Over 60? How To Land A New Job!

Source: rocket50

By:  rocket50 Staff

Date:   February 17, 2023

Over 60? How To Land A New Job!

The common myth is that everyone retires, quits or gets laid off in their 60’s is a statistical lie. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the older workforce will grow exponentially heading to 2024 at a projected rate of 1.8 percent.

That is an astounding three times faster than the average growth rate of the overall US. labor force!

So, if you've been contemplating rejoining the workforce or starting a new career in your 60’s you are not alone.

But do these numbers translate to an easier time finding work? Not necessarily, unfortunately. The job market is still challenging to navigate. However, here are a few tips that will help you score your dream job faster. Let's look into them.

Why Do People Still Look For Jobs When They Are Over 60?

Many people suddenly find that their 60’s came faster than they could imagine. And for many reasons people are not ready to retire.  They might feel on top of their game and want to continue working or perhaps still need to earn money because they have children in college, a mortgage or just want a new challenge.

For many, inflation has pushed older individuals to seek jobs after their retirement savings shrunk due to rising commodity prices. Others simply just like to work and don't want a leisurely retirement. They enjoy the social, physical, and mental benefits of working. 

The Current Landscape Of Older Employees at Work

A 2016 research by Gallup shows that 3 out of 10 Americans plan on working past their retirement age. In 2018, half of the job positions created were filled by mature workers aged 55 and older.

Moreover, employers are leaning more towards hiring seniors for critical roles in their companies. That's because most senior employees possess three essential qualities that most of the younger workforce lack. These are loyalty, a good attitude, and a strong work ethic.

• Loyalty – Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that newly hired older workers are more likely to remain in a position long-term than workers hired at a younger age.
• Strong work ethic – In an AARP report, 70% of the surveyed HR managers cited a strong work ethic as one of the top reasons they go for older workers.
• A good attitude –The same AARP report shows that workers aged 55 and older demonstrate the highest levels of positivity on the job.

How to Find Work in Your 60s

While it seems that for all the reasons just mentioned companies would  favor people 60+, there is still a lot of age bias out there, so looking for a job is not a cake walk.  Here are a few tips to help you secure a professional job in your 60s.

Use Your Network

Your network can be a trove of professional treasures. As mentioned in previous articles, most open positions are not advertised on job boards but are spread through word of mouth. That is the case for most roles for seniors where the companies prefer working with referrals. This allows them to get a candidate that someone can vouch for.

Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and former coworkers that you're actively looking for a job. Several may know a local business or corporation looking for your talent and refer you directly to them.

Also, consider expanding your social network by attending more industry events, joining a local networking club, or volunteering at a local charity.

Carefully Review Job Descriptions

It is crucial that you carefully review each job description and understand the type of employee the company is looking for before applying. Pay closer attention to the role's responsibility and assess whether your resume matches the qualifications they're seeking.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems that filter candidates based on resumes to select the best pick. Therefore, the hiring managers only review resumes matching the job description and needs.

Your goal should be to present yourself as the best fit for the role and be prepared to explain why.

Refresh Your Old Resume

If you're rebooting your career, refresh your old resume. There is really no need to show all of your long work history. Consider cutting off the earliest years and focusing instead on  the last 20 years by writing clear accomplishment  statements. The job description should inform you of what skills and experience the company is looking for. Be sure to only list what is relevant to the role. 

Your resume should also show your willingness to learn new things. Many hiring managers prefer this trait in their employees.

Learn New Skills and Expand Your Knowledge

One of the biggest fears hiring managers have about acquiring older talent is rigidity. Showcasing that you can learn new skills and expand your knowledge gives you a big advantage over other candidates.

You can learn a new language or programming tool relevant to the industry you want to join. Learning new skills shows the hiring manager that you understand the importance of staying relevant in your industry and adds crucial skills to your resume that can help you land a job in the future.

Join a Vibrant Online Community Today

Looking for a job no longer just belongs to the young. Nowadays, people will look for a new job well into their 70s and even 80s!  Join Rocket50 today and make new connections with like-minded individuals who'll help you land your next job or get involved in another new venture regardless of your age!

Rocket50 is for people who love the idea of being switched on and tuned in the later stage of life. Grow your skills, increase your confidence, and discover what’s next for you.        

Join our 50+ community and partner with us every step of the way. Let’s spark a movement. Together.