Abstract
ABSTRACT While previous studies have focused on the supply side of employment transitions for older workers, there is a lack of understanding of the demand side of the labor market. Given that almost half of older workers experience multiple employment transitions prior to retirement, this study aims to investigate job availability in a local market for older workers and identify the required skills for available jobs. This study used online job posting data in a southern community in the U.S. which was collected from three job posting sources during the fourth quarter of 2021. Qualitative data, with a total of 5,160 job postings, were merged with the O*NET database. Descriptive analyses were performed to account for job availabilities and required skills. Additionally, 2021 American Community Survey data derived from IPUMS USA were used to investigate the local community’s older workforce. Job opportunities emerged in a wide range of occupations, with higher concentrations in three occupational groups. Occupations with high proportions of older workers aged 65 or older required relatively fewer work requirements such as education, work experience, and skills. The study also identified generally applicable job requirements, except for technology skills, across occupational groups divided into two tracks by the level of job requirements. This study identified a poor fit between the local job market and older workers, which highlights the need for pre- and post-response to the aftermath of economic downturns and continuous technology skill development.
Published Version
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