A Seniors’ Guide to Finding a Job in 8 Steps

Retirement is often a time to relax, spend time with grandchildren, and travel, but for some seniors it is a time to go back to work. There are many seniors that work a job after retirement for several reasons. Whether that be to increase income or to simply stay active during retirement, there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to get back to the grind.

To help you in your journey towards finding a job after retirement, we have put together a guide outlining the important aspects of job searching for seniors. From job research to social media and the best jobs for seniors, we cover it all so you can feel confident during your job hunt.

 

1. Research

Take some time to outline your current skill set and your interests. By listing these attributes, you will have a better idea of what jobs will suit you best. Also, decide if you need to work a part-time or full-time job. The following are some things to take note of when conducting your job research:

• Job opportunities available in your area.
• Level of skills, accomplishments, and qualifications you have.
• Amount of time available for work.
• Amount of income required.
• Job industries in which you would be interested
• Length and distance of commute from your home

 

2. Update Your Resume

After researching potential jobs, the next step is to update or create your resumé. Your resumé should focus on accomplishments instead of years of experience. Since you have many years of experience, be selective in what you include in your resumé to ensure it isn’t too long. Other things to consider when updating your resumé include:

• Include relevant information/experience, there is no need to list out unrelated experiences.
• De-emphasize previous job titles if you are pursuing a lower level position.
• Spotlight any technology-related experience such as training, certifications, or experience to show your technical aptitude

3. Utilize Social Media

Create social media profiles and fill them out completely while keeping them professional. Utilizing social media is an advantage in your job search because it contributes to the technical aptitude that recruiters are looking for.

Also, if you want to prohibit employers from seeing past photos or posts, you should change your settings to private.

4. Use Your Network

Reach out to people you know in case there are any opportunities that fit your expertise and liking. Anyone from family, friends, neighbors, and communities you are a part of could point you in the right direction.

Another way of networking is by attending a seniors job meetup or exposition near you, which you can easily find online. These types of organized events were made to help you network and potentially find your next job.

 

5. Search and Apply for Jobs

After you have prepared your information and resumé, the next step is to start looking for jobs. Search for organizations that you want to work for and do an online search to see if they have any openings. If they don’t, it doesn’t hurt to call or email an HR dept with your resumé and/or a well-written CV.

Use job boards on the internet to sift through job opportunities and check them frequently since they are always updated. Also, try using Linkedin and Craigslist to apply for or inquire about jobs.

When you apply for jobs, always send a cover letter along with your resumé. Things to keep in mind when writing your cover letter include:

• Use keywords that relate to the position and your past experience.
• Show that you have done research on their organization and how you can be an asset for them.
• Utilize a tone of voice that is humble, compared to bragging or overselling yourself.
• Don’t repeat everything in your resumé. Keep the cover letter short, three paragraphs max.

After applying, keep a record of your applications and job descriptions to prepare for any interviews.

6. Prepare for Jobs Interviews

After you have finished applying for any job opportunities and started scheduling interviews, the next step is to prepare for those. Take note of any questions that you anticipate will be asked and practice answering these with someone else.

Also, do some research on the organization so you can tailor your answers accordingly. The research you do will help you create questions to ask your interviewer as well. It may help if you write down quick notes in a padfolio or professional notebook that you will bring to the interview.

 

7. Ace Your Job Interview

The most important part of the process is here, the job interview. This is your first in-person impression, so dress sharply and arrive early. Have your notes and copies of your resumé on hand as well.

You have prepared for this moment, so stick to the plan and speak confidently. Remember to ask questions to make the conversation engaging and thank your interviewer at the end for their time. It doesn’t hurt to send a follow up thank you email afterwards too.

After the job interview, you may be asked to do another interview or complete a series of tests/tasks. If not, then they will reach out with a job offer if the interview went well.

Upon waiting for the job offer, list out your requirements for the job in terms of salary, benefits, etc. so you can commit verbally to an offer that you agree with.

 

8. Considering Volunteering or Freelancing

Other opportunities outside of finding a job are volunteering and freelancing. Both of these can help you get your feet wet in any industry and can help decide if that line of work or business is worth pursuing.

Volunteering can help you decide on a certain type of job and can even get your foot in the door. Volunteer at an organization you are interested in working for so you can get a sense of the culture and pace before diving in completely.

Sometimes finding a job can be a daunting task as a senior due to multiple stereotypes. Realistically, every employer or recruiter will have a biased opinion despite non-discrimination laws. One way to help bypass this is to start making money for yourself by freelancing.

As a freelancer, you have control over every single aspect of your work. Factors such as what time you want to work, where you want to work, and who you want to work with are all in your hands.

 

Best Jobs For Seniors

There are a multitude of jobs available for seniors, ranging from jobs in the outdoors to jobs in an office setting. Whether you are looking for a part-time job or a full-time job, both can be fulfilling and help you reach your financial and lifestyle goals. To help you decide on your next job, we have put together a list of the best jobs for seniors:

 

Your Previous Job

Sometimes the best option is to stay at your previous job. If you want to work part-time and it was a full-time gig, ask about becoming a part-time worker.

 

Tutor

Tutoring students to help them in certain subjects is a great avenue to utilize your knowledge, and it is also a great part-time job.

 

Customer Service Representative

Work as a customer service rep if you have great communication skills. This job can be through phone or an online chat software, so remote work is possible.

 

Pet Sitter

There are a lot of people looking for someone to care for their pets while they are on vacation or at work. If you love pets, this would be an excellent opportunity for you to pursue.

 

Writer/Blogger

Have a passion for words? Break out the keyboard and start writing. This job can be done as a freelancer or through an organization.

 

Park Ranger

Working as a park ranger has many benefits such as housing and food in some cases. The best part is you get to be in the outdoors.

 

Seasonal Worker

If you live near an amusement park, sports stadium, or mall, there is an opportunity to work seasonally.

 

Gardener

Consider gardening if you have a green thumb. Offer your green thumb skills to people in your neighborhood.

 

Consultant

With all the experience and wisdom you have under your belt, you can help others reach their goals.

 

Substitute Teacher

If you used to teach, scaling back the amount of hours by substitute teaching is a great option.

 

Athletic Coach

Love the idea of sports or used to be an athlete yourself? Coach a local team as a part-time gig.

 

Child Care

If you love kids, help parents look after their young children by being a nanny or babysitter.

 

NonProfit/Charity Work

Work for a nonprofit or charity through an organization that you care for.

 

Retail Cashier

Another local part-time gig is being a retail cashier since retail stores are almost always hiring.

 

Medical Assistant

If you used to work in the medical field but are looking for something slower paced, try being a medical assistant.

 

Greeter

Provide friendly greetings to visitors for a simple and relaxing job.

Remember that this isn’t a definitive list of jobs that you can pursue. There are a wide variety of opportunities available and it all depends on what you are looking for. Whether you decide to work from home or not, you can trust our medical alert systems to be there for you while you are on the clock.