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How to find a job when you are over 50
It is difficult enough trying to find a new job let alone when you reach a certain age. It is a fact that the older people are, the longer on average they are out of work than their younger equivalents and the harder they find it to secure a new job.
It is commonly noted that individuals are not being invited for interviews when they quite clearly demonstrate the relevant experience for the role but the recruiter has worked out their age. Generalisations are made about individuals being over-qualified, over-priced or even inflexible. Even though age discrimination is illegal, it exists quite clearly.
So, if this is the situation you are faced with, what are your options? Here are some ideas to consider that may help you to be invited for an interview and get yourself in the door… |
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Revamp your CV/Linkedin profile
Look at your CV and does it look old? Even though you think you should not have to do this, try it. Remove all of the key indicators of your age. Dates at school, length of term in each role and anything else that clearly reflects how old you are. |
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Offer yourself into a company
Try to offer your services on a temporary basis to some of your chosen companies. Recruiters may be more inclined to give you a go to see what you can offer and if you can do the job, they will hire you into a permanent position.
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Strengths /transferable skills
You maybe need to think about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and looking at options that are slightly different to what you have 20 years’ experience in. List your strengths and key skills that you have. This will allow you to identify the “transferable” skills that you can take to a new role. Once you have picked out these skills, look at jobs that suit you and channel your efforts here. You may find that you have more luck by re-focusing your job search into a new type of job. Many older jobseekers have found their niche by changing careers instead of retiring.
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Blogs
If you can blog or use social networks to showcase your thoughts and knowledge of recent advancements in your field then employers will be impressed and may want to snap you up.
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Pay
It may be that you need to consider a pay cut in order to be recruited. This seems highly unfair with the wealth of experience you have but if you are looking into new areas, then that will undoubtedly come with a reduction in pay but it may mean you get that job you have been desperate for.
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Network
Think about your own network of friends, family, acquaintances and old work colleagues. If you are on a social network, let them all know you are looking for work and be specific if you know what you want. Networking is always the best place to find a new job and a very common approach to job searching today so do not miss out of the opportunities that are closer than you think.
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Demoralised? Keep positive
As hard as it is to stay positive when you feel you are being rejected about something you have no control over, you MUST remember that there is something out there for you but you just have to believe that and find some alternative paths to achieve your goal.
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Groups/Career Coach/Help
There are many groups online and plenty of advisory articles that you can read to help you come up with new ideas on where to look, how to behave etc. There are plenty of other people in the same situation as you that you can get in touch with. Share your experiences and ask others for help. Consider paying a career coach to help you through this difficult time.
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Even though you may not think it is fair to have to adapt, you may need to compromise on some things. If you are happy to do so, then you may be more likely to find that all important job!
Share your experiences with us….
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Other relevant Career articles......
The Job I Was Hired For Is Not What Was Advertised
Ten Tips to Cope With Stress
Negotiating a pay rise
Top Tips on negotiating your salary
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