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Getting a Job at 50+

 

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Whether it’s because of a layoff or a decision to make a career change, there are more and more people over the age of 50 looking for employment right now. Although starting a job hunt when you're over 50 is not the easiest thing to do, it is also not the end of the road.
There are also a number of employers who are more than willing to take on mature and experienced employees. Getting that job, even if you're over 50 is possible, and here are a few ways you can improve your chances of employment.


One of the most important things that a mature job hunter should have is a network of friends and colleagues. During the course of your working life, you’ve built a network of professional and social contacts and this is one advantage you will have over the younger workers. These are the people who know of your reputation and skill; they are aware of what you have already accomplished and what you can do. Lots of job opportunities are spread via word of mouth, so continuous networking is important. Join ‘Friends Reunited’ and link up with your old school or university.  Go to club meetings and other gatherings that you have an interest in; these may just be the places where you might be offered a job and even if they don't it's an enjoyable pastime.

Apart from maintaining an active network, it’s essential to make a direct effort at finding that job. You can start by taking a look at employment fields that positively encourage a mature workforce. These are top sources of jobs for retirees nowadays. Explore industries such as healthcare, nursing, healthcare administration, retail sales and management, among others.  Firms like B&Q often have a strategic policy on employing older workers and find that they usually have higher productivity, good customer service and lower rates of absenteeism.

The way companies and businesses work in this present day and age is very different from the way things were handled 3 decades ago, when you were just starting your career. Now it is quite important to have some basic knowledge of certain computer applications and other business technology. Creating professional sounding emails is also important, as this is a necessity nowadays. Familiarise yourself with these technologies and learn how to incorporate them into the job you are targeting. Make sure that you have an impressive, considered and well presented CV.

Set up your profile on LinkedIn. It's free and by putting a little time into it, you can build up quite a professional network of people and this, in turn, can lead to job prospects. In addition, using LinkedIn shows a potential employer that you're up-to-speed with the Internet.

Use the recruitment agencies. There are specialist firms that deal with older employees and there is no cost involved from your perspective, so go to more than one.

Finally, it never hurt anyone to prepare for an interview, even if you’ve gone through the process a number of times. Practice your potential interview with a friend or family member. Remember that you are there to sell yourself, but keep in mind companies want people who are a solution to their problems. Creatively, yet modestly, market yourself to the employer: talk about your skills, accomplishments, what you can deliver to the company – and do all you can to match their needs with your talents.

Remember, finding a job when you are over 50 might be a bit challenging, but it is very possible. Don’t be discouraged; be persistent; take any extra steps necessary, and you will be well on your way to that job you desire.

            


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