealth of experience we have, can only enhance any property! 

There are very few countries that will also accept seasoned GM's over 55, as their policies prevent employers hiring. It’s time for many to rethink and reconsider !!!

As many organizations continue to struggle with leadership at many levels, so-called leaders do lack courage to do what is right. They stick to the status quo and refuse to change. Avoiding hiring of seasoned professionals because of age, salary requirements or benefit compensation simply shows lack of character. 

The good news, as I prefer to believe is that leadership is changing. Slow as it may be. While it is in my opinion, important for leadership to allow today’s' youth an opportunity and seat at the table, there is also a need to exhibit innovation in the recruitment process. Organizations that want to prosper must exhibit courage, leaders should hire likeminded individuals ready to jump-in and take the organization to new heights. These are the experienced, managers who have been there and experienced all aspects of the industry. While its important to train people to think like CEO's, why not hire those comfortable with a P&L or balance sheet. Growth might happen sooner and profitability accelerated. Organizations can grow quicker by taking advatage of weaker competition, when they have experience working for them. Unfortunately, I see a slow recovery in good paying positions, as leaders struggle to identify what the future holds. I 'm bullish on the future and planning for the business of tomorrow, hopefully more leaders will accept change.

There is an obvious age bias, so what do YOU do to diffuse it. 

Dye the Grey, get updated with technology, and out-produce the youngish. I was told by a dear friend that I need to be the 40-something in the employer's eyes.

For some employers even 40+ is too old, let alone 50+. By employers, I mean their HR and sometimes the management and HR don't even see it eye to eye with regard to employees' age.

That is why I've been a "consultant" for the last few years. And even then it's tough to convince some clients older than me and in my own age group to hire me, even though I have great connections and experience that could help them avoid the obvious mistakes and pitfalls I know they will probably make with a young inexperienced kid.

Young and inexperienced employees are cheaper and more manageable. Employers also think they can treat them as they wish, often disrespectfully. With older employees they have to be more careful and It's harder for them as they can't boss them around. If they respected each of their employees, age would no longer be such an issue. 

HR departments also believe that people of the age group 50+ can't use more advanced and sophisticated applications, and also they are not fit enough to work long hours. 
You might be at least considered for highly specialized managerial positions, though.

Most of what employers think about older employees is untrue by the statistical facts. 
They only seek something for the next 10 to 15 years, but how long will the young in commit as they seek advancement and increased experienced?

If turned 40 you stop being eligible for a new job. I've soon noticed that I don't stand a chance with big HR departments of big companies, so I started looking elsewhere. 

HR departments don't see it this way. And if you are 50+ and a woman, you are doomed. Very discriminatory! 
Some big companies have finally started seeing teams of people of various age groups as a big plus, as they have experienced employees training and guide the young ones, who dare to take risks and are full of energy; but they need someone to guard them and steer them through rough waters.

There is a lot to given reasons as to why seasoned hoteliers (male or female) are discriminated against. But what I see and experience is the ego factor that 45 year olds in senior roles are uncomfortable with experienced hoteliers with the young and competency level that is beyond theirs. 

It takes a boss with self confidence and understanding as to overcome the management weaknesses that are currently in play today. Most of the decisions processes are influenced by HR Directors who have learnt their skills by working the regulations but have no understanding of management skills except what they have learnt in theory!

Bring customers back for repeat business !

The most important feature in a hotel is the staff and the service they provide.

Good hot piping hot, lavishly spread buffet breakfast, a guest lounge with a large screen TV showing sports and news.Superb restaurants with the best of the menus and regional cuisine with BBQ Grills, and above all spacious rooms!

Staff who can remember guest’s name with finest personalized hospitality.

SERVICE ….. Unexpected personalized service, and this starts from the bell desk to the checkout. Calm and tranquil room with speedy room service and good replenished linen and mineral water. Don’t forget the coffeemaker, minibar and guest as a human being and not a room number, Simple !

Service is a reflection of your satisfaction to serve guests and their satisfaction too, not just earning salary tips or service charges.

The more you serve the guest with true heart,more gusts repeatedly turnup and business grows and you grow.

If you have free Internet, Select Comfort Beds, Gym, etc. This can’t be a mazor factor for bringing guests in. Bringing guests is the awesome feeling “at home” and in the comfort of acceptable and lovable atmosphere the hotel offers, and the guests feel confident when they have the confidence of better service good food and a comfortable sleep at the hotel.

When a hotel markets with a motto: Our purpose is to make your stay with us as pleasant as possible. We believe in your comfort and safety with the best experience in being pleased. 

Guests not billboards or digital marketing,who are treated with welcome smile, tell others of your exceptional hospitality service. That’s the secret of good hospitality business.

People - nice staff. Staff who have genuine feeling with words, not scripted. The staffshould be genuinely nice. Guests should like them. The guests don't mind engaging them in good conversation and service with a smile. 

Free internet in the room. Of course it should be free. It has a necessity for decades. As hoteliers we would be embarrassed to have guests hanging around the lobby using the internet, or worse, going to to internet cafe down the corner. It costs little but draws the guests to your hotel 

The structures or interior can’t be changed often... can change the attitude of the staff.

Doing whatever it takes to provide a unique experience for each guest. Teaching employees to listen for, and respond to the hidden questions. Often those questions have nothing to do with the hotel itself.

Don't forget the loyalty program card.

An important feature a hotel can offer to enhance repeat Customer / business is to build a Service Culture in the Organization by letting each and every staff to build a positive attitude in giving a personal guarantee and proving a great service to each guest interaction. This means all staff to be cheerful from greeting to a fond farewell creating a memorable experince in guests  minds who patronize the hotel. Three Simple Key Factors should include: Recognition - Service Excellence with due attention & inviting to return. (Of course to achieve this you should have a motivated staff with investment on Training & Development) 

As most said a welcoming team does mean repeat guests. But with a welcoming team you need clean, comfortable and a great price. Being an economy brand,offer value for money.

A good hotel is a combination of a great team, a great product, a great location and a great price.

Building a Positive Service Culture having a dedicated team ,needless to say that the product including its quality Food & Beverage should very important to draw the customer to your hotel brand.

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