How to find work in later life

I know many struggle to get work past 50. And yes, a lot of organisations are ageist, but there are also things that we can do to increase our chances. Here are the points I wrote for Saga Magazine a few years ago. I've reviewed and it is still relevant.

Be clear WHY you want to return to work

Is it for the money, your pension isn’t enough to meet your needs? Or for companionship – you enjoy the camaraderie from work? Perhaps you want to develop yourself and learn and earn. Being clear on why will make research easier.

Decide WHAT to do

You can do more of the same; you were an office manager and now want to work closer to home or part-time. You might want less stress, so working in a small fashion/food retail environment would be perfect. Or there might be something you really want to do and want to retrain – there are many apprenticeship schemes aimed at older workers. Make a list of everything you would love to do, get any ideas on paper. Also, research growth jobs e.g. information security analysts, data analysts, roles within Architecture, and a wide range of jobs within personal services and health care. Research online and then talk with people. Narrow things down to 2 or 3. One that will be easy, but also a couple of jobs you would love to do. Using a career coach could help to make this happen.

Understand your skill set

We have gained skills through our work history but also skills through hobbies and outside activities so look further than your CV and list all the skills you have. Then review, there will be skills you love to use and want to keep on using, and other skills that drain you. Aim to use as few of these draining skills as possible, focus on the skills you love. The job you want to do may require skills you lack. This doesn’t mean you can’t aim for this type of work, you could learn on the job, via an Apprenticeship scheme or retrain, perhaps take a short course.

Have the confidence to believe you can do it

Success often depends on the conversations we have in our heads. Believe we can and we are half way there. Many of my older clients see their age as a negative but as mature applicants we have a lot to offer: a different perspective, years of relevant experience, excellent interpersonal skills and a good work ethic. Stop the voice in your head telling you not to go for a job and think instead on all the reasons you will be successful. Avoid the negative people who tell you it won’t work out, you need people around you who support you. If that’s not your partner, find a friend and support each other.

Review your CV

Your CV should focus on the job you want and why you are a good match. Gone are the personal statements that lay out what you want. Your focus needs to be on the recruiter, what key information do they need to make them want to read on. List your key skills and provide specific examples within the body of your CV. You don’t need to go back to the 1970s, in most cases 15 years is sufficient; you can include an earlier career history to bring out some key older jobs. Lose the dates around your education (unless they are recent) and forget about your O levels. Do include short courses you have completed that keep your skills updated.

Most recruiters will do a search on LinkedIn, which is also a good place to find vacancies, so you need to have a presence here. Make your summary less formal than a CV – see it as talking over your key highlights with someone and make sure to include a great picture. Yes, they will see you are over 30 but you can come across as approachable, do smile!

Find jobs

Remember when we would find jobs in the local paper, now it’s mainly online. It’s best to use an ‘aggregator’ site such as Indeed and to set clear parameters so you are not overwhelmed. Most employment agencies are unlikely to be helpful, don’t expect them to provide careers advice, nor expect a reply from them, if they can use you they will be in touch. You may have more support using specialist agencies. The better way to find jobs is using people you know or LinkedIn. Talk with the people you meet about what you are seeking and why you are a good match. They can then let you know of any vacancies, often before they are listed. You can also contact organisations direct. Don’t ask for a job but get in touch and ask to meet up to discuss how you can be of help.

The Interview

Expect competency based questions so practice answering questions where you need to give specific examples on what you did. Your interviewer may have preconceived ideas – we are resistant to change, can’t learn new things, aren’t up to date in technology, lack energy. Have examples on your CV and be ready to discuss at interview examples to prove them wrong. Also, don’t turn up in your interview outfit from the 80s. A trip to a high-street store will make sure you are ‘on trend’.

Expect challenges

It will take time, and there will be rejection. We need to expect these. Keep focused on what you want but also be open to other opportunities - volunteering, or being an Intern can help develop further skills and gain more experience. Professional help may be needed to review your CV or hone your interview skills. Continue to review, are you being as good as you can be. How could you improve your approach? Working with a friend or career coach can keep your enthusiasm high and provide support.??

Dr Denise Taylor is on a mission to reclaim, reframe (and rethink!) retirement. It is not retiring and slowing down but a new phase of life where we have more freedom and flexibility to live a life the way we want.

Denise has been involved in retirement planning for almost 40 years. At 64 she gained her doctorate having researched how people find meaning in life after full-time work. To share this widely her latest book – Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing is on sale, published by Routledge. Dr Denise is a Chartered Psychologist, and also a wilderness rites of passage guide combining her interest in transitions and ritual with a love of nature. Beyond her work she gains great fulfilment through owning a private wood.