I AM also a job-seeking senior citizen ('They too need help' by
Mr Tham Siong Tuck; Feb 24). I have applied without success for
secretarial and administrative positions for a year.
I have sought assistance from the Central Singapore Community
Development Council, Employment and Employability Institute (e2i),
unions and employment agencies, dutifully answered ads in the
Internet classifieds daily and attended many job fairs.
Upon learning my age, most, if not all, agencies and employers
lose interest immediately.
My second visit to e2i was particularly disappointing. The
officer who interviewed me told me that even if I was hired, I
would have to quit soon as I was close to the retirement age.
When I replied that the Government was encouraging companies to
hire seniors, her response was that the posts I was interested in
were more suited for younger people.
At the community development council, the work available for
seniors were in sales, front-line customer service or as carpark
attendants.
I would have thought that agencies would leverage on my
substantial secretarial and administrative experience; and I don't
think that once I turned 60, some switch would turn off all that
experience, rendering me fit for only non-office jobs.
The stereotyping by prospective employers that I have been
subjected to just because I am above 60 is contradictory to the
Government's call for able-bodied seniors to continue working, and
is extremely discouraging. One heeds the Government's call, but it
is not backed up by action on the part of employers.
I hope employers will not prejudge applicants because of their
age.
Irene Tan (Madam)
