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i remember reading a while back that the people who are best with computers are people under 40 or so and people who were retired when computers came into common use. basically, people who grew up with computers and/or had the time to mess around with computers and learn how to use them. the worst are people who were working when computers became common. cause they were too busy working to learn.
I am only too well aware that many "older" people don't know computers. It's 2013, and you need to know them. Computers have been in workplaces since the 1980s, and there is no excuse not to have a basic understanding of computers.
i remember reading a while back that the people who are best with computers are people under 40 or so and people who were retired when computers came into common use. basically, people who grew up with computers and/or had the time to mess around with computers and learn how to use them. the worst are people who were working when computers became common. cause they were too busy working to learn.
This seems to be close to my experiences. My old boss was a biologist and he just struggled with how everything was done now. He is a great biologist and super nice guy, but for the first 15-20 years he did his job he didn't have to use a computer.
My moms career doesn't require the use of a computer so she has never really picked up how to use one beyond basic functions.
My grandparents don't even own computers though lol.
I am only too well aware that many "older" people don't know computers. It's 2013, and you need to know them. Computers have been in workplaces since the 1980s, and there is no excuse not to have a basic understanding of computers.
See post #254.
You don't NEED to know anything about computers if you have no use for them.
i remember reading a while back that the people who are best with computers are people under 40 or so and people who were retired when computers came into common use. basically, people who grew up with computers and/or had the time to mess around with computers and learn how to use them. the worst are people who were working when computers became common. cause they were too busy working to learn.
My dad is a perfect example. He could not care to learn a computer to save his life. He is FINALLY learning how to use apps on his feature (or dumb) phone such as learning to use music. My mother worked with computers but she only knows what she worked with such as e-mail, web searches, online ordering (relatively), Microsoft Office suite. Now yes, basic functions but it was what she did on her jobs.
My dad is a perfect example. He could not care to learn a computer to save his life. He is FINALLY learning how to use apps on his feature (or dumb) phone such as learning to use music. My mother worked with computers but she only knows what she worked with such as e-mail, web searches, online ordering (relatively), Microsoft Office suite. Now yes, basic functions but it was what she did on her jobs.
And here's a flash-that's all she needs to know for her job. Why should she learn applications she will, in all probability, never need in either her professional or personal life?
I drive and so does most everyone. What's the percentage of drivers who can rebuild an engine or transmission? I don't know but I'll bet it's less than 10%. Why? Knowing how to do those things aren't needed for the task of driving.
You don't NEED to know anything about computers if you have no use for them.
Perhaps not at home, but the original post was about finding ajob. In today's technological society, you do need to know computers. Because most jobs are posted online now, and even if there is no online application you usually need email to send your resumes. Very few resumes are sent "snail mail" now.
Many retailers require applying online now. You also need to fill out those ridiculous questionnaires that they have. It must be done on the computer. I know that it is stupid, but that is how it's done now.
When I was hired for a retail job about 10 years ago, during "register training" we were trained on computers, not on the actual registers (which are computerized, BTW). There was one man who clearly had never been on a computer before. He had no idea what a mouse was. He couldn't do the training, and he had to leave.
And where are these job applicants going to write their resume? On a typewriter? On a 3x5 card?
Times have changed. Keypunch operators are now data entry clerks. Blue collar jobs in manufacturing very definitely require computer skills noways. Drafters work on computers on specialized software.
I know that it's sad that your average blue collar worker just can't arrive at a company and fill out a paper application by hand. I know that it is sad that they must apply online. I know that it is sad that they must have a resume (years ago resumes were only for executive jobs).
Yes, I know that a dishwasher may not need computer skills on the job. But he will need it to GET the job.
Perhaps not at home, but the original post was about finding ajob. In today's technological society, you do need to know computers. Because most jobs are posted online now, and even if there is no online application you usually need email to send your resumes. Very few resumes are sent "snail mail" now.
Many retailers require applying online now. You also need to fill out those ridiculous questionnaires that they have. It must be done on the computer. I know that it is stupid, but that is how it's done now.
When I was hired for a retail job about 10 years ago, during "register training" we were trained on computers, not on the actual registers (which are computerized, BTW). There was one man who clearly had never been on a computer before. He had no idea what a mouse was. He couldn't do the training, and he had to leave.
And where are these job applicants going to write their resume? On a typewriter? On a 3x5 card?
Times have changed. Keypunch operators are now data entry clerks. Blue collar jobs in manufacturing very definitely require computer skills noways. Drafters work on computers on specialized software.
I know that it's sad that your average blue collar worker just can't arrive at a company and fill out a paper application by hand. I know that it is sad that they must apply online. I know that it is sad that they must have a resume (years ago resumes were only for executive jobs).
Yes, I know that a dishwasher may not need computer skills on the job. But he will need it to GET the job.
Why would older folks, many of whom are retired or about to retire, need to apply for a job?
And even if they did need to apply for one, I'm sure they have children or grandchildren to help them out.
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