Often, the most difficult part of any task is getting started and finding your next professional challenge is no different. This is especially true if you’ve not been in the job market for a while, or you’re thinking about making a career change.
However, focusing on the right things, staying positive, and being organised can make a big difference to your progress.
So, with this in mind, we’ve come up with 11 useful tips to help you land a new job in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
And if you’d benefit from some extra support in your job hunt, you might find it useful to sign up for global law firm A&O Shearman’s ReStart Employability Programme. Supporting people over 50 with finding work since 2017, this free 14-week course offers a mix of coaching, one-to-one mentoring, and practical workshops designed to equip people with the confidence and self-awareness they need to re-enter the workforce.
1. Decide what you want from your new job
Before you begin applying for jobs, it’s worth thinking about what exactly you hope to gain from a new opportunity.
For example, are you looking for a job with shorter hours, more flexibility, or greater job satisfaction? These kinds of questions will help you choose what type of roles to apply for.
2. Think about who you know
Networking is something that many of us feel is outside our comfort zones but, really, there’s nothing to be afraid of. At its most basic level, it’s simply keeping in touch with others and making use of your connections.
When you’re thinking about a new job, networking can be especially useful as you may have people in your network who can put you in touch with others in the industry you’re looking to enter. Or, if you’ve ever looked at a friend’s career and fancied giving their job a go, now might be the time to give them a call and ask for advice on how to get started.
If you’re not sure where to begin, have a read of our article: How do I start networking to find a job?
3. Revamp your CV
When searching for a new job, revamping your CV is one of the most important things you’ll do. Being over 50, you’ll likely have years of skills and experience to include. However, rather than trying to cram everything on, try to be selective and provide a concise summary that highlights your strengths and role-specific experiences.
You don’t need to disclose your ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age on your CV.
For support updating your CV, you might find it helpful to read our top tips for writing a CV when you’re over 50. We also have a CV template you might like to download.
Looking to transfer your skills to a new role after a career break and not sure where to start?
We can all feel a little rusty in job applications. ReStart empowers individuals of all backgrounds to polish their skills and confidence so they can successfully re-gain employment or launch a new career direction. Through a blend of virtual and in-person workshops, individual coaching from accredited coaches and 1:1 mentoring, you can tackle applications with a refreshed approach.
4. Write a cover letter
Employers receive hundreds of applications and writing an impactful cover letter can help you to stand out and demonstrate that you’re a serious applicant.
A cover letter is your opportunity to let your personality shine and explain anything that your CV doesn’t. For example, if you’ve got gaps in employment, your cover letter is the place to tell potential employers what you were doing during this time.
No matter what your reasons are for employment gaps, always try to highlight the positives. For example, if you were forced to take a break due to injury or illness, you could talk about the resilience you developed as a result.
Your cover letter should always highlight your most recent skills, experience, and accomplishments, as well as let the employer know what you’ll bring to the role and company. This is your first chance to speak directly to the employer and make a lasting first impression, so make it count!
If you’d like some help crafting your cover letter, why not take a look at our article: Tips for writing a cover letter when you’re over 50? Or, you might want to check out the cover letter templates available on our website.
5. Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is the ultimate social media tool for professionals who are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest employment opportunities and information.
It’s common practice for employers to search for your LinkedIn profile after receiving your job application. For example, they might want to see how well-connected you are in your field by looking at your list of connections. Whatever an employer’s reasons are for looking you up on LinkedIn, it’s important that you’ve set up a professional-looking profile and optimised it to show off your skills and experience.
For tips on getting the most out of your LinkedIn profile, check out our article: How to use LinkedIn to find a new job.
6. Browse job websites
Once you’ve got a clear idea about what you want from a role and updated your CV, it’s worth spending some time browsing job websites. It can be helpful to sign up to receive alerts so you can apply for interesting roles in your area as soon as they become available.
Why not start by browsing the jobs available on our website to find something local to you? Or, if you’re not 100% sure what you’re interested in yet, you might like to take a look at our career advice section. Here, you’ll find career change guides and plenty of job ideas and inspiration.
7. Keep track of jobs you've applied for
Once you start applying for jobs, it’s a good idea to keep track of all your applications. Note down the date you applied, the job title, and the contact details of the recruiter. Staying organised will not only help you to keep a clear head, but it’ll also show you the progress you’re making with your job search.
Each time you get a response or an interview, write it down. This way, it’ll be easier to make sure nothing slips through the net. If you don’t hear back from an employer after a week or so, it’s best to call or send a follow-up email to find out the status of your application.
Even if your application has been unsuccessful, ask for feedback to help you learn what you could improve for next time.
8. Prepare for every interview
If you receive an invitation to an interview, you may feel a combination of excitement and nerves; especially if it’s been a while since you last had a job interview.
The best way to sail through the interview process is to prepare as much as possible in the lead-up. It’s best to learn as much about the company and role as possible so you’re well-prepared for the types of questions they’re likely to ask and the skills they’re likely looking for in a candidate.
It’s also important to think about how you present yourself. Remember to dress smartly and always wear a smile! And, while it’s easier said than done, try to relax and be yourself – let the interviewer get to know you on a human level too.
We have more detailed tips and advice on the job interview section of our website. For example, you might find it helpful to read our articles: 6 tips on how to prepare for a job interview in your 50s, 60s, and beyond and How to answer ‘What are your weaknesses?’ in a job interview.
9. Know your rights
Throughout your job search, it’s important to make sure that you always know your rights. Remember, no company is legally allowed to turn you away from a job role based on your age.
Acas offers advice and guidance on age discrimination if you’d like to learn more.
Looking to transfer your skills to a new role after a career break and not sure where to start?
We can all feel a little rusty in job applications. ReStart empowers individuals of all backgrounds to polish their skills and confidence so they can successfully re-gain employment or launch a new career direction. Through a blend of virtual and in-person workshops, individual coaching from accredited coaches and 1:1 mentoring, you can tackle applications with a refreshed approach.
10. Be your own cheerleader
No matter how long your job search lasts, the most important thing to remember is that the right job will come along. As long as you remain positive and keep reminding yourself of how much you have to offer, it’ll only be a matter of time before an employer sees that too.
Employers are drawn to people who appear confident and self-assured, so if you want others to believe in you, it’s best to start by believing in yourself.
For advice on being your own cheerleader, why not take a look at our article: 10 ways to stay positive during your job search?
11. Consider the alternatives
Your job search is the perfect time to stop and think about what you want from life. For example, if you’ve recently been made redundant and received a redundancy payment, your finances may allow you to take some time for yourself before you get serious about securing a new job.
Similarly, if your job search is taking longer than you’d like, it’s important not to get disheartened. Focusing your time and energy on other passions and interests whilst you continue your search can be a powerful way to stay motivated.
Why not use this time to discover a new hobby, do some volunteering, travel, or simply spend some extra time with friends and family.
Final thoughts...
We hope you’ve found some helpful advice in this article. For more job-search tips, take a look at our careers section. Here, you’ll find advice on everything from things to avoid when searching for a job to handing in your notice.
We also have a wide range of personal stories from those who took a leap of faith in their career later in life and landed on their feet. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, why not take a look?
Ready to apply?
How’s your job search going? Do you have any additional tips that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.