For the past 5 years, the average age of our consultant pool has increased by 1.5 years annually. This is in part due to the fact that our average consultant remains with a client for 3.5 years, so those consultants are obviously getting older. The more interesting part is that the new consultants that our clients are hiring are older than those they previously hired.

As I see it, the only good explanation for this is that our clients are taking advantage of the more experienced labor pool. The more experienced consultant is more likely to have honed their business and professional skills, as well as their technical expertise.

When I look to hire employees at my firm, I prefer candidates with a wealth of experience and polished professionalism. These employees are typically able to add value far beyond what is expected of them.

Reasons to recruit mature workers:

More willing to work
Serve as mentors
Invaluable experience
Stronger work ethic
More reliable
Add diversity of thought
More loyal
Take work more seriously
Have established networks
Higher retension rates

Lisa
Continuingcareers.com
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