According to a piece by Kristi Essick in the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com, retirement is only an option. Discussing websites like YourEncore.com and Senior Job Bank, the "55-plus crowd" is being specifically recruited by Fortune 500 companies. In fact, YourEncore.com was founded by Eli Lilly and Procter & Gamble.

Donna Wadleigh of YourEncore.com explained: "Companies realize they will soon be faced with a mass exodus of their most qualified people...companies can bring back highly skilled people that provide value immediately." The website's FAQ states: "Retirees will use their knowledge and expertise to solve well defined scientific and technical problems."

Another site, Seniors4Hire, practically began by accident after the California-based Forward Group started a less-successful site named Teens4Hire. Said founder Rene Ward: "Companies said they were worried young people didn't have the right attitude, but they'd be happy to hire people over 55." Bank of America, RadioShack, and Regal Entertainment being companies that have utilized the services of this particular site.

Started by Jay Zavala, a former federal employee who had retired, the Employment Network for Retired Government Experts matches retired gov't workers with companies in the private sector. Zavala explained: "I created Enrge because as soon as I retired, I had companies knocking on my door asking for help...The government is the largest employer in the U.S. and has experts in every possible field." Hundreds have already registered.

Other sites are out there, like Dinosaur Exchange, are internationally-focused.

But whatever the focus is, the key is that if you have the needed skills, you're never too old to be working. Competent employees will always be in demand.

Labels: Human Resources, Internet, Recruiting, Seniors