Recruiting over 55

Yes, it does exist! It: discrimination of candidates over 55 – and yes, it does exist as well: the debate about the fact that we should all work until 70.

Now how do we bring all this together? As a professional working in the field of personnel consulting and recruiting, I feel it is my duty to tackle the question. I always read with great interest the various publications on the subject. And this week, I feel especially proud of our agency and our clients. Over the past four weeks, we indeed successfully had three candidates over 57 sign a permanent work contract.

These candidates are highly qualified FH engineers and pharmacists, with sound professional know-how of the pharmaceutical industry, a solid and reliable presentation and a proactive approach. It was nevertheless not simple to overcome the preconceived opinions of the HR departments or of younger supervisors, to oppose the adequate counterarguments, and finally to ensure the candidates would be given their chance in a personal interview. Each first encounter was quickly followed by a positive decision. I here wish to thank all those who are ready to think beyond the limit of 55+ and to make the best of the value these candidates represent for their company and our society.