How Long Do Unemployed Older Workers Search for a Job?

Publication Date: February 2014

Publisher: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College

Author(s): Matthew S. Rutledge

Research Area: Labor; Population and demographics

Keywords: Older workers

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The brief’s key findings are:

-The Great Recession threw many older individuals out of work, so it is important to understand their job search activity.

-The results show little tolerance for a lengthy search; the vast majority either find a job or exit the labor force within a year.

-Those with financial resources, such as Social Security, leave even sooner.

-Interestingly, the strength of the local labor market does not seem to have much impact on the duration of job search.