Six Job-Hunting Strategies for the Over-50s

Hunting for jobs can be challenging at any age. There are extra challenges for the over-50s, that include ageism, family responsibilities and satisfying personal goals. Where should you start? We share six tips to help you land your next role.

1. Make a Plan

The first step is to consider why you are job hunting and what you want from your new job. Ideally, you need a firm idea of what sort of job you are looking for from the outset. But equally, don't let that blind you to the possibilities of roles where you have useful transferrable skills.

Consider drawing up a concrete plan outlining the specific parameters you require in a job offer, such as pay range, hours, industry, location and company position. This will help you narrow down which roles to apply for and what jobs to accept, should you be offered a position.

It is also worth factoring the current job market into your plan. What are the most sought-after jobs at the moment? Are you interested in any of the jobs currently in high demand? The job market is constantly fluctuating, so keep an eye out for roles that might interest you.

2. Age-Inclusive Employers

Having drawn up a plan, it’s time to start applying for jobs. If you are looking for jobs specifically for over-50s, then it is essential that you identify age-inclusive employers. The jobs board at 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.

3. Age-Inclusive Schemes

If you are looking to retrain and switch careers, then consider signing up on an age-inclusive course. Many over-50s find themselves wanting to redefine their later work life – why not draw inspiration from some of the amazing Redefiners who have spoken to us? From a supermarket manager who retrained as a hearing specialist to a hospitality worker embracing customer service in her mid 50s, there's something for everyone.

There are schemes and apprenticeships such as the Barclays’ Bolder Scheme which are targeted at older adults to help them retrain in new sectors. Some of our age-inclusive employers also offer returnships or graduate training for over 50s to help build up skill sets.

4. Career coach

Consider hiring a career coach: this is a great way to alleviate some of the stress of job hunting when you’re over 50. They can provide guidance on career path selection, goal setting, resume building and more. Also, don't forget your personal network (for example colleagues or LinkedIn contacts) to see if anyone can recommend a career coach specific to your industry – they may have inside knowledge of opportunities.

5. Refresh Your Skillset

If you have been away from job hunting for a while, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive. To be prepared, make sure you are armed with all the right tools by taking a course. Digital proficiency plays an integral role in the modern job market, so consider taking a short IT course if you’re not confident with digital tools, especially if there is sector-specific software.

You can also complete other online courses to help boost your confidence and skill set ahead of that big interview.

6. Be Proactive!

One of the most important tips for job hunting tips for over-50s is to be proactive.

Let all your friends, colleagues, contacts and whoever else you can find know that you are looking for a job. Be open-minded and explore as many opportunities as you can and don’t stop until you succeed.