Job Searching and Over 50? Landing the Right Job in an Ageist Market

You know the job market is competitive and age discrimination is common in many sectors. The good news is that things are changing.

Companies are waking up to the realities of changing demographics, with more older people wanting to work longer – and there is more support available for job seekers and career changers who are over 50. We've got many articles to help you in your work life in the Careers section of Life/Redefined. And don't forget our jobs board at Jobs/Redefined is full of opportunities for the over-50s from age-friendly employers.

That said, the most powerful tool you have in your job search is still yourself. So, how can you give yourself a head start in finding your next career in today’s job market? Katie shares her top three tips.

1. Be Clear on What You Are Looking For and What You Can Offer First

No one just wants any job, they want the right job. So, start off by considering how you would define that.

Narrow down your priorities, including the ‘must-haves’ and the ‘must-nots’. What size business do you want to join? What kind of culture are you looking for? Once you’ve established this, you can then search different organisations and see if their values and characteristics align with your desires. 55/Redefined works with many age-friendly companies – you can search open opportunities at some of those companies here.

Then you need to consider if you’re the best fit for the employer, and what you can bring to the table that other applicants might not. Being able to articulate this confidently throughout a recruitment process is key to standing out from your competition.

2. Maximise Your Chance of Success With Job Boards

Jobs/Redefined has thousands of age-inclusive jobs from employers who are keen to recruit the over-50s. The companies come from all sectors, including: banking, insurance, retail, tech, hospitality, media, engineering and more.

There are no recruitment agencies, no fake jobs, no age-bias. You can apply knowing that your age will not be a barrier. You can search by job type, region, part-time, full-time, contract, or temporary. It's a brilliant resource, waiting for you.

Some larger organisations use computerised Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs as a first step, meaning that if your CV isn't a strong match, doesn’t contain the right keywords or isn’t in the right format, the programme will sift it out.

With this in mind, focus your efforts on jobs where your background is a good fit and ensure your applications are compelling and tailored to the jobs you’re applying for. Your CV could be achievement oriented, and should include key skills, clearly demonstrating your suitability for the role. You can find advice on how to create a great CV here. And don't forget to craft a winning covering letter, too – here's how to write a covering letter that really stands out.

Being Mindful of Ageism in Recruitment

Applying to jobs unfortunately works a bit differently when you’re older. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can avoid coming across uncomfortable situations with an ageist employer.

For one, stick to applying to age-inclusive employers. This way, you know that your age will come as no hindrance in your application. Our jobs portal is filled with roles with age-inclusive UK employers – have a look at what roles are currently available here.

Secondly, you may need to amend your CV to avoid overt ageism in the first stages of recruitment. Make sure you keep your CV to one or two pages, including roles only from the past 10-12 years. You may also want to consider removing the dates from your education and qualifications which may help overcome overt ageism.

Need to update your CV or change the format? There's more information on CVs here.

3. Go Beyond the Job Board and Use Your Network

Don’t overlook the power of your network as a way of accessing the ‘hidden job market’. These are the roles that are filled through referrals or recommendations and that never make it to the job boards.

Utilising your network is all about being proactive. Let your key contacts know you are looking for your next job and reconnect with people you haven't been in touch with for a while. Step up your activity on LinkedIn and use the platform to research age-inclusive organisations, engage with their content and make new connections.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or to be put in touch with someone, but remember that these conversations happen both ways. So, don’t just consider what you can get, but also what you can give.

Final Thoughts…

As you begin your search for your next job role, here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

• If your skills are easily transferable between sectors, consider targeting age-inclusive companies in sectors currently experiencing talent shortages. This may increase your chances of successfully securing a job
• Consider working with a career coach or job search specialist who will support you. Career change is a big undertaking and it pays to have someone help you find clarity in your next step and keep you on track
• Accept that job searching takes time and resilience. Try to manage your expectations (and finances if you are out of work) and ensure you have supportive people around you

Finally, we all need a little push sometimes – have a look at eight expert tips to kick-start your job search when you are over 50.

Key Sources for Finding Jobs for Over-50s

Want to get started with your job search? Here are some more useful links:

• Jobs/Redefined portal: A jobs portal for age-inclusive work opportunities for mid-lifers
• Government support: Find help with returning to work and developing skills
• We've got advice on how to nail your job interview here
• Life/Redefined careers: Advice and resources to help you make a career change

By Katie Pope. Katie is a volunteer Career Coach with Brave Starts and Director of Elevate Careers, her own career coaching business. She has the ICF Certificate in Career Coaching and 17 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Recruitment gained in the UK and Australia with organisations such as KPMG and Korn Ferry.

Katie is passionate about coaching and mentoring professionals 40 years + for confidence in career transition and job search.