If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -This study aims to examine and discuss the opportunities and barriers older employees face in the recruitment process in comparison with younger candidates. The paper aims to analyze Kazakhstani employer preferences in terms of the age of their employees. Design/methodology/approach -The study draws on an analysis of the existent literature, statistical data, and the observations and experiences of the authors. Findings -The results suggest that both younger and older employees in Kazakhstan face barriers in the recruitment process. While recent graduates lack experience and a knowledge level capable of meeting the requirements of businesses, older employees are heavily trained and less adaptable to change in the environment. Employers in Kazakhstan are more willing to hire young employees rather than older workers. The recruitment process is primarily based on personal contacts. Practical implications -By describing the barriers older employees face in the recruitment process, the paper appeals to the Kazakhstani Government to revise policies and develop new measures to safeguard older workers. In addition, given the inconsistency of higher education with business requirements, policy makers should revise strategies and controls in the higher education system. Originality/value -The paper fills the literature gap and analyses Kazakhstani employer preferences in recruiting older versus younger employees. The obstacles older employees face in the recruitment process are outlined and discussed.

This paper discusses how new information technologies will change the inquiry of social processes, particularly regarding migration studies. Modern innovations in the sphere of collection and processing of information, like digitalisation, analysis of Big data, and the development of data science, might transform theoretical approaches to migration studies. Applying Babbie’s (2021) macro and micro theory of social process inquiry, the intention in the current article is to add a nano level, which will be increasingly utilised in the coming years, particularly in the sphere of inquiry of population migration using personal biological (fingerprints, eye features, and even DNA) characteristics. The paper underlines that modern information technologies will not only allow for a deeper understanding, but also for a broader capture of social processes. Moreover, these technologies will facilitate the use of mixed method research, i.e. incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is also important to understand the continued importance of ethical principles regarding the protection of personal information.