Many retirees embrace their new found free time to travel, pursue long tabled interests, and spend time with the grandkids. However, active adults who are not comfortable with so much leisure time, or find themselves in unexpected, less than optimal financial circumstances, may want to retire the idea of retirement. Either way, pursuing new employment at this stage means coming face to face with a job hunting experience that will require some fortitude.
Finding opportunities in the golden years has its own set of unique challenges. Here is some strategic job hunting advice to help channel your hard-earned wisdom, expertise, and passion for life into a meaningful new career path.
1. Streamline Your Resume
As a more mature job seeker, be judicious about your job history. There is no need to include every job you’ve held since graduation. Nor does the year of that graduation need to be mentioned. Better to let your most recent accomplishments intrigue a potential employer into inviting you in for an interview. Face to face, your skills and enthusiasm will assuage any issues there might be about your age.
2. Create a LinkedIn Profile
Establishing a presence on Linkedin will serve the dual purpose of giving you access to scores of active job posts and letting employers know you are comfortable with 21century internet strategies.
3. Network like Crazy
Linkedin is a great resource, but so is your own personal network. After years in the workforce, you’ve made connections that can be vital in your quest for a new position. Don’t be afraid to tap those contacts for job possibilities, as well as personal recommendations. A glowing endorsement by someone inside the company can be critical to getting your foot in the door.
4. Computer and Technology Training
It is imperative for job seekers at any age to appear relevant and current. Unfairly or not, many employers assume older applicants are not as computer literate as they should be. A little computer and technology training will go a long way toward demonstrating your competence and busting through that bias.
5. Flexibility is Key
Chances are the job you left after 10-20 years far exceeded an entry level position, with a commensurate salary to prove it. While you definitely do not want to undersell yourself, it’s important to let employers know you are flexible and willing to consider less prestigious positions—and the pay cut that goes with them. Your advanced level of experience, combined with your willingness to adapt to a new role, will be an asset in your favor.
The best job hunting advice? Stay positive. Remember, your attitude matters as much as your aptitude!
Good Luck!