Does your age shut you out? Looking for a job? For those in the 50+ age bracket, you may have found that the economy in 2008 may have affected you too. You may have taken an early retirement or was let go. You were possibly in your 40’s or early 50’s at the time, well experienced in your field and thought that it would be fairly easy to move on in the work force. You may have found that finding steady employment has been more than a daunting task.
Then too, there’s a perception that people over 50 or 60 will be just passing through as a transition into retirement. Employers are reluctant to hire someone they think will be out the door in a year or so.
The fact is that compared to their younger colleagues, workers with a few decades of experience under their belt are typically better problem-solvers and people -managers and have honed leadership skills over time. I know that I am preaching to the choir, but you need to show that to potential employers.
Here are several strategies that can help you fight back against stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.
1. Ask for help and advice
Networking is just one letter off from not working. In this era of online resumes, it’s all about who you know that can get you in the chair for a face-to-face interview. When companies are looking for new employees, they rely on employee referrals. In 2011, employee referrals accounted for 28% of new hires, followed by job boards 20.1%, career pages on company web site.
You need to pick up the phone and call everybody that you know, ever knew, ever worked with and every employer that you ever worked. That’s the way to get an interview. You need to establish personal connection to the company.
2. Brainstorm
Call or sit down with a spouse, friends, neighbors, church friends and ask for help. Write down the names of previous employers and former colleagues, immediate and extended family. Don’t be embarrassed to call family members when you’re out of work. Get over it. Call friends, people in your place of worship, athletic club, volunteer organizations, parents of children’s friends.
If there is a particular industry you’re hoping for, join an association affiliated with it and seek out volunteer opportunities. Attend industry and professional meetings and conferences.
College and university placement offices are there to help no matter how long ago you graduated. Seek out career centers operated by your area colleges or lacal lgovernment agencies offering career counseling, workshops on resume writing, job fairs and retraining programs.
Don’t be timid. You have to take the risk of picking up the phone and having someone to say no, and maybe. No matter how good your resume might be, unless it helps you get a face-to-face interviews with hiring managers, your efforts are wasted.
3. Market your age as a plus
It’s all in marketing. Brand yourself. You are responsible for your own image. Workers 50+ tend to be self-starters, know how to get the job done, and don’t need as much handholding as those with less experience. A great benefit to being older is that you have a good deal of knowledge and leadership ability. So pitch your age as a plus. You need to be able to articulate your value.
4. Roll with the latest technology.
If you don’t have core technical skills, check out your local libraries, community colleges and other venues where training is offered.
Take the time to get savvy with the following:
- Smartphones
- Computers
- Social networking
- Video interviews
- Web navigation skills
- Employer web sites and Google alerts
- Learn the latest resume tricks
- Fine tune your interview skills
- Don’t be a know-it-all with a chip in your shoulder
- Look your best and make sure that you are styled
- Practice positivity
There are opportunities available for those needing extra money. Depending on work experience, here are are a few to consider. 
- Librarian Assistant/Aide
- Alumni Event Planning
- Bookkeeper
- Personal and Home-Care Aide
- Handy Jack / Handy Jill (odd jobs)
- Medical Assistant
- Project – Based Consultant
- Blogger
- Personal Assistant
- Athletic Coach / Umpire / Referee
- Teacher’s Aide
- Tour Jobs
- Convention Center Jobs
- Pet Groomer
- Wal-Mart Greeter
- Limo Driver
- Shuttle Bus Driver on Campus
- Tax Preparer
- Tutor
- Park Service Employee
- Nursery Worker
- Pet Sitter
- Amusement Parks
- Athletic Event Ticket Services
- Call Center Representative
- Restaurant Greeter
- Hairdresser
- Car Transporter
- Travel Nurse
- Cruise Liners has a full array of jobs and some hire couples
- Realtor
Great Holiday Jobs
- Santa Claus
- Retail Sales Cashier
- Retail Salesperson
- Product Demonstrator
- Holiday Decorator
- Package Delivery
Landing a holiday job:
- Stop by for a face-to-face
- Offer future help
- Be flexible
- Network
- Go where they know you
- Don’t wait for a help-wanted sign
Great Snowbird Jobs
- Resort Hospitality Worker
- Resort Services Worker
- Disney “Cast Member”
- Second Home Property Manager/Concierge
- Hairdresser
- Spring Training Staff for Major League teams
- Car Transporter
- Travel Nurse
- Cruise Liners has a full array of jobs and some hire couples
Work at Home Jobs
- Translator-Interpreter
- Legal Mediator
- Graphic Designer
- Writer/Editor
- Blogger
- Grant/Proposal Writer
- Virtual Customer Service Representative
- Virtual Assistant
- Online Tutor
- Crafter
- Direct Sales such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Avon, Cutco, Stanley Home Products and Silpada.
Retired Teachers
- Personal Trainer/Physical Conditioner
- University Bookstore Retail Specialist
- Adjunct Professor/Instructor/Lecturer/Visiting Professor
Retired and tutoring - Substitute Teacher
- Career Center Counselor
- Market and Survey Researchers
Nonprofit Jobs
- Administrative Assistant
- Volunteer Manager to bring awareness to the non-profit’s cause
- Marketing/Communications Manager
- Fundraiser
Soul-search for the issues that you care about. What skills do you have to help move into the sector. Research the nonprofit world and understand what you can do for the specific field you’re getting into. Volunteering first can give you an insider’s view and networking contacts that may lead to a job.
Consider taking a course to fill in any holes in your background. Credentials help in the nonprofit world.
Find work that keeps you happy and healthy….and pays the bills.
We find that many people in or nearly in their retirement years are using credit and credit cards to supplement their income, thus causing debt that can not be recovered from. We at reScore Solutions may be able to help. Call us today for a free credit report evaluation. If we can’t help you, we have a pipeline of professions in many industries that may be able to save your home, save your credit and assist in other avenues. 205-352-3448
Additional information regarding this blog can be found in the book: AARP Great Jobs For Everyone 50+ By Kerry Hannon
