Social media can determine a worker's growth in today's market

The days of walking into an agency and submitting an application in person are long gone. Although it is entirely possible to continue on with this outdated practice, it can diminish the possibility of a qualified candidate being considered for an open position. The reasons for this are numerous, the most realistic being that the original recipient of the application won't always deliver the packet in a timely manner or be able to relay the positive attributes of a candidate to a hiring manager. Unfortunately, these days, the business world moves at a much quicker pace, and for a more mature worker, this reality can pose greater obstacles when attempting to change career paths in an increasingly technological world.

Websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ have all changed the way employers and employees interact. There is more of a transparency between the two, as employers can easily understand how a candidate thinks and views events through a Twitter feed. Similarly, an employee can better understand the core principles within a company. Facebook pages offer deeper insight for employees, too. Businesses that create and maintain an engaging Facebook presence can help attract talented creative individuals who are looking to branch out and learn more about a company's mission.

For some workers over the age of 50, technology can be a stumbling block to finding a job. Industries are embracing social media technology rapidly, and for workers with little to no knowledge of how to use networking sites,it is tough to find a company willing to educate employees on the basics of social media marketing or networking.

However, it appears that more adults are taking the lead where this issue is concerned. In 2011, 65 percent of adult internet users now say they use social networking sites, which is up from 61 percent a year ago, according to the Pew Research Center. This marks the first time in the center's history that at least 50 percent of all American adults are using social networking sites.

In addition to more marketing and advertising campaigns switching over to social media sites, most job searches and postings are done online now. Recruiters rely largely on digital portfolios to connect a qualified worker to an open position in a company, and for workers with little to no Klout score, it can be hard to get noticed. For those reasons alone, older workers are finding ways to become involved in social media and attempting to understand its benefits.